Category: meet the characters blogfest

Character Interview: Rosie (In Polyester Pajamas by Catherine Dougherty)

Today we;re welcoming Rosie, the leading lady of Catherine Dougherty’s novels In Polyester Pajamas and In Woolen Bikinis! 

1. Can you tell my readers who you are?  My name is Rosie Blume and I’m a mother, wife, born-again Christian, real estate agent, and an entrepreneur. I’m also Jean’s best friend. (She’s the main character from in Polyester Pajamas.)
2. For those readers who are meeting you for the first time, what do you look like?
I’m a middle-aged, simple looking woman, and many say I look younger than my current age of 47. I have shoulder-length brown hair (no gray in it yet) and hazel eyes. I weight about 150 lbs. and I’m 5’4” tall. 

3. What’s one feature a reader would recognize right away if they saw you?

I have a cheery disposition so I smile a lot. Sometimes Jean says my positive attitude can get on her nerves. We met earlier this year when we were both Realtors for the same agency. Her desk was situated right next to mine and every time I smiled, she’d say it was like staring at sunshine and made her eyes hurt.
4. Girls love scars and interesting birthmarks. Any you’d like to reveal to my readers?
There’s a small scar on my forehead. It’s the result of a car accident I was involved in when I was five. I lost my mother and baby brother then. The three of us were on our way to my grandmother’s house and it was dark out. My mom was angry at my dad and driving way too fast. An animal ran out in front of us and she lost control and hit a tree. I was thrown from the car before it rolled over. That’s the only reason I survived.
5. Can you tell us a little about your family?
As I mentioned, my mom and baby brother died in the accident. My Dad died several years later from a heart attack when I was a teenager. I have a step-mom, Eloise, who is still alive and currently lives in a nursing home. My husband Jack is the love of my life, and we have two grown sons, Jonathan and Tommy. Jonathan is a teacher in Maine and Tommy is currently attending college at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). I want to tell you more about my family, but I can’t right now. You’ll have to read the books to find out.
6. Who are you closest to, and who do you wish you were closer to?
I am closest to my family and my best friend Jean. There is someone else I wish I could be closer to, but again, I have to refrain from telling you more.
7. Where do you call home, and has that always been the same place?
I’ve always lived in the Lake Region of New Hampshire. It’s my home and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. It’s just so beautiful here.
8. What is your biggest fear? Is there anyone you trust enough to tell?
My biggest fear is not finding out the secret I reveal to Jean during our slumber party (in Polyester Pajamas). I don’t know how anyone can live without a very best friend to confide in. Also, I encounter an issue later on that rattles my faith (in Woolen Bikinis). I am able to tell Jean and my family about it, but it’s hard to because it scares them.
9. It seems like everyone else has a secret. Do you?
Yes, I’ve carried one around for a very long time. I tell Jean about it as I’ve mentioned, but even after telling her, I’m not sure if it’s time to reveal it to anyone else and to try to solve the mystery behind it.
10. What makes your character laugh out loud?
It’s Jean–Jean makes me laugh out loud. She gets so stressed out over everything and does some crazy stuff. She calls me at all hours of the night and day with her man problems and can be so dramatic. I can remember when she called me from a restaurant because she was lusting after some guy. It took all I had to hold back the laughter. She’s so funny! What a drama queen! She’s also lots of fun to be with. Whenever we’re together, we get into some pretty comical situations.
11. What is one strong memory that has stuck with you from childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?
It is when my mom and brother died. As you can well imagine, it had a great impact on me.
12. If you could take one night off, where would you go and who would you go with?
This is an easy question! I would go with Jean to her cottage at Long Sands Beach in York, Maine. We’d walk along the shoreline, drink wine, eat plenty of lobster and other seafood, knit, dance, and talk all night long. We’d have another pajama party!
13. What does you most value in friends?
Honesty and sincerity. Out of those qualities come love and mutual respect. True friendship.
14. Which words or phrases do you get accused of over-using?
All things happen for a reason.
15. If you could change one thing about your life what would it be?
I wouldn’t change a thing–not even the bad parts. They’ve formed me into who I am today and I like who I’ve become.
16. Some of your friends have special abilities. Which talent or ability do you wish you had?
I could be a little more daring like Jean, but I think that time will come. In fact, I know it will in the next book of the series–in Red Leather Jackets. The novel is currently being written and will be released in 2014.

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Character Interview: David and Jon (Sign of the Throne by Melissa Eskue Ousley)

Let’s meet the guys of Melissa Eskue Ousley’s new novel Sign of the Throne!

Today we’re interviewing two characters from the book, Sign of the Throne: David Corbin and Jonathon Reyes. 
Let’s start with David Corbin. 
David, tell us about yourself.
I’ve just returned to Newcastle Beach after traveling in the South Pacific. A few months ago I graduated from college with a degree in business and will soon be joining the London branch of my father’s firm, Corbin Industries. Well, that’s the plan, but…I’m no longer sure I want to leave California. I’ve met a girl, and it’s made me rethink some things. 
Do tell–who’s the girl? What’s she like?
Her name is Abby Brown. She works at the Newcastle Beach Inn and also babysits for Riordan and Cassandra Buchan, who are friends of my parents. When I first saw Abby working in the cabana by the pool at the inn, I had the strangest feeling we’d met before. It was like deja vu. Maybe it was just because I thought she was beautiful. She has the prettiest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. 
Have you talked to her?
Yeah. I ran into her a few times and finally managed to have a real conversation with her at the Buchans’ house. I think we were both nervous at first, but then once we started talking it felt like we hit it off. I told her about cage diving with great white sharks in Australia and she acted like I was completely crazy, but I think she was a little bit impressed too. I like that she banters with me. Most girls don’t—maybe because I can come off as reserved, like, I don’t know, the strong silent type.  I know I’m not exactly approachable, and I probably scare a lot of girls off. Plus, I’m in a long distance relationship with a girl named Amelia, so I haven’t exactly encouraged flirting from other girls. 
Uh-oh. So you already have a girlfriend.
Sort of. Amelia is the daughter of my dad’s business partner from London. We’ve known each other for a long time even though we don’t see each other too often. But I’ll be seeing more of her if I move to London, and I’ll be working under her father’s supervision until he thinks I’m ready to move up in the business. Amelia is very beautiful and intelligent, and we get along okay, but we don’t have that much in common. It’s tricky though because I know it would mean so much to our parents if we ended up together.
Wow—no pressure. What are you going to do?
I don’t know.  But I’d better figure it out because Amelia’s coming for a visit soon. Do I keep dating her and move to London? Or do I take a chance and see if there’s a future here with Abby? I feel such a strong connection to Abby—what if I’m too scared to take a risk and miss out? I did take a risk the other night—I offered to drive Abby home on my 1961 Harley. I like it that she was adventurous enough to ride with me—we had a lot of fun together. Amelia, on the other hand, won’t go anywhere near my bike.
You have a big decision ahead of you. Maybe you should talk to your parents about the pressure

