New Novels by Emma Chase! @ninabocci @EmmaChse

Emma Chase, New York Times bestselling author of the Tangled series, returns with the first installment of the Legal Briefs series!

The Legal Briefs Series will consist of:

OVERRULED coming April 2015

• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22923997-overruled
• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Overruled-Legal-Briefs-Emma-Chase-ebook/dp/B00MK394JI/ref=sr_1_5/190-1739189-4099357?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1408819341&sr=1-5

​Summary

A Washington, DC, defense attorney, Stanton Shaw keeps his head cool, his questions sharp, and his arguments irrefutable. They don’t call him the Jury Charmer for nothing—with his southern drawl, disarming smile, and captivating green eyes, he’s a hard man to say no to. Men want to be him, and women want to be thoroughly cross examined by him. 

Stanton’s a man with a plan. And for a while, life was going according to that plan. 

Until the day he receives an invitation to the wedding of his high school sweetheart, the mother of his beloved ten-year-old daughter. Jenny is getting married—to someone who isn’t him. 

That's definitely not part of the plan. 

*** 

Sofia Santos is a city-raised, no-nonsense litigator who plans to become the most revered criminal defense attorney in the country. She doesn’t have time for relationships or distractions. 

But when Stanton, her "friend with mind-blowing benefits," begs her for help, she finds herself out of her element, out of her depth, and obviously out of her mind. Because she agrees to go with him to The-Middle-Of-Nowhere, Mississippi, to do all she can to help Stanton win back the woman he loves. Her head tells her she's crazy...and her heart says something else entirely. 

What happens when you mix a one-stop-light town, two professional arguers, a homecoming queen, four big brothers, some Jimmy Dean sausage, and a gun-toting Nana? 

The Bourbon flows, passions rise, and even the best-laid plans get overruled by the desires of the heart.

​

​SUSTAINED coming winter 2015

• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22926485-sustained

Summary

A knight in tarnished armor is still a knight. 

When you’re a defense attorney in Washington DC, you see first-hand how hard life can be and that sometimes the only way to survive is to become harder. I have a reputation for being cold, callous, intimidating – and that suits me just fine. In fact, it’s necessary when I’m breaking down a witness on the stand.

Complications don’t work for me - I’m a “need-to-know” type of man. If you’re my client, tell me the basic facts. If you’re my date, stick to what will get you off. I’m not a therapist or Prince Charming – and I don’t pretend to be.

Then Chelsea McQuaid and her six orphaned nieces and nephews came along and complicated the ever-loving hell out of my life. Now I’m going to Mommy & Me classes, One Direction concerts, the emergency room and am knee deep in a damn compost pit. 

Chelsea’s too sweet, too innocent and too gorgeous for her own good. She tries to be hard, but she’s not. She needs someone to help her, defend her…and the kids.

And that – that I know how to do.

APPEALED​​ coming early 2016​ 

• ​Goodreads: ​https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22926494-appealed

​Summary

Kennedy Randolph was the girl next door. The last time I saw her she was a shy, awkward teenager in a high school graduation cap. Now she’s a prosecutor – the opposing attorney in my next case.

And boy has Kennedy changed. 

She’s stunning, self-assured…and wants to crush the most intimate – and prized – parts of my anatomy beneath the heels of her Christian Louboutins.

Life isn’t always fair – tragedies strike – I understand that better than most. But I’ve never let that stop me from living a fulfilling life. I set my goals high and then I reach them. 

Now my sights are set on Kennedy.

Every argument, every objection just makes me want her more. The problem is - she knows it.

**

You never forget your first. Brent Mason was the first boy I ever loved – the first boy who broke my heart. 

And he hasn’t changed a bit.

He still looks like he stepped out of an Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue, still pretends to be oblivious to the hell his friends put me through in high school. 

I’m not a lovesick social outcast anymore. I’m a Washington DC prosecutor and my winning streak is long. I think it’s time to put Brent through a little hell of his own. 

Still, a part of me wonders if he’s as passionate in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom – and each fiery exchange brings me one step closer to finding out.

***

Will Brent and Kennedy end up in bed – or in contempt of court? APPEALED is a sexy, irreverent romance about first crushes, second chances and the final verdict of the heart. 

