Welcome Betty Collier

Today, I'd like to welcome Betty Collier.


She has written a very thought provoking book called Living inside the testimony. The cover is beautiful, I'm sure you will agree.





Good Morning Betty, it’s lovely to have you here in freezing Kent, England. For those who comment today, please leave your email address. You will be in the running to win a $10Amazon gift voucher.
While I stoke the fire and pour the tea, tell me, who inspires you to write?

Good Morning Margaret. Thank you for having me here today. I wrote this book after being divinely inspired by the Lord to share my testimony with others. The book is based on my faith, and I wrote it knowing that not everyone would share it. Today I am sharing my faith with anyone who chooses to believe.
I never wanted to be an author, and if you had asked me prior to January 2009 if I’d write a book, my answer would have immediately been "absolutely not." I never had the desire to write. Perhaps my honesty will make you wonder if the book is even worth reading. However, the one thing I do know...I am an author. I became one overnight, and in fact, I know the exact night it happened. It was after midnight when January 9, 2009 turned into January 10th, the night I dreamed about this book. I am confident that if you allow me to share my journey with you, you will understand perfectly, but only if you have the faith to believe.

Everyone had their own faith, Betty, so I’m sure they will be interested in what you have to say. I believe it s a calling to be an author. You either are, or not. So now this book is finished, what’s next on your writing agenda?

My plans are simply to share my journey with others, and I will go wherever this book takes me in order to do that. This is only the beginning. I am passionate about my story, and it’s my desire to reach as many people as I can to inspire and encourage them. There is more to come, but I will have to wait on divine inspiration to figure out what that is. I’m not currently working on another book project, but instead, I’m focusing solely on this one and also the new internet radio talk show that has resulted because of the book. I just started hosting a talk show on November 15 on webtalkradio.net as a direct result of it.

Wow, how fabulous. Good luck with the show. Can you tell me a bit about the people in the story? Do you have a favourite?

I have a chapter devoted to each of my two children. However, if I have to narrow it down to my favorite character, it would have to be my husband William. I’ve been married to the absolute love of my life for 24 years, and for as long as I can remember, my world has revolved around him. We fell in love at age 14 and went through some traumatic events in high school. He almost died a week before high school graduation due to an epidural hematoma, and had to have emergency brain surgery. Because of our great love and of course the love of God, we are blessed to be together and have such a wonderful life. I call him my very own Prince William because he really is. Our lives are like a fairy tale, and although there have been trials and tribulations over the course of 24 years of marriage, there is one thing that is always constant for both of us, and that’s our everlasting and never-ending love affair. We are truly blessed.

How lovely. In this modern world it’s hard to find our soul mate. It sounds like you found yours straight away. As you’re a new writer have you got any advice for other budding authors?

All of us have something to share with others, and if we would simply take the time to begin the writing process and stay committed to it, we could all write something to share. Don’t give up on your ideas and your dreams. Just keep writing until you finish the book. I know it’s easier said than done, but the only way to finish a book is to write it.

Before you go Betty, where can your followers find you
The best way is to visit my website. It has everything you need and links to everything else.
http://livinginsidethetestimony.com

Here are some other places if you want to go directly to them, but my website also has links to them.
Facebook
Twitter
Email livinginsidethetestimony@yahoo.com
Book Trailer
Internet Radio Talk Show


Thanks for dropping by. Good luck with your book.

I’ve been so busy all day doing my errata for my next new release Spirit Intervention. I’ve been harried, short tempered and anxious about this book and I suppose a pain to live with. My poor husband must sometimes regret having an author for a wife! LOL

Suddenly out of the blue I get an email from a friend. I wasn’t going to look at the link she sent – I’m far too busy...but then I thought why not, I deserve a break. It made me chuckle and realise that sometimes, without realising it, we can take take life far too seriously.

For all the people out there who need a break from the bustle of life, watch, enjoy and go back to work smiling.

Welcome to Ginger Simpson

Have We Gone Overboard?
Do readers really care how many times an author uses “was?” Does passive voice…those naughty “have beens, had seen, etc., really stop anyone dead in their tracks and detract from the story? In small press, head-hopping is a horrible faux paus, punishable by instant rejection, but Nora Roberts does it with style and flair in her stories. One has to wonder why each month brings a new focus to a supposed problem in writing.

Does anyone really fling a book across the room if affect comes before cause… For example…someone jumps at a slamming door? Rules dictate that the door must slam before someone can jump. Are we that analytical in our reading?