they’re putting on you.

Maybe. I’m starting to realize that I’ve allowed other people to direct my life rather than figuring out what I want for myself. But don’t get me wrong. My parents are great, in spite of the pressure I feel to go along with their plan for my career and my love life. They adopted me as an infant, and I’m grateful for the wonderful life they’ve given me. I admire my dad, Philip Corbin, for working so hard to build his company. He’s taught me a lot about how to be a leader. I just hope I can live up to his expectations. And I’m really close to my mom, Margaret. When I was away at college we used to talk on the phone almost every day. 
You’ve had a great life so far, and it sounds like you have a promising future. Has life handed you any major disappointments?
Funny you should ask, because I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. No. I’ve never been sick, never gotten hurt, never wanted for anything. And I’m starting to think maybe that’s not normal, because bad things do happen to people.  All the time.
I can’t remember anything horrible happening to me, except…something weird did happen to me once, and I was never sure if it was real or just a nightmare. There was this monster in my room—some kind of black beast with red eyes. The memory is kind of foggy, but in the morning I found a silver seashell under my pillow. It wasn’t there when I went to sleep. Does that sound crazy?
Maybe your parents put it there.
That’s what I thought too. But they swore they didn’t. I’m sure they thought I made the whole thing up. What bothers me most about this is even though I know the seashell is real, I don’t know if the monster was. What if it wasn’t just a dream? But that sounds insane. I can’t talk to anyone about this.
What about your friends? Can’t you talk to them?
Well, the thing is…I have a lot of friends from high school and college, but nobody I could talk to about something as crazy as this. I don’t even have anyone I would consider a best friend. Can you be surrounded by people and still be alone? I feel like that sometimes, but I know I’m not totally alone. I’m probably closest to my mom and Moira Buchan, a friend of our family. They seem to know me better than anyone. I tried to talk to them about this, but they just brushed it off, insisting it was a dream. I’m not convinced it was.
What about Abby? Maybe you could talk to her.
Are you kidding? I don’t want to scare her away.
Fair enough. I hope it works out. Let me ask you one more question. What song best captures your life at this point in time?
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash (or maybe “London Calling”).
Thanks, David. Let’s move on to talk with Jonathon. Jon, what impression do you make on people when they first meet you? 
They think I’m a dead sexy rogue who doesn’t take life too seriously. 
David? Is there a problem? He’s shaking his head and laughing.
Hey Corbin, you had your chance. It’s my turn now. Shut it.
Do you guys always act like this, Jon? 
No.  Usually I only want to destroy him when Abby’s involved. 
I see. Well then, moving on…what do people think about you after they’ve known you for a while?
They still think I’m easy on the eyes. But, if they really know me, like Abby does, they know I do take some things seriously.  Abby knows I’d do anything for her or for my mom. I take school seriously too, even though people may think I’m a slacker. I’m a senior in high school but I’m also enrolled in Dr. Buchan’s psychology class at the University of Santa Linda. Not that I share that with everyone—I do have a reputation to uphold.
Tell me about your relationship with Abby. Are you dating?
Not anymore. We’ve known each other forever, and we’ve always been best friends. We tried dating, but Abby decided we’re better off as friends. I wouldn’t mind giving it another try, but I don’t want to pressure her. I think she might have a crush on Corbin, and to be honest, I’m not thrilled about it. I want her to be happy, but I don’t want her to get hurt.
Why do you think she would get hurt?
Just look at him. He’s cocky, he’s spoiled, and he’s going to rip out her heart.
He doesn’t seem that bad to me. Is it possible you’re feeling jealous because Abby likes him and you still have feelings for her?
Maybe a little. But it’s more complicated than petty jealousy. I love Abby. She’s my best friend. I’m the one who has always been there for her, the one who understands her. So yeah, maybe I’m a little over-protective sometimes. But Abby and I come from the same world. David Corbin? He’s from a totally different universe.
What are you saying? He’s an alien?
Yeah, I am. Only kidding, Corbin. What I mean is Abby and I both come from Santa Linda. We live next door to each other. My mom works in medical records at a health center, Abby’s mom is a school teacher, and her dad’s an accountant. We go to the same school, and we’re both working to save for college. I work as a life guard at the Newcastle Beach Inn, and Abby works in the pool’s guest services cabana. But David is from Newcastle Beach, which is the wealthiest neighborhood in Santa Linda. He didn’t have to work to go to college—he just had everything handed to him. So how can he understand Abby like I do? 
Maybe he’ll surprise you. Let’s change gears. If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
I’d probably be hanging out with Abby at her house or mine. Maybe we’d go to the beach.
What is it that you want out of life?
To be happy and for the people I love to be happy. And I want to make my mom proud. She works so hard and does so much for me, and I want to do something with my life to show her I appreciate all she’s sacrificed to take care of me. I don’t yet know what I want to study in college, but I know she’s proud that I’ve already started taking classes. She didn’t have the opportunities she’s provided for me.
What are you most afraid of?
I’m most afraid that something bad will happen to people I love. After that, not much scares me, except maybe the fear of not taking a risk. I’d rather take a risk in doing something and fail than to never take a chance. Abby teases me sometimes about flirting with girls who are, let’s be honest, out of my league, but I’d rather take a chance and be rejected than miss out. 


