Blogger Blog Fair - Kiru Taye

I'd like to welcome Kiru this week to the Blogger blog Fair. I hope you will enjoy reading a bit about her and her book!

         Tell us a bit about you?

    A lover of books, as a teenager I used to read novels under the blanket during lights-outs in boarding     school. These days, with a young family to take care of, I'm still sacrificing sleep for the pleasures of a good book.

    During the day though, I transforms my wildly vivid imagination into sensual, atmospheric romance stories with passionate characters.

    When I'm not writing or reading, I'm usually found hanging out with family and friends or travelling. Born in Nigeria, I currently live in the UK with husband and children.

     Where did you get the idea for your current book?

The idea for A Valentine Challenge came to me as I was thinking about writing a story for a Valentine Anthology. I had this vivid image in my head of Michael (the hero) standing in a hotel car park waiting for a woman. As I started typing and Kasie (the heroine) emerged through the entrance doors of the hotel, his purpose and story became clearer.

    What kinds of things inspire your writing?

I'm a visual person so images inspire a lot of my stories. It could be something I see as I walk down the street or a picture in a magazine.

     Do you write with mood music, background noise or in total silence?

When I'm writing a first draft manuscript I prefer total silence. But when I'm editing I don't mind music as it helps me to engage emotionally with the characters.

     Could you tease us with a blurb or excerpt from your current book?

Blurb - A Valentine Challenge (Challenge series, book 1)

Ex-soldier Michael Ede’s spent his time building his life exactly the way he wants it. Life is good. Or so he thinks. So when his friends set him a challenge to exorcise the memory of a woman from his past, he expects it to be a walk in the park.

Socialite Kasie Bosa is spitting fire at men. Her long-term boyfriend has asked for a break via text message of all things. How dare he? She’s told him to go take a dive into the River Niger. And not so politely too. So the next man who dares to cross her path is at risk of getting shredded with her spa manicured nails.

Bad news for Michael who has chosen her as the object of his challenge. But neither of them can deny the sizzling chemistry between them nor control their responses, it seems. It’s the season of love. Can either of them escape unscathed?

Click here to read Chapter One

Available from Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | All Romance eBooks

      What do you have planned for your next project?

I've got a new series coming soon. Passion Shields series follows the exploits of the men and women who work in a security firm.

The first book of the series SCARS is out in August 2013 published by Evernight Publishing.

There's also a short story from the series titled SEX TAPE featured in the upcoming 7 Sinful Secrets Anthology published by Evernight Publishing.

     Do you have a favorite snack to munch on when you write or are planning a project?

Usually when I'm focused on writing, I sometimes forget to eat. But I don't get very far without a cup of decaf coffee to get me going.

     If you could have any job/career in the world (other than writing), what would it be?

I would've loved to be a singer but I don't have a very good voice. J

     Best piece of writing advice you received?

Finish that story! You'll never know if it's going to be a bestseller until you write it.  

    Where can we find you?

You reach me via Website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest

Follow my blog for latest news and giveaways: http://kirutayewrites.blogspot.com

Read book excerpts and free short stories on my website: http://www.kirutaye.com

On Being a Published Writer

I get asked often what it's like to write a book, is it hard to come up with ideas and what do you do once your finished. Of course, there are two options, to publish or not to publish. When I decided I was ready to publish, I had done a ton of research on agents, publishers and independent publishing. I knew I couldn't publish my book on my own - I work a full time job and independent publishing is very time consuming to do alone. I knew I wanted a publisher but I was told I would get no say on the title or cover, not to mention I was an unknown with no connections. Then I found MasterKoda Select Publishing. It was a small start up. Kim Emerson agreed to take me on and let me help pick my cover and title. MasterKoda has helped get my book loaded on Amazon, generate sales with $.99 specials and where to market those, and make a paperback version of my book come to life! Kim has even offered writing classes to help me be the best author I can be. 

Not only has Kim been a wonderful help and support, the other MasterKoda authors have been a great team. We all work together to help promote sales and special events. We give each other ideas on marketing and share what works and doesn't.

 Are you thinking about writing a book but not sure how to publish it? Do you have a great manuscript gathering dust? Are you totally clueless when it comes to social network marketing? Is MasterKoda Select Publishing for you? 

TAKE 2

FaceBook

Lethal Believers $.99

LETHAL BELIEVERS: DVM

(Paranormal Mystery) (Master Koda 2013)

Lethal Believers

http://www.gmitchellbakerauthor.com/lethal-believers-dvm.html

https://www.facebook.com/LETHALBELIEVERSNOVELS

Blurb: “Lethal Believers: DVM” is the second novel in the “Lethal Believers” series that pits Malachi Danta-Mercadel, a retired INTERPOL agent, against those who would act-out against The Innocents, be they children, animals, or those incapable of defending themselves from the exploitation of Mantid Tranquil.