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Writing Tip and Reading Suggestion #GKChesterton

Today's writing tip comes from Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936). He was an English writer, lay theologian, poet, philosopher, dramatist, journalist, orator, literary and art critic, biographer, and Christian apologist. 

Here's the writing tip:

Listen respectfully to the very best advice, and then...

One of his most famous work is The Innocence of Father Brown. You can read it online for free:

The Innocence of Father Brown (complete)

Happy writing and happy reading!

- Raum

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Something Funny about "Downton Abbey" #DowntonAbbey

I love Downton Abbey because of its fascinating historical setting and because of Maggie Smith's perfect interpretation of Lady Violet.

Here's something funny while we wait for the new season. The first episode is expected to be aired within a few weeks in UK (September 2014).

• Downton Abbey Personality Quiz: 

http://www.weta.org/tv/program/downtonabbey/quiz

Aren't there many fabulous characters to choose between?

• Memorable Quotes by Lady Violet: http://downtonabbeyonline.com/countess-dowager-violet-grantham-quotes/

One among many pearls: “Don’t be defeatist, dear, it’s very middle class.”

• Downton Abbey season 5 sneak peek:

Season 5 - What do we know so far? http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-06-17/downton-abbey-series-5-what-do-we-know-so-far

Enjoy!

- Raum

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Writing Lab: The Inspiration Behind "Anniversary Killer" by Alexandra Allred @alexandraallred

Anniversary Killer is a mystery/detective story, published by The Writers Coffee Shop. Alex Allred is ready to tell us more about the inspiration behind her new novel:

"Anniversary Killer was originally written almost two decades ago. I was living in Westerville, Ohio when an unusual crime occurred. Yes, just as the character Allie Lindell lives in Westerville, it is a real place with many duck crossings, a lot of rain and, on one fine day, a place of murder.

Like most of my neighbors, I was stunned to see the gorgeous home on the lake burning to the ground. In the days that followed, more and more details came out about the home owner and some rather curious facts about his past. Two things played into these happenings. First, I did know the family of the man whose home had burned down. I knew about a previous murder connected to that man, the crazy details of that murder, of gambling debt rumors, and of his love for his dog. Second, my father actually worked as an obituary writer. True to the character of Allie Lindell, I grew up reading and enjoying obituaries. Can you enjoy an obit? Yeah. In the sense of appreciating the accomplishments and history of another person’s life, there are some really interesting obituaries out there!

As I learned more and more about a business partner who was found murdered in a corn field next to set of burglar tools and wearing a ninja suit … well, come on! As a writer, there was that initial, “No way!” moment and then I knew what I needed to do. You can’t make this stuff up! While nuggets of truth were stolen from the headlines, Allie Lindell and her life as a frustrated (though happy) stay-at-home mom took over the storyline. To this day, Allie is one of my most favorite characters. She makes no pretenses about being brave, super athletic, or even terribly clever (which she is). Rather, she pokes fun at her unexplainable infatuation with death and murder, acknowledges her penchant for lying, and continuously wrestles with why she can’t just be content to sit and watch Disney reruns over and over again with her two young daughters. 

But excites me most about Allie’s character and what makes this a different kind of detective series is that Allie is gay. When I pulled this series out (and dusted it off), I asked The Writer’s Coffee Shop what they thought about making Allie gay. She would have the same relationship issues, same financial woes, and same mom guilt-trips as straight Allie only she just happens to be gay. I’m proud to say that everyone loved the idea. While Anniversary Killer is the third in the Allie Lindell series (check out Roadkill and Sweetbreath), we still had to go back through and change/tweak relationships. It’s no mystery to those who know me that much of Allie’s life is taken from my own, so it was funny when my husband learned he was now a lesbian. Yes, honey, and you’re far more agreeable now!

I’m also super pumped to tell you that the Allie Lindell series is in the “treatment” phase in L.A. for a possible run as a television detective series. There is a giant question mark hanging over it but it’s still hard for me to contain myself at the idea of Allie being on screen. With her sister, the policewoman, and her super K-9 dog (who secretly pacifies on a pillow at night); her sidekick and always the smart-ass, Sandy, a reporter for the Columbus Dispatch; and a nosey but lovable neighbor, it’s a fun cast. Allie’s partner, Rae Ann and her two daughters, Krissy and Kelli, “keep it real” with arguments and diaper changes. I will definitely keep you posted on whether it becomes a TV pilot but you can be sure more Allie stories are coming your way. Oh, and if you know of any really good obituaries … please send them my way."