What song best captures your life at this point in time?
Well, I did say I was dead sexy, and I try not to take myself too seriously, so naturally it would have to be “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred. That’s a classic, and Abby and my mom would think it was hilarious if I started strutting my stuff to that song.
I suspect you’ve done that before.
You would be right. We act endearingly dorky at the Reyes house. It’s part of our charm.

Catch up with David and Jon as well as Melissa Eskue Ousley online at

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Character Interview: Ketchup (Wicked Hunger by DelSheree Gladden)

Today I’m pleased to introduce Ketchup! Okay…that’s not his real name, but everyone has been calling him Ketchup for so long nobody remembers what his real name is! 

1. Can you tell my readers who you are? Do you have a nick name you’d prefer I call you? 
 I’m Ketchup. Obviously that’s a nickname, and no I’m not going to tell you my real name. I probably wouldn’t even answer to my real name. It’s been so long since anyone’s actually called me that. 
2. For those readers who are meeting you for the first time, what do you look like?
 I get accused of looking like Superman with my black hair and build, but my eyes are brown not blue. Just so we’re clear, though, I look more like the Smallville Superman, not so much the spandex wearing cartoon version. You wouldn’t catch me dead in something like that. 
3. What’s one feature a reader would recognize right away if they saw you?
 Other than looking like Superman, probably my smile. Van loves it, anyway. 
4. Girls love scars and interesting birthmarks. Any you’d like to reveal to your readers?
 Not anything noticeable. I’ve got some little scars around my knuckles from slipping with my lock picks…but I probably shouldn’t go into too much detail about that. 
5. Can you tell us a little about your family?
 My mom is super busy with work, so she’s not around a whole lot anymore. That was different before her and my dad split up, but we make it work. My dad stays pretty busy too—or at least that’s what he tells me when he bails on visiting. Van feels more like family than my real family sometimes. 
6. Who are you closest to, and who do you wish you were closer to?
 Even as busy as my mom is, we’re still pretty close. She somehow always knows when I need to be grounded, or when I just need someone to talk to. Van is my best friend, though, and nothing she could ever tell me will change how I feel. I just wished she believed that. 
7. Where do you call home, and has that always been the same place?
 Born and raised in the desert. Some people think it’s ugly, but I like it here. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t leave to stay with Van. 
8. What is your biggest fear? 
 My biggest fear is not knowing what’s coming. I want to protect Van from whatever she’s facing, but if she won’t tell me what’s really going on I don’t know how to prepare. All I can do is watch and be ready…and make sure Van can’t see me keeping an eye on her house at night. She’ll claims she doesn’t need my help. Van isn’t wrong very often, but she is about this. 
9. It seems like everyone else has a secret. Do you?
 I’m not really the secret keeping type. I’m pretty up front about most things. Unfortunately, that has never helped me much with Van. Keeping other people’s secrets, though, that I can do. 
10. What makes you laugh out loud?
 Van’s and Laney’s expressions when I dump ketchup all over my food. Sometimes, I don’t even want ketchup, but I can’t resist grossing them out!
11. What is one strong memory that has stuck with you from childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?
 The day Van saved my life. I don’t think I have to explain why that sticks in my head. 
12. If you could take one night off and do anything you wanted (no repercussions), what would it be?
 One night off, no repercussions? I’d take Zander somewhere out of the way and punch him in the face. He’d probably beat the crap out of me afterward, but it would be totally worth it. I have no idea what he has against me—I’ve never mistreated Van—but it’d be nice to take out a little frustration on him. 
13. What does you most value in friends? 
Honesty. I know Van is still working on this, but I’m willing to wait. 
14. Which words or phrases do you get accused of over-using?
 Did Van tell you to ask me that question? I’m sure she’s thinking about how many times I’ve told her I’m in love with her, but in my defense, it hasn’t sunk in for her yet. When she finally gets it, well, I’ll still say it all the time, but I don’t think it will bug her at that point. 
15. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Whatever it is that Zander hates about me. I’m not sure what it is, but I’d happily change it if I could…if it meant being with Van for real. 
16. Which talent of Van’s do you wish you could have?
Have you ever seen her heal herself? It’s pretty amazing. I’d love to be able to do that. My mom would have a harder time finding reasons to ground me if I never came home with scrapes or bruises. 
You can find Ketchup and more about DelSheree’s books online at

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Character Artwork: Olivia and Mason (Invisible by DelSheree Gladden)

My newest book, INVISIBLE, is currently being featured on Wattpad! 

In the first few months, INVISIBLE has received almost 700,000 reads from the amazing Wattpad members and lots of great comments and messages. One of those fabulous comments was from BruisedDreams, who created this unique banner for Invisible. 

This is how BruisedDreams pictured Olivia and Mason at five years old when they first found each other…when Olivia spotted him crying on her front porch…when no one believed her that he was real because she was the only one that could see him. He wasn’t her imaginary friend, he was her best friend, and still is. 

I love the banner, BruisedDreams! Thank you so much!

Invisible is now available only on Amazon in paperback and Kindle! 

You can find me and my books online at

Amazon Kindle US : Amazon Paperback US : Amazon Kindle UK : Amazon Paperback UK : 
B&N :  Kobo :  Goodreads : DelSheree’s Blog : DelSheree’s Website : Facebook : Twitter : Wattpad : Amazon

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Character Artwork: Evan and Clyth (On A Wing and A Dare by Linda Ulleseit)

Today I’m pleased to showcase some beautiful Character Artwork from Linda Ulleseit’s novels On A Wing and A Dare and In the Winds of Danger. 