All I know is that for years I read book after book after book, and I read for the pleasure of the story, the plot, the characters, the romance. I can’t recall EVER reading with an editorial eye until I became an author. Now, after having gone through so many editorial sessions, I can’t enjoy a book because I’m searching the content for something the author did wrong. My pet peeve this month is “to phrases.” For example… “He bent to kiss her.” In this instance, “to kiss” shows intent on his part. Why not just say, “he bent and kissed her?” Okay…does it really make any difference in the big scheme of writing? Have editors applied their own pet peeves to the ever growing list of “no nos?” Those who write regency use a lot of “to phrases,” but since I don’t write in that genre, I have no idea why, but it seems to be the norm.

Writing has become even more difficult with the inception of new rules applied by various houses. There is no consistency. Just as we have to jump through hurdles with agents, we now have to discover the nuances of each publisher when it comes to editing rules. My complaint is that sometimes when rules are so stringent, the author’s voice is lost in the mix. I don’t mind an editor pointing out problem areas and making suggestions, but I do dislike having someone try to rewrite my book in a style that isn‘t ME. We all put our own stamp on our work, and I like my books to display mine.

In closing, I want to add that editing is perhaps one of the most underappreciated jobs in publishing. It’s pretty thankless and certainly not a position that pays well. Yet, if the author and editor don’t mesh, then the manuscript is going to suffer. To my fellow authors: don’t be afraid to ask for a new editor if you can’t find a happy medium with the one assigned you. Editors are sort of like buses. There are plenty in the “garage,” and you want to get on one that’s going in the right direction.

Please leave a comment about your feelings on editing. I’m interested to know if I’m the only one who has noticed a definite changeover the years.

Oh, and since I’m not shy about promoting, I hope you’ll visit my website at http://www.gingersimpson.com and see what’s new for me. My latest two releases, Hurricane Warning (Muse it Up Publishing) Amazon and First Degree Innocence Smashwords are available now.

Wiiner

The lucky winner of Robin cain's give away is L. Hogg. Well done!!!!

Welcome to Kristin Roisin

Good Morning. It's wet, cold and miserable outside, but in my cosy lounge, warmed by my log fire, is Kristin Roistin the author of Paranormal Nyte Beauti. The story of one woman's epic search for identity, belonging, and love. Kristin is also giving away a sign copy of her book to a random person who comments.
New followers, leave your email address with your comment and you might win a thank you pressie from me.

Here is a bit about her.

A very happily married, stay at home mother, raising two little boys. Kristin has been writing since junior high, loving all forms of the written word, including poetry, short stories, scripts and even music, but only in the last 6 or 7 years, has had the inspiration, and support, to actually have her works published.
And now, that dream is coming true! With a wonderful team at PublishAmerica, to help Kristin realize this dream, and with the love and support of friends and family, she knows that this book, a paranormal romance, can only do great things.


I have a bit of a problem with this interview today. One of the characters of the book is called Morrigan and she refuses let me and Kristin get out a sentence before butting in. So I’ve decided to interview her about the role she plays in Nyte Beauti, while Kristin puts her feet up and has a nice cup of British tea.

Good Morning Morrigan, thanks for popping by today. Let's first get this question out of the way. Where, and even more importantly, when, were you born?

Hi Margaret. Thanks for havin' me. I was born in the year 1584, in Slieverue , Sliabh Rua, which when translated means "Red Mountain." It’s a village in Southern Kilkenny, in Southern Ireland.

From what I can understand, Logan is your best friend. Some would even go as far as to say, he's your soulmate. Can you tell us how you two met?

Her green eyes flash... How did we meet.... Aye, well... That's an interestin' tale, no doubt. I was searchin' for someone. Turned out, when I found 'im... Logan, and 'is brood squad 'ad already... she smirks slightly ...dispatched 'im. Things get... a little blurry after that... But I will add...I do not mourn that ape, Anton, one single bit.

I don’t know if I’m a believer in fate. Are you?

That is a difficult question ta be answerin'. I'm not totally sure that fate exists. A set of pre-ordained moments, that we 'ave no say on. Nay, I'd be sayin' no.
Do I believe, though, that I'm who, and where, I am supposed ta be? Aye, that I do.

Kristin and I would like to know the readers ideas on this, I’m sure Morrigan would to. In the mean time, tell me abit more about your family?

Logan - Don't be lettin' that cold as steel facade fool ya. He feels deeper than most give 'im credit for. Ya 'ave ta be rememberin'... just because he's a vampire, doesn't mean his humanity died with his mortality.
Desta - Ahh. Lady Desta. Logan's long lost love. She's an odd one, that Desta. The key to her.... always watch 'er eyes.
Alexander - Alex.. sighs wistfully... Logan's oldest friend, and one of the oldest living Magi to date. Well, don't tell 'im I said so, but fire and 'im... don't exactly be gettin' along... if ya be catchin' me meaning... points to Alex's gloves.