Thank you, Alex!

ISBN e-book:  978-1-61213-262-4

Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

 Goodreads * Add to Want To Read List

Full Summary 

One o’clock and all’s . . . well, not so well, but what’s new in the world of Allie Lindell? Almost a year to the day, Mickey Callahan’s business partner was found dead from a single gunshot wound to the head and nothing but questions surrounding his murder. Now, Mickey is convinced that the same people are out to get him. After a sloppy kidnapping attempt, no one takes him seriously until the body count starts to grow. While the part-time sleuth and full-time mother of two had promised to stay away from murder and mayhem for a while, Allie can’t resist the mystery that practically ignites in her own backyard. The Allie Lindell saga returns with the third book in the series and more drama than ever as Allie continues to struggle to remember the love of her life and partner while trying to keep her head above water as she wades through the underworld of gambling, race horses, and murder.

Alexandra Allred is a former national and professional athlete turned adventure writer turned humorist and novelist. She’s often been called the next Erma Bombeck with a grudge. Her annual Christmas letters, which have frequently made the news, could make the Grinch weep with joy. For a taste of holiday glee, see http://www.allredgreetings.blogspot.com Allred is a writer of fiction and nonfiction alike, but is most proud of the Allie Lindell series. Several close friends from her sports background and personal life have been the source of inspiration for the books. And just like Allie Lindell, Allred grew up with a father who taught her the love of reading a good obituary column. Allred writes for Waxahachie Daily Light newspaper, continues to testify in Washington D.C. on behalf of children with asthma and our need for clean air, and she’s never too far from her gym in Midlothian, Texas. You can always drop her a note at www.alexandratheauthor.com.

Twitter * Facebook * Website * Blog

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Another humorous Allie story, and it was nice to see her sister joining the gang."  - Andrea Goodreads Review

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Cover Reveal: "Eight Days a Week" by Amber Johnson @whereisjakeryan

Andrew Lyons has been running from responsibility his entire life. Returning home after a couple of years abroad, he finds himself...

Release Date: November 6 , 2014

Published by The Writers Coffee Shop

Summary

Andrew Lyons has been running from responsibility his entire life. Returning home after a couple of years abroad, he finds himself jobless and living in close quarters with a sister he can barely tolerate. At her request, he searches for a job on Craigslist, but finds a room for rent instead. Or so he thinks. Gwen Stone is in a lurch. With a new promotion at work and two young children at home, she’s in dire need of a caretaker. When Andrew shows up on her doorstep, she thinks he may be exactly what she’s looking for. When she offers him the job, he’s more than interested and she’s confident she’s made the right choice. It shouldn’t be awkward at all. But Andrew isn’t exactly forthcoming about his intentions, and Gwen has some secrets she’s unwilling to share. When the mom and the “manny” don’t have a clue what they’re doing, things are bound to get messy. What do you get with two kids who don’t know how to be kids, a man who never grew up, Beatles Rock Band, and hundreds of hours of kids’ TV? A very interesting job, indeed. But when emotions get in the way, there's more at stake than just an occupation. Because life doesn't have clock-out button. And neither does love.

Goodreads * Add to Want To Read List

 

About the Author

Amber Johnson is a full-time mom and a full-time wife who is employed full time and writes when she can. She believes in Happily Ever Afters that occur every day—despite the obstacles real life serves up on a regular basis. Or perhaps they’re sweeter simply because of them. She always has two rubber bands on her wrist, a song in her head, and too much creamer in her coffee cup that reads ‘Cocoa,’ because she’s a rebel. If she’s not at her desk, with her boys, or behind the computer, she’s supporting live music with her arms raised above her head and her eyes closed, waiting for the drop.  

Twitter * Facebook * Website

 

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Writing Tip and Reading Suggestion #EAPoe

Today's writing tip comes from Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849). He was an American author, poet, and literary critic.

Here's the writing tip:

A short story must have a single mood and every sentence must build towards it.

You can read many of his stories online. Try this one:

The Tell-Tale Heart.

Happy writing and happy reading!