The artwork was done by the talented Susan Stec! 
Meet Evan and Clyth!
Flying Horse Books
Linda Ulleseit Media Kit
Contact: FlyingHorseBooks@gmail.com
Author Bio: Linda Ulleseit was born and raised in Saratoga, California, and has taught elementary school in San Jose since 1996. She enjoys cooking, cross-stitching, reading, and spending time with her family. Her favorite subject is writing, and her students get a lot of practice scribbling stories and essays. Someday Linda hopes to see books written by former students alongside hers in bookstores.
Her first novel, ON A WING AND A DARE, was published in 2012. It is a Young Adult fantasy set in medieval Wales, complete with flying horses, a love triangle, and treachery. It’s sequel, IN THE WINDS OF DANGER, was released March, 2013. The focus of that book is the misty past of a groom and the murky future of a rider.
As a child, Linda always loved to write. She took her first creative writing course in seventh grade, accumulating a closet full of stories that she never showed anyone until 2007. At that time, she gave the first draft of a flying horse book to a teacher colleague to read. . ON A WING AND A DARE began as a NaNoWriMo novel in 2009. It was revised with the help of reviewers on thenextbigwriter.com over the next two years. For NaNo 2011, Linda drafted the sequel, IN THE WINDS OF DANGER.
The next Flying Horse book is a novella titled WINGS OVER TREMEIRCHSON. It will be released as an ebook in Fall 2013. It follows the story of Hoel and Neste, parents of a main character in ON A WING AND A DARE. This fall, also, Linda will begin drafting UNDER A WILD AND DARKENING SKY, the end to the flying horse trilogy.
Follow me on TWITTER: Linda Ullesesit
Follow me on FACEBOOK: Flying Horse Books
Read my author blog: flyinghorsebooks@wordpress.com
Read my blog about teaching reading and writing: Ulleseit@wordpress.com
ON A WING AND A DARE
Purchase
Book Blurb: Flying horses…a love triangle…poison….Welcome to Tremeirchson.
In Tremeirchson, a barn leader’s children are expected to follow their parents into the sky, becoming riders of the magnificent winged horses that are the medieval Welsh village’s legacy. Neither Emma nor Davyd, however, want to follow that tradition.
Sixteen-year-old Emma risks losing her family by following her heart. Eager to take her place in the air, she longs to ride a forbidden winged colt born in barn of her father’s biggest rival. She also dreams of the rival’s sons, not sure which she truly loves. Bold and exciting, Evan will someday lead his father’s barn. Davyd is quieter, more dependable, with an ability to get things done. Her father disapproves of both boys and pushes her toward an ambitious newcomer. He also insists she ride the colt he’s picked for her.
Davyd, also sixteen, is plagued with a secret—he is afraid of heights. Refusing to become a rider means public humiliation, his parents’ disappointment, and lifelong ridicule from his brother, Evan. He reluctantly prepares to join his family aloft in the Aerial Games that provide the entire village with its livelihood and tries desperately to think of an alternative.
As Tremeirchson’s barns prepare for the Rider Ceremony, winged horses suddenly start dying. Shocked, the adults hesitate, mired in tradition and politics. Is it a disease or poison? Accidental or purposeful? Someone must discover the answer and act before all the winged horses in the world are gone forever.
IN THE WINDS OF DANGER
Purchase
Book blurb:
Nineteen year old Nia is shocked when she is secretly offered the leadership of Third Barn. This new barn full of flying horses will need someone confident, experienced, and innovative, so why are both warring factions pursuing an untried girl? Suspicious that both sides want a puppet instead of a leader, Nia races to discover their secrets before making the biggest decision of her life.

Some of those secrets are unknowingly buried in the disconnected memories of a young groom named Owain. Terror and guilt haunt Owain’s dreams – and then a face from his nightmare arrives in High Meadow. Owain looks for answers in his past and uncovers a dangerous plot that could doom High Meadow’s future. How can he foil the plot and save his people as well as the winged horses?

WINGS OVER TREMEIRCHSON
(a flying horse novella)
Book Blurb: Eighteen year old Neste rides a winged horse in Tremeirchson’s Aerial Games and she is betrothed to the barn leader’s son, Hoel. Life would be wonderful if Hoel wasn’t so unpleasant to the other riders. Adam, on the other hand, is handsome and nice but a terrible rider. Together, Hoel and Adam are the perfect man. Obviously she can’t have both of them. When Neste’s winged horse is involved in a terrible accident, her life changes and she must make different choices about her future. Can she go against her father’s dying wish that she marry Hoel? Can she forgive Adam? Can she make a life away from the barn and the winged horses she loves?

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Character Surprise Post: Melanie Martin (The Funeral Singer by Linda Budzinski)

Today I’m welcoming Linda Budzinski to the blogfest to tell us more about the characters in her novel, The Funeral Singer. 

Meet the Characters: Melanie Martin
In THE FUNERAL SINGER, Melanie Martin’s best friend, Lana, says to her, “I swear, you are the only girl I know who spends more time fantasizing about her funeral than her wedding.”
Lana’s right, but who can blame Mel? After all, she’s surrounded by death all day long at her father’s mortuary. So, what would Mel’s funeral look like? If she could have her way:
The service: There’d be lots of music and of course videos. Friends and family would take turns sharing their memories of her–and not just the good ones or the sweet ones or the funny ones, but the bad ones, too. Because that’s all a part of who she is.
The dress code: No black! And no jeans! (After all, this isn’t a rock concert!)

The flowers: Anything but lilies. As Mel says, “They’re gorgeous, but they stink up the place.”

The casket: Definitely a wood … most likely maple. Strong, natural, practical. And reminiscent of the huge tree outside her bedroom window.
The readings: Sara Teasdale’s “The New Moon” (of course) and Lamentations 3: 17-26.

The music: There would be all kinds of tunes, but the featured songs would be “Amazing Grace,” “You Are More” by Tenth Avenue North, and “White Out” by The Grime (her rock band).