Following the acclaimed novel, “Lethal Believers: The Innocents”, where an elusive mythos backs Danta’s role for protecting children from the exploitation of Mantid Tranquil, the story of “Lethal Believers: DVM” has Danta formally partnering with myth Lamia, a mythos still seeking rehabilitation from the wrongly attributed actions of a monster. Together, they set out to protect not only the innocent children, but defenseless and innocent animals as well. Will Danta continue to protect The Innocents from those unassuming, evil figures who would continue to pervade quiet communities, and to act under the auspices of Mantid Tranquil, or, will the task for protecting as many of The Innocents overwhelm the dedicated protector and supportive his Myth?

LETHAL BELIEVERS: THE INNOCENTS

(Paranormal Mystery) (Master Koda 2013)

Lethal Believers The Innocents

http://www.gmitchellbakerauthor.com/lethal-believers-the-innocents.html

https://www.facebook.com/LETHALBELIEVERSNOVELS

Blurb: Malachi Danta-Mercadel, retired INTERPOL/Secret Service rails against the Mantid Tranquil organization bent on vesting a form of paranormal revenge, given Danta’s handiwork for exposing Mantid’s illicit operations. However, a certain intervention, with an intricate agenda, leaves both Danta and Mantid Tranquil not only at decisive odds, but also at the distinct disadvantage.

Do You Need To Know Your Relationship Is Over

Did you ever think you would need to reflect on the famous book, "He's Just Not That Into You", by Greg Behrendt, to decide if your relationship is over?

In most of my relationships I catch subtle hints or stay pretty detached so that if there's no second date it's no big deal. But there's always seems to be one you try to hang onto. You know, there's just something about him, you just can't let go.

After spending hours of talking, helping each other through meltdowns, and being there for each other in the dark moments, you thought it was going to last. You thought that all the things that were said meant something. There was that one date, that one incredible kiss, then...nothing. Could it have been the hours of incessant chatter he once said was cute? Or maybe it was the garlic breath after the spaghetti he made? Maybe the kiss wasn't so incredible for him?

He talks to you to tell you he's not ready. Do you wait? Can you wait if he never speaks to you after that? Do you send an email or text and hope you get a response? And if you don't, then what? Is he avoiding you? Is he hoping you'll just go away? What if you just really need to know if it's over, you need closure, finality? If you delete his email, phone number and Facebook friendship, can you let go? Can you move on? What if you can't?

Dating Again - Buyer Beware

If you've been reading my blog, you know I have attempted online dating. This is a continuation of what I am learning.

First, let me apologize to the guys who are honest and sincere in there search for a date online. I know there are some out there but they are truly few and far between.

Ok, in the first two months I was online I met four men. Out of those four, who were all nice guys, only one I still speak with. The first lasted three dates, wanted me to tell him he was an amazing guy and I just couldn't do it since I barely knew him. I didn't want to lie or lead him on. He got offended. The second was just one date - totally no chemistry. The fourth decided he REALLY liked me after three dates. Uh...no. Too needy and way too fast. The third I skipped on purpose. We actually still go out as friends. We have a lot in common and enjoy being with each other, but we decided we are better friends than lovers.

After all that, I left online dating for a couple weeks. I signed onto another site to see what would happen there. This is where my experience totally changed. There really are men out there who say they are widowed with kids to get the sympathy card. I'm guessing they are really married because they don't want your phone number, just IM and site chat. I thought I met a great guy but after two weeks, and refusing to call me, I figured there was something fishy. I stuck it out for a couple more weeks then called him out on it. He got a bit nasty but so be it.

I'm trying a third site but I think I will turn my profile off. It's been three days and I've had more admittedly married men telling me they aren't dead yet. Hmmm, at least they're honest? NOT. Oh, there's the twenty-something guys wanting to date a MILF (mother I'd like to f***). Even when I tell them they're my daughter's age and I'm not interested, they still ask me if I like lingerie. WTH? The occasional faux widower has also made an appearance. UGH!

All I can say is be cautious and weary. Good luck. If you've had experiences you'd like to share, good and bad, I'd love to hear them.

Home Wrecker

Please welcome Brenda Perlin, author of Home Wrecker. Her novel is available for $.99 now! It's a romance, with a price. Check it out. In the meanwhile, meet Brenda! 

What is the ideal recipe for a good novel?

The recipe is simple. It must entertain but at the same time touch the reader in some way. One must be able to feel a connection.

You’ve been contacted by the Association of Libraries from the Alien Planet of Zaolia. They want to know the five most important novels in all of Earth’s history. Which five novels do you give them?