- Raum

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Let's talk about "Exposure" by Morgan and Jennifer Locklear @MJLocklear

As Morgan and I have been promoting our debut novel, Exposure, we’re often asked how the idea for the book came about, so we thought we’d take the time to share that particular story here on MyReadingLounge…

THE PLOT BUNNY

One afternoon several years ago, I (Jennifer) was spending a day at home doing the laundry.

Laundry is never my favorite thing to do, but according to the rest of my family I have some talent for it so I own it.

Not surprisingly, my mind began to wander while I plodded through the chore. As I was trying to carry a particularly large and awkward load of clothing from the utility room, I began thinking about what I’d really like to do with the bundle of clothing obstructing my line of sight as I negotiated some stairs.

That’s when I suddenly pictured something fictional and specific in my mind’s eye. And as I folded, hung up and put away the clean laundry, I kept replaying that picture and adding more and more elements to it until an entire scene was completely formed in my imagination.

This is the occurrence commonly referred to in writing circles as the birth of a Plot Bunny.

I had the most basic beginnings of a story idea, and over a period of time I continued to let the idea grow.  I developed a main character, supporting characters, a partial story outline, a few conflicts and some (but not all) resolutions.

At the time I was allowing these ideas to multiply in my head,  I was in the middle of writing and posting another story online. It was my first attempt at sharing my fictional writing with a wider audience. I thought I was happy and content with posting the seven chapter short story and calling it good. When it was done, I’d planned on going back to editing work for my husband and a few author friends of mine and leave it at that.

I can’t tell you exactly what date the Plot Bunny formed or how long I kept developing the idea. I don’t remember going through any stages of denial, anger, bargaining or depression over a period of months, but I can tell you that I finally accepted the fact that the Plot Bunny wasn’t going to leave me alone.

I didn’t know exactly how big this housekeeping inspired Plot Bunny would ultimately be, but I knew it would be a lot more than seven chapters and would include a big cast of characters. I also knew I wasn’t yet ready to tackle writing a full-length work of fiction all on my own.

And yet the Plot Bunny continued to demand my attention.

Bastard.

One summer evening in 2011, my husband and I were enjoying a date night.  We were sitting in an ocean side lounge enjoying appetizers, cocktails and a gorgeous view of the ocean. It was a perfect evening out with my best friend in the world, and in a relaxed state of mind I let it slip that I was being stalked by a Plot Bunny. Morgan immediately took an interest and asked me to share the details with him.  

The more I shared with him, the more animated he became. I have to say there has been no one more enthusiastic or supportive than Morgan when it comes to my writing, and I wasn’t surprised at the end of my presentation when he told me I should pursue writing the story as soon as my other one was completed.

I told him no way was that going to happen.

He blinked and asked me why not. I responded by confessing that I didn’t feel ready to tackle it on my own. Being somewhat tipsy and sarcastic I asked if he wanted to help me write it.

So then he smiled and told me not to worry, he would.

I wasn’t expecting that.

But then again…

I’d been editing his stories for a couple of years by this point and he was helping to edit the short story I was working on. Many of my fears in trying to tame this raging Plot Bunny had to do with specific challenges that I knew Morgan would be able to work through.  He clearly liked my ideas and we both realized it would give Morgan and I an opportunity to write something a bit different than either of us were used to.

We were always talking about writing in one form or another, so why not try to work on it together?

Still tipsy (but no longer sarcastic), I accepted his offer with confidence.

The Plot Bunny no longer seemed so terrifying.  It just needed the two of us to manage it.

***

Exposure is available in both paperback and e-book:

• via Omnific Publishing http://omnificpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=index&zenid=0fc32a21eeb7c427874a7f33a99c1b8c
• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_4_8?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=exposure+morgan+locklear&sprefix=exposure%2Cnull%2C1094
• AmazonUK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=exposure%20morgan%20locklear
• Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/exposure-morgan-locklear/1119637457?ean=2940149184828

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Let's talk about "Ready to Love Again" by Annalyse Knight @annalyseknight

“You’ve already lost one love in your lifetime — don’t let Katie be the second.”

Published by The Writers Coffee Shop

Genre: Romance/Contemporary

ISBN e-book:  978-1-61213-321-8

Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

Summary

After a bitter divorce, Katie Rodriquez moves with her nine-year-old son, Shawn, to California to take a job at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. A fresh start is exactly what she and her son need. However, a fateful stroll on a Carmel beach turns her world upside down when she meets a handsome doctor who is struggling with his own past.