Her epitaph: It definitely would not say, “Beloved Mother/Wife/Daughter/Etc.” Perhaps it would quote Harvey Mackay: “Talent is God-given; be humble. Fame is man-given; be thankful. Conceit is self-given; be careful.”
Linda Acorn Budzinski decided in the second grade that she wanted to be a “Paperback Writer,” just like in the Beatles song. She majored in journalism in college and now works in marketing and communications. She spent 18 years at a trade association in the funeral service industry, where she discovered that funeral directors are some of the bravest and most compassionate people on earth. Linda lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, Joe, and their chihuahua, Demitria. She has two step-daughters, Eris and Sarah. Published in September 2013 by Swoon Romance, THE FUNERAL SINGER is her debut novel. She is represented by Andrea Somberg of Harvey Klinger Inc. and can be found atwww.lindabudinski.com.


THE FUNERAL SINGER
Available now on Amazon.com!
Publisher: Swoon Romance
www.lindabudzinski.com

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Feistiest Girl Contest

It’s once again time to vote! Last week you started voting for your favorite Hottest Guy. This week you can vote on your favorite Feistiest Girl from some fabulous new books! 

And the nominees are…


SYNOLA HARPER—YOU’RE BUSTING MY NUPTIALS, BY AUTHOR ANN EVERETT
Synola Harper is a sassy mouth. Tequila drinking, twenty-six-year old Texan who is never at a loss for words, especially when it comes to local bar owner and private eye, Jinx Monroe. She never backs down from any situation regardless if it’s a gun-fight or doing a strip tease for a bunch of clowns. She works part-time at Sweet Thangs Bakery and writes snappy hang-tags for Luscious Legs Jeans Company.

YOU’RE BUSTING MY NUPTIALS : Amazon  : Website : 
 Smashwords : Facebook



PERSEPHONE — PERSEPHONE BY KAITLIN BEVIS

Persephone begins the series as a shy sixteen year old living in Athens, Georgia. She’s not well liked by the girls of her school, but luckily her best friend Melissa does all the fighting for her. When not in school, she works at Demeter’s Garden (her mom’s flower shop), has a crush on the hot new senior, Joel, and a passion for the “Dusk” series. Her plan in life was to go to UGA, marry the rock star Orpheus, have twin girls named Harmony and Melody, and move into the house with the white picket fence on South Lumpkin  street.
         
All of that falls apart when her mother announces that Persephone is actually a goddess.  Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. The only place Persephone will be safe from Boreas is in the Underworld. But the only way to get there without dying is to become Hades’ wife. After Hades assures her their marriage won’t mean anything beyond granting her the ability to come and go from the living realm, Persephone agrees to wait out the winter in the Underworld. While there she learns how to control her powers and explores her growing feelings for Hades. But when Boreas takes her best friend hostage, Persephone knows the time to hide has come to an end.

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LAYOL — THE OTHER F WORD BY SUSAN STEC
Fun moments with Layol from sections of the book:

Layol yelped a laugh, sent her tray flying, and cherry juice drizzled down Soahc’s face, onto her saffron dress, and pooled around the silver belt cinched at her waist.

Everyone’s eyes got big.

Soahc froze, a red droplet hanging off the tip of her nose. She glared at her.
The lunchroom began to burble with giggles, and rolled into boisterous laughter.

“Karma’s a pixie. You shouldn’t’ve laughed at Dek when she fell in the restroom,” Layol said, and tucked a smile between her teeth.

“Yeah, how’s it feel?” Dekram blurted, body shaking, wings dusting yellow sparkles. O’mifairygodmother! Did I just say all that?

“You wingless little…little gremlins!” Soahc rocketed toward the bathroom, her minions in frantic pursuit.

“Exit time!” Layol grabbed a rolled-up romaine leaf stuffed with cream cheese and dates with one hand and Dekram’s arm with the other.


VANESSA ROTH — WICKED HUNGER BY DELSHEREE GLADDEN


Name: Vanessa, but please don’t call me that!
Nickname: Van is much better, thanks
Hobbies: Dancing, mainly ballet and hip-hop. I know, I know, it’s shocking given how moody and crazy everyone thinks I am. I’m learning Jeet Kune Do, but don’t tell Grandma or she’ll kill me!
Biggest fear: Losing any more of the people I love. 
Favorite food: Black Forest cake, but only Grandma’s. Everyone else’s is gross compared to hers. 
Worst habit: Biting, but I’ve mainly got that under control now. 
Quote: “People who don’t know me well think I’m a moody, dark teenager. I’m really just trying not to kill them.”
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JAYDEN — DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL BY EM HAVENS

Jayden Schroeder is a spoiled, self-centered brat. Even facing purgatory, demons, and her final judgment she doesn’t have a problem mouthing off to the very people who can keep her safe. The only people who she will have contact with while in limbo. Through her journeys, she learns to be a demon-slaying badass, pulverizing them with her favorite sawed off shotgun. When bullets run out, she’s quick to hack them up with a machete. When the battles make a surprising turn, not only is she willing to break the rules, but she has no problem questioning the “man in charge” and standing up for what she believes is right. She also isn’t shy about her attraction to Marshal Britton, the sexy Marine who is 50 years her senior…but not really. With the time paradox, she’s robbing the cradle. Neither matters to Jayden. When her mind is made up, she’ll do or get what she wants, and not even heaven or hell will stand in her way.


