Cuddling up with your loved ones and admiring the stars in the night sky or organising a treasure hunt in the dark? At 8:30pm on Saturday 28 March, people from all corners of the world will turn off their lights for one hour - Earth Hour - and cast their vote for action on climate change. Anybody can participate and join together with millions of people across the globe celebrating Earth Hour.
Earth Hour is about taking simple steps everyday that collectively reduce carbon emissions – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.
Tomorrow night at 8.30 pm, wherever you live, turn out your lights. Let's make a difference and increase awareness of the need to save energy. Click the poster for more details of how you can help.
I am really happy to have fellow Wild Rose Press Author Mary Rose as Guest of Honor at my Blog today. Hello Mary, why don't you make yourself comfortable and tell us a little about yourself
M.R.: I was born in Burlington, Vermont, which I have always considered to be home. I’ve lived everywhere from Canada to Texas, and now I live in Florida. I love the winters here, but hate the humid, oven like summers. Married forever, my husband is like my left leg. I wouldn’t know how to live without him. Not having children we had dogs to substitute. The only bad thing about animals if they don’t live as long as we do.
I come from a mixed ethnic group. I am a quarter Italian, a quarter Polish, a quarter Irish, an eighth French Canadian and an eighth Abenaki Indian. I am a mutt.
HL laughs. I always did like mutts! (And I love the picture of Junior, your dog.) Well with such a varied heritage to draw on, it's not surprising you're a writer. What a fantastic bloodline. And what do you do for fun - when you're not writing?
I am an avid reader, and I love to garden. In Florida this is the subtropics, so growing plant is a new experience. The soil is so sandy and tomatoes just don’t have that sweet taste like they do in more Northern climates.
I would love to have a kindle, when I try to read at night, my husband freaks about the light, and those little book lights are useless. I am a night
person so reading helps to relax me. Trouble is I can’t stop.
HL: Oh, I can so relate to that! I'm a nightperson too, and I have one of those little nightlights - I wouldlove to have a Kindle myself, I wish they weren't so expensive. Right then, telll your fans - when did you start writing?
MR: I have been writing ever since I can remember. Only now, I don’t throw what I have
written away. I always wanted to accomplish something that I could be proud that I
did. Something I could leave behind since we have no children. Some day someone
will open my book and know I was here. I can hold up my head and be proud that I
wrote and published a book. How cool is that?
HL:What comes first: the plot or the characters?
MR: I do not plot. It takes too many brains. I just write and out it comes. Although in my first book the heroine, has always been there waiting to come to life. I know the story in my mind; I just have to write it. I like to hand write my stories in a notebook and then transfer it to my laptop. It works for me. I have little papers with notes on them that fall out of the notebook all the time. Usually something that popped into my head in the middle of the night and I have made a note. Or snippets of information I have come across. I am probably dating myself, but I had to be dragged into the computer world.
HL: Tell us about your latest release and what you think readers will enjoy about it
MR: My book is a sweet yet spicy story. It is the tale of a young girl who learns to love herself while falling in love with the hero. She overcomes her greatest fears and does it one hundred years in the past. It is a time travel romance, where she’s transported back from 1969 to 1869. I try to give a realistic view of the times, using the diverse ethnic groups that settled in the Lake Champlain Islands area in Vermont, to set the scenes. I try to put my readers there by describing the differences in the times. I throw one problem after another at my characters and have then learn from their problems. I write emotionally, I want to make you cry, I want to make you feel. I want you to know what it was like in a less modern time. What would you do if a mountain lion pounced on you? How would an autistic child be treated in those days? Could you handle living in 1869, without electricity, without antibiotics, without even a phone?
HL: If someone were to play one of your characters in a movie, which character and what actor would it be and why?
MR: I’d like, Hugh Jackman, for my hero, and Julia Roberts for my heroine.
Hugh because he has such an emotional range and could be the good and tender man of my book. Julia Roberts could be my heroine, because she can play an innocent who has a lot to deal with in her past. Yet she is no dummy.
HL:Well, Julia Roberts sounds like a good choice for a heroine - and we have Hugh Jackman as our 'Featured Hunk'. just for you!
So, what have you learned about writing since you were published that surprisedyou the most?
MR: How much you need to toughen up and learn to take rejection. That I hate to review a story because I’m afraid to hurt the author’s feelings. You have to be so diplomatic.This is another person’s baby on paper. I am always worried about that so I don’tdo it often. And that commenting on a writers blog makes then so happy.
HL: Do you listen to music when you write and if so, what kind of music – or do you find it distracts you?