Dr. Chase O’Donnell had everything a man could ask for when a tragic accident changed his life forever. Tortured by his memories, he locks away his grief to care for his two children, refusing to face what his loss has done to him and the people he loves most.

Katie’s son is a rowdy child with a good heart, so it is a bit of a surprise when Shawn befriends the quiet and thoughtful Tony O’Donnell. Tony’s love for baseball draws Shawn into his world, and from then on, they are inseparable. It is only a matter of time before they bring their parents together again in a surprising twist of fate. However, Tony’s older sister, Liz, doesn’t like the new boy who is prone to catching critters and teasing girls. Liz isn’t very happy with the idea of her father having a new girlfriend, either. Loyal to a fault and haunted by the fear of abandonment, she lashes out and refuses to accept the new woman in her father’s life.

Katie and Chase must find the strength to rebuild their lives while juggling the demands of careers and single parenthood. When Chase’s daughter lashes out, they soon discover that the price of their romance is too high. To heal his family’s pain, they both must risk losing each other. Facing unresolved guilt and anger, will they have the courage to learn to love again?

Goodreads * Add to Want To Read List

About the Author

Annalyse Knight is a recovering craft addict. She spent many years jumping from one hobby to another until she discovered that writing satisfied all her creative cravings. A stay-at-home mom, Annalyse raised her three children on California’s Monterey Peninsula. Although she and her family later moved to the Sacramento area, the beach, the quiet community, and the beauty of the California coast continue to inspire her writing. She spent several years writing with an online community, and she loved the direct interaction with her readers. Her online participation eventually led to her volunteer at The Writers’ Collective, an online writing workshop group founded to create a supportive community for writers. With her children almost grown, Annalyse decided to take her hobby to the next level and become a published author. Ready to Love Again is her first novel with The Writer’s Coffee Shop.

Connect with the Author

Twitter * Facebook * Website

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Praise for Ready to Love Again

"If you're looking for a beautiful love story with a bit of heartache, fun banter, and beautiful relationships this book is for you. Ready to Love Again is brilliantly written and has believable characters that make you fall in love with them from the very beginning."  - Rhiannon Overby Goodreads Review

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Experience Writing "Ready to Love Again" - by Annalyse Knight @annalyseknight

Annalyse Knight has kindly agreed to discuss her experience writing Ready to Love Again. 

"First, let me say that I never intended to publish this story. I started writing it as an escape from the drama happening in my personal life almost six years ago. Fortunately, I had three online friends who I bounced ideas off every day. We’d meet on Yahoo Messenger and chat about the next chapters each of us had to write. We’d visualize the next scene and play it out from start to finish. One person would make a suggestion and then the conversation would take off. Sometimes in silly, off-topic directions, but we’d always pull it together and come up with some fantastic ideas for each other. 

I posted the story online as I wrote and had an amazing response from my readers. The story related to so many people and in ways I never intended. To me, the story was my way of reconnecting with a place I loved and sharing what I loved with my readers. However, to my readers, the struggles of family life, single parenthood, divorce, raising children, blending families, and losing a loved one all seemed to hit each reader personally. They shared their stories of love, loss, child rearing and frustrations, which I held close to my heart as I wrote the story. 

Not all of my e-mails were filled with rainbows and kittens. I had many readers challenge the way some of my characters handled their situations. They made me think about what I wrote and so I constantly asked myself how I would react in a situation and if my characters would react the same way under their circumstances. I had one amazing reader, Sandra, who would psychoanalyze my characters to a point that made me think I really didn’t know them very well. She seemed to understand them perfectly and opened my eyes to where the story could go. In most instances, my readers’ comments gave me more conviction in my characters and their behaviors. With all of their suggestions and requests, the first draft of the story ended up being 268K words, which is over twice the regular word count for a romance novel. They definitely influenced the story. 

I eventually got to the point where I considered publishing the story. I rewrote it from the beginning because it was originally in first person, cut over fifty percent of unnecessary fluff and smut, and then submitted it to A Writers’ Collective to see if they’d accept it for a workshop. They did, thankfully. The workshop process was grueling even though I’d had plenty of critique writing online. There are not many things more personal than having a group of strangers rip your manuscript to shreds and then help you put it back together again. The group of ladies I had was amazing and showed me what it really takes to prepare a novel for publishing. In the end, the story that emerged was even better than the original version.