SUSAN — THE GRATEFUL UNDEAD BY SUSAN STEC

From Marcus’ mouth (after all, turnabout is fair play):
Susan is definitely feisty… and difficult, controlling, loud, cantankerous, and, well, being her mate is often exhausting, and quite trying at times. However-
Susan interrupts: Really, Marcus? You’re using a twelve letter word to describe me?
M: I assure you, darling; I used the word cantankerous in a most endearing manner.
S: Uh-huh, controlling and difficult as well, I assume.
M: There are not enough assertively problematical adjectives in the human language to describe your…unique comeliness, II mio amore?
S: You know I’m lookin’ those words up later, right?
M: We will do it together, Luv.
S: Speaking of togetherness, we’re not totally mated. I haven’t made up my mind, remember?
M: We most certainly are mated. The moment we became so will forever be engrained in inferior temporal cortex of my mind…my brother’s mind, half the team at BAMVC, and every member of your family. Do you remember the night, darling? Five cars full of immortals, all following us down the highway at seventy-five miles an hour, and you lowered your beautiful lips-
S: Shut up! It was very embarrassing.
M: Never-the-less, we did mate and nothing can change-
S: Look, we may share blood…and-
M: Excuse me, Darling. Did I interrupt you during your post about my sexual prowess last week?
S: Well, no, but…
M: I think you’ve taken up enough of these lovely readers time. As for your feistiness, I rest my case. Let’s take the rest of this intermezzo upstairs, shall we?
S: Can’t you speak English? You are so going to get it when we get up there!
M: One can only hope, darling.
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LYNLEE — MAUC SERIES BY OLIVIA HARDIN

Name: Lynlee Lincoln – She’s a wand-wielding witch with an extra dose of spunk.
Profession: Lynlee is a Neutralizer. It’s her job to keep MAUCs (Magical And Undead Creatures) out of sticky situations. Are you a witch who’s spells go awry?  What about a vampire who’s last bite dug a little too deep?  Are you a werewolf with a hairy problem?  A zombie struggling to survive in a sea of pretty faces?  No matter what kind of MAUC you are, she can keep you out of trouble in the human world.
Method: She once got rid of a troll by donning a maid’s costume and cleaning up his pigsty. Trolling for Trouble (MAUCs Series One)
Friends and Family: Her BFF is a werevamp/doctor, the love of her life is a human who isn’t quite sure about magic and she’s quickly adopting a young nymph and her non-magical brother into her heart.
Strengths: She has a big heart even if she does try to deny it. She’ll drop everything for those she cares about.
Weaknesses: She doesn’t trust the powers that make her who she is, and she’s afraid to just let go and be herself.
Feistiest Quote: “Seriously? You stopped taking your potion so your friends would learn to like the ‘real you’? Do you really think this little twit won’t mind that you have the ass of a goat and horns in your head?” Tangled Up in Trouble (MAUCs Series Two)
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STEIN — EXTRACTED BY SHERRY FICKLIN

Stein has been a Rifter for as long as she can remember. No mission is too dangerous, no assignment too crazy. With Lex by her side, they are the undisputed leaders of the Hollows, a group of rogue time travelers bent on destroying the Tesla Institute and everything it stands for. Quick witted, ferocious, and bold Stein is every bit a warrior in her own right. Stein is always busy saving the world, changing history, and beating the living crap out of anyone who gets in her way, all while in her signature corset and top hat.

SARAH CORBEAU — COPPER GIRL BY JENNIFER ALLIS PROVOST
Sara Corbeau, the main character of Copper Girl, is quite the feisty girl.
She lives in a world where magic exists, but has been outlawed. This is problematic for Sara, since she’s a member of the Raven clan, one of the most powerful magical bloodlines in history. She’s also a metal Elemental, which means that she can mold metal—especially copper—to her will.
Sara tried to blend in with the non-magical populace; she worked at a boring office job, and lived in a small, government-issue apartment. She always waved politely at the drones whizzing overhead, and readily presented her official paperwork when asked.
That was in public.
Sara, along with her best friend, Juliana, downed a bottle of wine one afternoon and cut the government tracking devices out of their arms. Sara currently wears hers in a watch, and has been known to leave it where she was “supposed” to be.
Where does she go, you ask? She sneaks into the Otherworld, searching for her father, who went missing after the magic wars, and brother, who was arrested shortly afterward.
Then, she pulled a sexy elf into her dreams, and the two of them set out to rescue her family, take down the Iron Queen, and destroy the government.
If anything, calling Sara feisty is an understatement.
CORRINE LAMB — HUSH PUPPY BY LISA T CRESSWELL

My name is Corrine Lamb and my tombstone better not read “Born, lived and died in Carolville, North Carolina”. If I don’t get outta this redneck town, go to college, and see the world, I’ll be a complete failure. I’ll join the Peace Corps if I have to. I live with my grandma, who’s about as protective as it gets. I guess she’s trying to make up for my mama running off and leaving me after daddy died. I had my whole life figured out before Jamie showed up, romancing me with his poetry and books. I never met such a crazy white boy. He’s so wicked smart, but he plays like he’s dumb so his redneck daddy won’t know. I never thought I’d fall for a white boy in a million years. He thinks he can’t go to college, but I’m gonna enter him in a writing contest for a scholarship and he’s gonna win. I just know it. He might be kinda mad when he finds out I took some of his writing, but when he wins, he’ll forget about that, right? I can’t sit by and let him waste his life. It’d be a damn shame.

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PHOEBE — LIE TO ME BY ANGELA FRISTOE

Taking crap from her sisters or from her arch-enemy is not on Phoebe Matlin’s list of things to do. Ever. Hooking up with said rival’s ex boyfriend? Well, that is definitely something Phoebe has plans for. But a new boyfriend isn’t the only thing Phoebe is dealing with. Her gift of Truth Telling has finally kicked in and she’s realizing that her best friend Tonya is in major trouble. Even when everyone around her doubts what she knows is happening, Phoebe isn’t about to let her friend end up hurt, or worse.