MR: For me I like it quiet, music distracts me. I like the back sliding doors open to see and hear the jungle in my yard. The sound of the pool fountains and my canary singing is so gentle, that helps me
HL: Ah, yes. The sound of water does it for me too - and canaries have such a beautiful song. What is your personal definition of success?
To me happiness defines personal success. If you are happy with yourself and with
whatyou do, you are successful.
HL: I'm always interested in what inspires other writers. What is your favourite source of inspiration?
MR: If someone says they like my writing, it’s inspirational for me. Getting a good review can do it too.
HL: Oh yes, it's great when someone else 'gets' your book and loves it too isn't it!
Well thanks so much for being my 'guest of honour' here today, Mary, it's been great learning more about you, and your book sounds wonderful.
I'm always happy to take part in a great contest with my fellow authors - this one looks like being great fun. Click HERE to go to Crystal Raine's Site to find out all the details.
You'll also need to come back here to find the answer to the question you find on Crystal Rain's site.
In addition to the Gift Token, I'll send the winner some of my promo items including one of my customised pens, fridge magnet, signed coverflats, bookmarks etc.
HL: I am thrillled to be able to welcome to my blog today, my 'muse sister'and fellow Wild Rose Press author, the very talented writer Skyhe Moncrief. Welcome Skhye. Tell us a little about yourself.
SM: I'm a boring science geek. LOL. Straight out of the mouth of the world's biggest pessimist--I know! Seriously, I'm formally educated in both hard and soft science (geology and anthropology). For me, I'm am defined by my endeavor to master those interests. My three-year old daughter can rack up all the kudos in the world, and they are still hers. :) I only get credit for her outfits! Although, she's particular about which bow she wears...
Aside from being a stay-at-home mom, I write fantasy romance. Getting published since birthing a child has helped me maintain some semblance of an identity. Although, there are days where if I could only go to the bathroom alone... I'd be sane! Right now, I'm worried my monarch caterpillars will eat up the last leaf of milkweed in the yard and starve to death. I told you I was a science geek! We have 7 chrysallises and anxiously await the emerging butterflies.
HL: That all sounds far from being boring or 'gheekie' Skhye. (Is there such a word as 'gheekie'? and your daughter sounds delightful. I remember collecting chyrsallises when I was little. *sigh* my lost youth!)
OK, please tell us about your books.
SM: My Time Guardian series http://www.timeguardians.com is published by The Wild Rose Press. I'm most fortunate that the editors have enjoyed the stories. I currently have 4 stories available and one releasing April 3rd. I'm also most fortunate that the editors have worked with me to get the short novellas in print with the novels. HAUNTED HEARTS contains SACRIFICIAL HEARTS & NAKED ON THE STAIRCASE. THE SPELL OF THE KILLING MOON will be released in print May 1st with my April 3rd release, FORBIDDEN ETERNITY in SACRILEGIOUS SEDUCTIONS. Finally, HE OF THE FIERY SWORD is my once-upon-a-time-King-Arthur-was-a-time-traveling-shape-shifting-dragon tale. So, if anyone prefers the pricier print version, look for them at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Borders. :) Haunted Hearts and Sacrilegious Seductions both contain a Time Guardian glossary. ;)
Otherwise, I am so lucky to be a part of the same series with my gracious hostess, Lyn. My story, ANCIENT MUSINGS, is part of the SONG OF THE MUSES series. Calliope gets a new lease on life... One's darkness proves the other's light. And one should never tempt Zeus to force a muse into the deepest darkest pit of Hades to renew her purpose. http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ancient-musings-song-of-the-muses-p-841.html If you'd rather own a print copy, SONG OF THE MUSES BOOK 1 is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Borders.
When legends speak of passion, Lady Lainy chalks all up to superstition until forced to take Dragon’s Blood at her arranged marriage. Will the beast’s poison herald a life full of love, or will she find myth loaded with lies when facing her father’s VOW OF SUPERSTITION?
HL: 'Vow of Superstition' is a wonderful free read, Skhye, and a great way for readers who haven't yet read any of your books to get a taste of your style and whet their appetites for more! I love your story in the 'Muse' series and 'He Of The Fiery Sword ' is an amazing story - and one of the most striking covers I've ever seen, too. Here's something I'm always interested to know about my interviewees:If someone were to play one of your characters in a movie, which character and what actor would it be and why?
SM: Ooooooooo, Jay Tavare would be cast as the hero in FORBIDDEN ETERNITY, soon to be released with WRP. He's a shape-shifting shaman. And Jay is just gorgeous. Now, you'll like this one, Dafydd Emyr would make an incredible Time Guardian too...