I can say that I feel truly blessed with the amazing friends I have gained along the way. My readers and workshop gals were awesome. I don’t think they realize how much they all inspired me."

Thank you, Annalyse!

About the Author Annalyse Knight is a recovering craft addict. She spent many years jumping from one hobby to another until she discovered that writing satisfied all her creative cravings. A stay-at-home mom, Annalyse raised her three children on California’s Monterey Peninsula. Although she and her family later moved to the Sacramento area, the beach, the quiet community, and the beauty of the California coast continue to inspire her writing. She spent several years writing with an online community, and she loved the direct interaction with her readers. Her online participation eventually led to her volunteer at The Writers’ Collective, an online writing workshop group founded to create a supportive community for writers. With her children almost grown, Annalyse decided to take her hobby to the next level and become a published author. Ready to Love Again is her first novel with The Writer’s Coffee Shop.

Twitter * Facebook * Website

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Cover Reveal: "Anniversary Killer" by Alexandra Allred @alexandraallred

Anniversary Killer, Published by The Writers Coffee Shop, is a mistery and detective story. 

Published by The Writers Coffee Shop

Genre: Fiction/Mystery & Detective/Women Sleuth

ISBN e-book:  978-1-61213-262-4

Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

 Goodreads * Add to Want To Read List

 Summary

One o’clock and all’s . . . well, not so well, but what’s new in the world of Allie Lindell? Almost a year to the day, Mickey Callahan’s business partner was found dead from a single gunshot wound to the head and nothing but questions surrounding his murder. Now, Mickey is convinced that the same people are out to get him. After a sloppy kidnapping attempt, no one takes him seriously until the body count starts to grow. While the part-time sleuth and full-time mother of two had promised to stay away from murder and mayhem for a while, Allie can’t resist the mystery that practically ignites in her own backyard. The Allie Lindell saga returns with the third book in the series and more drama than ever as Allie continues to struggle to remember the love of her life and partner while trying to keep her head above water as she wades through the underworld of gambling, race horses, and murder.

About the Author

Alexandra Allred is a former national and professional athlete turned adventure writer turned humorist and novelist. She’s often been called the next Erma Bombeck with a grudge. Her annual Christmas letters, which have frequently made the news, could make the Grinch weep with joy. For a taste of holiday glee, see http://www.allredgreetings.blogspot.com Allred is a writer of fiction and nonfiction alike, but is most proud of the Allie Lindell series. Several close friends from her sports background and personal life have been the source of inspiration for the books. And just like Allie Lindell, Allred grew up with a father who taught her the love of reading a good obituary column. Allred writes for Waxahachie Daily Light newspaper, continues to testify in Washington D.C. on behalf of children with asthma and our need for clean air, and she’s never too far from her gym in Midlothian, Texas. You can always drop her a note at www.alexandratheauthor.com.

Connect with the Author

Twitter * Facebook * Website * Blog

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Another humorous Allie story, and it was nice to see her sister joining the gang."  - Andrea Goodreads Review

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Writing Tip and Reading Suggestion #Chekhov

Today's writing tip comes from Anton Chekhov (1860-1904). He was a Russian physician, dramaturge and author; he's considered to be among the greatest writers of short stories.

Here's the writing tip:

Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass. 

You can read many of his stories online. Try this one:

Life as a series of questions and exclamations.

Happy writing and happy reading!

- Raum

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"De Immortalitate" on RobAttack @MariahajilE

De Immortalitate has been featured on RobAttack with other stories set in the Roman Empire. Thank you to the amazing staff of RobAttack!

Random Rita ~ When In Rome! http://robattack.wordpress.com/2014/08/01/random-rita-when-in-rome/

If you haven't read De Immortalitate, you may want to give a look to the animated banner:

Reviewers get a little gift, different for each chapter.