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LIBBY SPARKS — THE DESTROYER TRILOGY BY DELSHEREE GLADDEN

Name: Libitina Sparks or Cassia The Destroyer
Nickname: Please just call me Libby
Hobbies: I love anything to do with art. Drawing, painting, pastels, charcoal…it takes me away from all the insanity. 
Biggest fear: Becoming the person everyone thinks I am. 
Favorite food: Godiva chocolate. Don’t touch my chocolate! 
Worst habit: Breaking bones. Mine, not other people’s…well, most of the time anyway. 
Quote: “I just want to get through high school and live my life without people trying to kill me.”
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SADIE NAVARRO — BELIEVING IN HORSES BY VALERIE ORMOND

People call me feisty when they don’t agree with me. I prefer the term persistent. One of my mentors nicknamed me “Moxie,” which I liked. But I’m not special. I just do what I think is right.
I’m part of a military family which makes me different. We move every few years and start over – new schools, friends, and routines. Change strengthens people. I reach out to people because most people don’t do that to the new kid. I explore and experience new things.
My dad goes away a lot, and I worry about him. He’s my hero. But I don’t want to talk about Afghanistan, so let’s not.
I discovered ten horses going to auction last year, which is bad. I committed to saving them and contacted horse rescues, a State delegate, a TV station, stables, and others to find homes. I can’t tell you the outcome, but it’s in the book “Believing In Horses.”
My persistence doesn’t please everyone. I’ve faced horse abusers, kill buyers, and horse thieves. I could have run away or not. But I believed in my mission, so the choice was easy.
 And when I’m thirteen, I plan to keep doing the right thing. 
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LARA — IN MY OWN SHADOW BY SUSAN ROYAL

     I’m Lara, and I work downtown in the Metropolitan Building. I’m not really all that good at talking about myself. Just ask my good friend, Carrie. She thinks I’m antisocial. Sometimes I give in and let her drag me to some party, so she’ll get off my case for a little while. Once there, she circulates like the social butterfly she is, while I lurk around the edges of the crowd.
     Carrie and I have been BFFs for a long time, even though we are total opposites. She’s cheerful. I’m sarcastic. She’s outgoing. I’m a loner. She’s always been there for me. I just wish she’d quit trying to fix me up with some guy she thinks is my Mr. Right.
     People tell me I should have been a model, and I always assume it’s because I’m 5 foot 10 in flats, tall enough to intimidate some men. It’s funny. That’s one of the first things I noticed about Rhys. My height didn’t seem to bother him a bit. His rugged good looks were another thing.
     Everything happened so fast it was a blur, but after Rhys dragged me through a portal to another world, I realized he wasn’t the blind date Carrie had set me up with. He really was out of this world. I know you’re thinking this sounds like your typical ‘guy rescues girl from danger and takes her to another world, where they fall in love’ scenario, but you’d be wrong. Rhys treated me like an unwanted responsibility, nothing more. And I let it get under my skin. Why? Because even though I refused to admit it, I had feelings for the man.

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Character Bio: Lucien (Smoke, Wings, and Stone by Marijon Braden)

Hi DelSheree – Marijon Braden here, and I thought I’d introduce folks to one the characters in my YA/Fantasy, Smoke, Wings and Stone.  His name is Prince Lucien Hugo Gargouille, and he is quite an unusual young man.
It seems that he was born in France in 1831, but because of his, ah, Family background, he appears to be around twenty years old.  You see, he’s a gargoyle.  For thousands of years, gargoyles have defended the world against evil.  When Called to battle, they change their form and grow wings. This way they are always certain to defeat their enemies.  They age very slowly, and, when they Sleep (turn to stone) they age not at all.
Lucien is the youngest of three sons born to Queen Violetta Gargouille.  His oldest brother was killed by the Brunels, a powerful vampire clan.  The next brother, Denys, drowned.  That left Luc the only heir to the Family line, so he was taken to Wales and hidden for years, until Violetta’s sisters had children of their own, insuring the Family would continue.
He has been educated all over Europe – Geneva, Bologna, and Paris – as fitting a young prince who is next in line to inherit the crown of the Gargouille Family.   While visiting New York City, and attending a concert of the London Philharmonic, he saw a young woman, Sara Fleming, play her flute.  He was so moved by her beauty and passion that he sought her out and declared his love for her.  She was flattered by his attention, but did not realize that the words she spoke to him bound them together – forever.
Here’s a quick Q&A so you can get to know a bit about him.

Lucien – tell me 5 things you love – The Family, skiing, opera, fast cars, Sara Fleming.
5 things you hate – Television, stop lights, McDonald’s, polka music, Renata Brunel.
Greatest challenge – Navigating the Family into the 21st century – it is extremely difficult to hide the fact that you’ve been alive several hundred years in the age of the computer.
Greatest fear – That Sara is so vulnerable.  The vampire clans are hunting her.  Anything could happen.
Right Now – I am in love and learning how to be a king.  It is a wonderful time for me.
Future ambition – To make my wife happy, to have many children, and rule my people in peace.

MJ:  That’s it for now.  I hope you’ve enjoyed meeting Lucien, and will want to read more about him  in Smoke, Wings and Stone.  Thanks, DelSheree.

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Character Bio: Maze (The Ballerina & The Fighter by Ursula Sinclair)