Ooh, great choices Skhye. Unfortunately I only have room for one hunk so - although Dafydd Emyr is a countryman, and David O'Hara is so hunky too, I decided to go for Jay - I've a character myself he would be just perfect for!
What’s you’re writing process Skhye? Has it changed since writing your first book?
SM: My writing process is sit down and write very very fast. LOL. Then go back and analyze the story with a synopsis.
HL: *Grin" Not a 'panster' then! :)
Do you listen to music when you write and if so, what kind of music – or do you find itdistracts you?
SM: Music with words distracts me. I'm okay if with instrumentals. No piano please!!! I love New Age. But no piano! Of course, piano is okay with other instruments. I'm a big fan of bagpipes, fiddles (especially Nordic), all sorts of Asian string instruments, base clarinet, and oboe. Japanese flutes are divine.
HL:What is your personal definition of success?
SM:Finally getting a book in print! I keep it on my bookshelf to remind me that anyone can get published if they hang in there long enough. I almost quit writing the first year after my daughter was born. I'm glad I didn't now!
HL: That would have been a terrible loss, Skhye. What is your favourite source of inspiration?
HL:My inspiration comes from documentaries. I'm a fact junkie. So, the more the better. Lately, I've been hooked on HOW THE EARTH WAS MADE.
I'm with you there Skhye. It's all part of the 'but what if?' syndrome I think!
If you were an animal, which one do you think you would be, and why?
SM:I'd be black. And I'd have fur. I actually answered this question in a 5th grade creative writing session in English. I love cats, wolves, and most mammals that are black. But I'd definitely go with a horse given I had to pick a creature. :) I've said this elsewhere. Horses are noble and beautiful beasts. Who wouldn't want to be one? Especially an Arabian! Or a Lippizzaner!
Oh, I so agree with you there Skhye. As a horse fanatic myself, I can't imagine anything that typifies speed, grace and nobility more than a horse. Especially a black one. (My black Welsh Cob Harry agrees too!)
HL: Well thank you so much Skhye. It's wonderful having you here today and finding out a little more about you.
If you'd like to find out more about Skhye and her books, this is her website: www.skhyemoncrief.com
"Master of her craft, Moncrief delivers an explosive plot, captivating, adventurous characters, and a healthy dose of sensual intrigue. A superb read, start to finish!" ~Author Sky Purington www.skypurington.com
OK the roasting and grilling is purely metaphorical, but I may be asked to give away a few insider secrets! There's virtual hot chocolate and marshmallows, something a little stronger for those who wish it, and your favourite barbeque food.
Stop by and read an excerpt from 'Dancing With Fate. Answer a question at the Book Roast blog and you may win a download and some other goodies. Ask your own questions or just chat. Be sure to leave a comment, then check back in later. I'll be popping in as often as I can with my Author, Hywela Lyn to make sure Dionysus has laid on enough wine and Ares and Hades aren't turning the grill into Hellsfire! *Grin*
The patron Saint of Wales is St David.His day is celebrated on 1st March every year. Such was his importance and influence in the old days that four visits by pilgrims to his shrine at St David's in Pembrokeshire were considered equal to two to Rome or one to Jerusalem. His influence is also shown in the number of churches dedicated to him in Wales.
St David was a Celtic monk, abbot and bishop from an aristocratic family in West Wales who lived in the sixth century. As Archbishop of Wales he helped spread Christianity among the pagan Celtic tribes of western Briton. He is buried in the grounds of his monastery where the Cathedral of St David's in Pembrokeshire now stands. St David's Day became a national festival in Wales in the 18th century.
On this day children dress in traditional Welsh costumes, enjoy traditional Welsh dances, sing Welsh folk songs and recite Welsh poems in schools and at local concerts and song and poetry competitions, or eisteddfodau to give them their Welsh name.
The Welsh flag with its proud Welsh dragon flies from public buildings and hangs from many private houses. The traditional St David's day meal includes cawl, a type of clear, lamb stew seasoned with leeks, and served with bread and cheese.
Many people in Wales sportthe generic Welsh symbol, the daffodil in their lapel on St David's Day. whilst others wear a leek, St David's personal symbol. he association between the two symbols is strengthened by the similarity of their names in Welsh: Cenhinen (leek) and Cenhinen Bedr (Peter's leek).Even though I now live in a small village in England, two hundred miles away from my Native Wales, I am proud to wear a daffodil today, on Dydd Dewi Sant, St David’s Day.