That is such a difficult question. I should keep better notes. I aim to please, especially the Aliens of Zaolia, so here you go:

Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy

Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

Of Human Bondage by  W. Somerset Maughman

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

What was the turning point in your life when you decided to start writing?

I guess was when I was old enough to go to coffee shops on my own where I would sit, drink coffee and write on paper napkins for hours.

What is or are the genres of your book or books?

Fiction

What made you decide to write in your particular genre?

It will get me in less trouble than writing an autobiography.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I would say my inspiration is 100% from life. I don’t have the best imagination. I am not your typical writer. I prefer stories that are from reality but that is just my preference.

Do you write about your personal life experiences in your stories?

Yes

  

What is your favorite scene in your story?

I think the most profound moment in Home Wrecker is when I talk about Brooklyn as a young girl. She was so unhappy that she would often sit at the kitchen table, eating just to pass the time before dinner. I don’t know, I am always touched by that. It’s sad but I am sure many young girls have felt the same way.  She was missing something but didn’t know what.

Author bio

I live in Orange County, California. I have spent most of my working life in the physical fitness arena. I love the gratification that comes with helping people achieve their fitness goals and I love the fulfillment that comes with having a healthy body.

I moved from the Los Angeles area where I was raised to Orange County in the Spring of 2005. During that time I was a housewife with a couple of dogs. Now I am not. Instead I am writing my adventures for all to read.

Amazon author page

http://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Perlin/e/B0088M542Q/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1363974786&sr=1-2-ent

Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6468331.Brenda_Perlin

Find me on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/brenda.perlin

https://www.facebook.com/HomeWreckertheBook

https://www.facebook.com/HomeWreckerTheBrooklynandBoChronicles

Given Away

Coming  July 2013

Given Away, A Sicilian Upbringing

A Novel

  by Marianna Randazzo

Welcome Marianna Randazzo to my blog today! She has this wonderful book coming out in a few days. Its a must read! 

Praise for Given Away, A Sicilian Upbringing.  

"A must-read! Compelling! Riveting! Courageous! Though time heals most anything, there are unfathomable stories of the human experience that must be told and retold again so that history can find its peace.  Given Away is a novel inspired by true events that will capture the hearts and minds of readers everywhere. It is a dramatic work that retells the story of a young Italian girl, fraught with personal trials and tribulations - overcoming a life of challenges presented during World War II; and her ultimate journey to self discovery and her passageway to America.  Given Away is a truly inspiring and stirring story that will touch the core soul of your very being! It is a novel that is sure to become a best-selling book and potential Hollywood blockbuster!" - C.A. Bailey-Lloyd, Senior Social Media Specialist, Content Developer, Online Journalist, Copy Editor, Author, Professional Blogger and Social Media Consultant

Summary

In Sicily, 1935 a four-year child walks away from her loving family, her mother, her sister and an infant brother, with a great-aunt for a vacation. She spends the next eight years of her life absent from their lives. It was not abduction nor was it an adoption. Tina lives in a one-room house in one of the poorest regions of Sicily. She sleeps between a loving aunt and a deranged uncle. She shares her breakfast with goats and chickens while living in the shadow of fascism. The child grows up while WW II ravages the town. Her school is taken over by the Germans and the things like bread and eggs that were once plentiful, no longer exist. Less than 25 kilometers away her family leads a very different life. After eight years, she returns home to find her childhood interrupted again. This time sickness, warfare and destruction are her enemies. In wartime Europe, childhood does not exist. The child witnesses and experiences many disturbing things from her uncouth, unsanitary living conditions to the failed paratroopers dangling from trees during the allied invasion.
Tina is a survivor. She is able to forgive those who took so much away from her. Her spirit trumps over adversity during the war times within and around her. As she grows older, she struggles to keep the harsh realities of World War II and abandonment at a distance through her sense of humor, imagination and determination. 
By the age of 15, her fate is sealed, again, without her permission. To gain passage to America she must accept the role as a war bride. A tyrannical, overbearing, bootlegging aunt in America arranges the match. Tina must live under her roof and her rules until her morality and citizenship are secure. 
The plot and setting are true to life in the period of the past. It will bring the history of war torn Europe to life, providing us a lens upon our collective past that define our unique lives. 
Tina triumphs against all odds with an unconditional love for a family that despite its profound flaws gave her the fortitude to carve out a successful life on her own terms.

Learn more about the facts behind the fiction @ Mariannarandazzo.com

Follow me at:

https://www.facebook.com/GivenAwayASicilianUpbringing?ref=hl

http://pinterest.com/sicily1958/

https://twitter.com/telltatstory

http://www.writerscarnival.ca/members/mariannarandazzo/