The Ballerina & The Fighter (Book 1)
A New Adult Contemporary
By Ursula Sinclair
Interview With Maze
My gaze swung to the door, I watch as a handsome young man walks into the restaurant and speaks to the server. She turns in my direction and points. He nods and heads toward me. I stand up and take his outstretched hand, noticing at the same time that the two hostesses at the counter are still checking him out. I smile, not blaming them. At six two of cut lean muscle, gray storm colored eyes, hair various shades of brown that looked like he combed it with his fingers, Maze is drool worthy. I focus on him. ‘Thank you for meeting me here today, Maze.’
‘No problem, Ursie. Anything for you.’ He flashes those killer dimples at me. I can’t help it I grin and we sit down. After placing our food orders. I take out my iPad and pull up my questions. ‘I just have a few questions for you. Are you ready to start now?’
He takes a drink of water. “Yeah. Go right ahead.”
Tell the reader a little bit about yourself.
 My name’s Maze Chang I’m twenty-three. Yeah I know. I don’t look Asian. But I was sorta adopted by my sorta step-father, who was really more father to me than my sperm donor. Anyway, long story short, Joe, my step-dad is Chinese and he and my mom were never married but after she died he took care of me and legally changed my surname.
Pretty cool. What else can you tell us about yourself?
Well I have bit of a temper. Can’t stand stupid people so it’s probably a good thing I’m a professional MMA fighter. I can channel that natural aggression. Oh that’s mixed martial arts but in a purer sense. Not this rolling around on the floor shit you see on YouTube or TV. I fight bare fist and feet. And also with swords. No real rules. Think old school. If you ever saw that old movie Enter The Dragonthen you know what I mean. People get seriously hurt and worse in the forums I fight in. They’re more arenas than cages. And it’s not exactly sanctioned by any legitimate fighting organization. It’s underground and controlled by a Triad group.
How long have you been a fighter, and have you ever lost a fight?
*He shakes his head* . No never lost a fight. I’ve been training since I could walk, but fighting pro for the last eight years.
You mentioned your fights are controlled by a Triad group. Other than as a fighter are you involved with them?
I try not to be but the less said about that the better.
O.K. Moving on then. Do you have a love interest?
*His entire face lights up into a smile*. Yeah I do.
Can you tell the readers a little bit about her?
That’s easy. Her name is Ivy she’s a prima ballerina and she’s my reason for everything. She makes me wants to be the man she sees when she looks at me.
So do you see yourself settling down?
With her anything is possible.
Okay now for the fun stuff. Boxers, Briefs, or none of the above?
*He grins* Ask Ivy.
Coffee, tea or chocolate?
Oh I definitely am partial to chocolate. Amazing what you can do with it in liquid form. He flashes those dimples at me.
Favorite piece of furniture?
Depends on what room I’m in with Ivy.
Thank you for being here with me today Maze. Is there anything you’d like to add?
*He snorts*. Like I had a choice. But since you have to finish our story I figured I better show up. Seriously though it was a pleasure. So now can you get back to writing and finish my HEA with my ballerina.
I will.
Blurb:
I travel through life dancing.
All I ever wanted to do was dance, as did my best friend. We’d made so many plans together, but one night an explosion changed it all. Only one of us survived, and I promised myself I’d succeed for us both. And I did, until an accident almost ruined my career, but Maze came back into my life when I needed him most. He pulled me out of the depths of my despair. But could I save him now?
I travel through life fighting.
It had always been Ivy; from the first moment I saw her leaping through the air like she had wings to lift her from the ground. But she was my dream, something I wanted more than anything else in my life. I promised myself I would stay away from her. Violence followed me everywhere and I tried to keep her far away from it. She was my point of illumination in the dark tumultuous world I lived in. But I could not stay away from her. Not when I knew she needed me. As much as I needed her. But could she accept me as I am?
To read Maze and Ivy’s story please find them here:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Ballerina-Fighter-Book-ebook/dp/B00DQ6VI60/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ballerina-the-fighter-ursula-sinclair/1115929791?ean=2940148217596
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theballerinathefighterbook1-1228402-149.html
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/334714
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-ballerina-the-fighter-book-1-1
To learn more about LaVerne Thompson writing as Ursula Sinclair visit her here:
http://lavernethompson.com
http://facebook.com/groups/lavernesnews
http://twitter.com/lavernethompson
http://isisindcblog.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/ursula.sinclair.98

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Character Bio: Kassia (Ice Magic, Fire Magic by Shauna Roberts)

Kassia from the forthcoming Ice Magic, Fire Magic
Name: Kassia
Age: 18
Occupation: In school learning women’s magic. Still. One would think a woman with my abilities and background could be excused!
Most distinctive feature: My exotic blonde hair. I love it. Even if I weren’t beautiful, I would still draw every eye because of it.
Skills and talents: I am the greatest magical Talent of my generation. That’s enough by itself, don’t you think? But I also have excellent taste in clothes and jewelry and superior social skills. And I’m generous with my time: The other students come to me with questions about their magic assignments, and I often help my dutiful, dowdy, do-no-wrong cousin Fila choose clothes. I fix her hair too. She would be helpless without me. 
Biggest fear: That one day my cousin Fila will outshine me.
Biggest secret: Don’t tell anyone, but I have an understanding with Urushi, the Servant’s son. We plan to marry soon. I will cure him even though his mother can’t, and we’ll be happy forever. Shhh!
Quote: I’ll tell you what Father always says: “You’ve got to go along to get along.” He knows how to be popular and successful. He’s the Servant’s closest counselor, as you surely know.
Life goals: Just one: To be chosen by the Land of Veridia to be Its Servant of Enchantment. It’s been my dream since I was a little girl. I know the current Servant is only my mother’s age and I may have a long time to wait. Still, accidents happen.
Author bio:
Shauna Roberts writes fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, and romance. She currently lives in Riverside, California. She was a copyeditor and an award-winning freelance medical and science writer for 21 years before retiring to write fiction. A graduate of the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Workshop, she now serves on the Clarion Foundation Board of Directors. In 2011 she won the Speculative Literature Foundation’s Older Writers’ Grant. She teaches occasionally in the University of California at Riverside’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Contact and social media links:
Email: ShaunaRoberts@ShaunaRoberts.com
Twitter: @ShaunaRoberts5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shauna-Roberts-author/194876117254102?ref=hl
Website: http://www.ShaunaRoberts.com
Novels:
Like Mayflies in a Stream (historical fiction, Hadley Rille Books, 2009)
Ice Magic, Fire Magic(fantasy, Hadley Rille Books, late 2013)
Claimed by the Enemy(historical romance, self-published, late 2013)
About Ice Magic, Fire Magic:
The sentient land of Veridia chooses Fila as its new Servant of Enchantment. As Servant, Fila must protect Veridia and its two peoples, the magic-gifted Guardians and the nonmagical Toilers. But jealous relatives want her power at any price … even her death. Can Fila trust her only allies, a scholar who has renounced magic and an ancient spirit of pure evil?

Can she survive if she doesn’t?

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