Well, we know that you're protective of those you care about. Even so, you didn't seem too happy when Logan found himself a bride. So, what exactly set you off about Serenity?

Blinks... Is this a serious question?

Oh Yes, I’m always serious when it comes to poking my nose in lol

Shakes her head... It was obvious that she didn't truly love Logan. She certainly didn't respect 'im, or 'is position as the head of our coterie. She promisedta love, honor and cherish him. It shouldn't 'ave been that easy ta throw away that ring. She is weak - selfish. And ultimately, she wasn't deservin' of such a fine man.

Is there anything about yourself, that you don't like to share with others?

Her eyes dull slightly...Aye. But you don't think I'll be tellin' the likes o' you lot, do you?

Please? It won’t go any further than the whole world. I promise!!

I'm not ready to talk about this with... strangers.

I hope we are more friends than strangers. Could you try? I promise, if it becomes too... emotional, I'll hit delete.

Sigh... Fine... My exile from Ireland... was self-imposed. Growin' up, I 'ad a friend. One afternoon, we were practicing our sword fighting. He was showin' off, and as I lunged, he tried ta parry. But somethin' went awry, and... my sword found it's mark. Even though the others in me village agreed it was an accident, I should've known better. We both knew me skill was greater than 'is. I vowed ta leave.... until I found forgiveness.

Oh no, how sad. So, have you found forgiveness?

She lifts her chin defiantly... Aye. It's been a long road, an' I've 'ad some help. But I've been able to forgive myself.

Before you leave us, do you have anything else you’d like to share with us?

Sly grin, barring a hint of fang... just this motto of mine. A narrow neck keeps the bottle from being emptied in one swig.

Thank you so much for sharing with us today Morrigan. I hope you find the forgiveness your searching for.

Aye, thank ya, lass. May the road always reach up ta meet yer feet.

Here is an excerpt of Nyte Beauti to whet your appetite.

The book can be purchased from Amazon wwww.Borders.com
www.Barnesandnoble.com

Excerpt

“Long before he met ya, events took place that would bind Logan to
Desta for eternity.” Morrigan continued. “Call it what ya will. Loyalty,
obligation, doesn’t matter. He’ll not turn his back on her. Not for
anyone. Not e’en you.”

“But I’m his wife.” Serenity said.

“Aye. That ya are. And if ya wish to remain so, ya’d best start
listenin’ ta what I’m tellin’ ya.” Morrigan answered.

“You just want him for yourself!” Serenity snapped. “No wife in her
right mind would tolerate that helpless infant routine of hers.”

“Any wife with half a heart would’ve taken the time ta learn that for
all intensive purposes, Desta is an infant.” Morrigan retorted, as she
stepped towards Serenity, her eyes growing dark with anger.

“I don’t care. Let her husband take care of her. Why does Logan
have to run, every time she falls down?” Serenity muttered.

“If ya don’t know the answer ta that one already, it certainly isn’t my
place ta fill ya in.” Morrigan said with an eerie calm in her voice.
Morrigan slowly walked into Serenity, causing her to step backwards,
and herded Serenity to the door.

“Do us a favor. Go home. You’ve brought nothing but ill-feelin’s
and spite into a situation that doesn’t require it, nor warrant it. If you
truly love Logan, Go home. Stop makin’ him choose between you and
his family.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Serenity sneered.

“Oh, but ya are.” Morrigan countered. “Yer gonna go home, and
allow Logan ta do what he needs ta do. Ye gonna wait quietly fer him,
and yer gonna be graceful through the whole thing. Do not, for one
moment, think that if Logan returns with the weight of the world on his
shoulders, that I won’t be on you, like nobody’s business.”

Slowly, as Morrigan continued, her fangs extended, and by the time
she finished, the woman had been replaced with a childhood nightmare,
as green eyes, once dark with anger, glowed red, and every syllable
hissed with a quiet rage.

Serenity watched as the transformation took place before her eyes.
Not actually ever having invoked the anger of another vampire,
especially one so volatile, Serenity trembled. Swallowing nervously,
she reached behind herself for the door.

With a low, menacing growl from Morrigan, Serenity turned and
fumbled with the door before running outside and disappearing into the
woods.


Lots of thanks to Morrigan and Kristin for popping in today. I think we will be seeing you both in my christmas feature. So take care until then.