All the best,

- Raum 

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Cover Reveal: "Twelve", by @TM_Franklin

Let's talk about Twelve, by T.M. Franklin

Release Date: October 9, 2014

Published by The Writers Coffee Shop

Summary: Ava Michaels is gifted, powerful, and—whether she likes it or not—part of a plot to take over the world. It’s only been a few months since Ava Michaels discovered she has ties to an ancient people living in the shadows of the human world, despite their superior gifts and abilities. A select few don’t like hiding, however, and think it’s time to take control. Now Ava’s caught up in a conspiracy in the works before she was even born. In fact, her birth was an integral part of the plan. She’s one of the Twelve, the most powerful Race ever created, and they were created for a purpose. Ava, however, doesn’t like being told what to do. All she wants is to start a new life with Caleb Foster, the Protector who once put his own life at risk to save hers. Before they can even think about that, however, they need to figure out exactly what the Twelve and their power-hungry leader are up to—and find a way to stop them. Along the way, they’ll have to forge alliances with former enemies, seek out powerful new friends, and infiltrate the heavily fortified enemy stronghold in an attempt to get some answers. In the end, Ava must decide if her destiny lies in her DNA or in her conscience. If she can turn her back on what she was born to do and do what is right. If she will save the ones she loves or save the world. Or if her ties to the Twelve mean she has no choice at all. She sat up suddenly and grabbed Caleb’s hand. “Do you feel that?” “What?” He instinctively checked the mirrors, but there was nobody behind them. “Someone . . .” Ava’s eyes glazed over. “Someone’s coming. Fast.” Caleb stepped on the gas, searching the horizon. “Who? Anyone familiar?” “What’s happening?” Sophie asked. Ava shook her head. “I can’t tell. Not yet anyway. You think it’s Protectors?” Caleb’s jaw tightened. “Or Rogues.” “You think they know?” Ava glanced at Sophie. “We don’t know. Not for sure.” “Would somebody please tell me what’s going on?” Sophie shouted from the backseat. The temperature in the car dipped as frost formed along the edges of the windows. “You’ve got to calm her down,” Caleb muttered, taking a turn too fast and swerving to correct. “Now.” Ava didn’t argue, instead scrambling over the seat to take the girl’s hand. “Sophie, listen to me. You need to stay calm, okay? Try to breathe with me.” “But—” “I’ll explain everything, but first you need to calm down. You see what’s happening?” Through the mirror, Caleb saw her glance up at the roof of the car as snowflakes began to drift through the interior. “I . . . I don’t understand,” Sophie murmured. “What’s—why is it snowing?” “It’s you,” Ava said quietly. “You’re upset, and your gift is reacting.” “I don’t understand what’s happening to me.” Sophie choked on a sob, and Caleb felt the telltale prickle of another Race signature along the edges of his consciousness. “I feel them now,” he said, sitting taller in the seat and leaning forward as if willing the car to go faster. Ava didn’t respond but remained focused on Sophie. Caleb felt Ava’s gift and knew she was letting it flow into the girl a little, helping calm her. “We’ll help you.” Ava sounded so calm and soothing. “We’ll help you learn to control it, but for right now, you need to calm down. Breathe with me, okay?” Sophie nodded and swallowed tears as she tried to match Ava’s inhale and exhale. The snow stopped. “That’s good.” Ava nodded encouragingly. “Keep breathing. I need you to stay calm. Someone’s coming, and I’m guessing they’re after you.” Sophie’s breath caught, and the ice gathering on the dashboard cracked. “It’s okay,” Ava hurried to say. “Keep breathing. Stay calm. We’re going to keep you safe.” Sophie gripped Ava’s hand, but she kept breathing slowly in and out. “How?” Ava smiled. “You asked what I could do? Well, I’m about to show you.”

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  T.M. Franklin started out her career writing nonfiction in a television newsroom. Graduating with a BA in Communications specializing in broadcast journalism and production, she worked for nine years as a major market television news producer, and garnered two regional Emmy Awards, before she resigned to be a full-time mom and part-time freelance writer. Her first published novel, MORE, was born out of a challenge to write a novel in thirty days issued during National Novel Writing month. MORE was well received, selected as a finalist in the 2013 Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book Awards, and won the Suspense/Thriller division of the Blogger Book Fair Reader’s Choice Awards.   In addition to MORE and its sequels, The Guardians and TWELVE, Franklin has penned the Amazon best-selling short stories, Window and A Piece of Cake. Her new YA romance How to Get Ainsley Bishop to Fall in Love with You is Franklin’s first love story without traditionally recognized paranormal or fantasy elements. Although . . . T. M. is the first to argue that love is the best kind of magic.    

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