Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Have You Met A Clairvoyant? Chatting with Christine Agro - 50 Ways to Live Life Consciously





Welcome to BK Walker Books Etc. I'm so happy you could join me today.


BK: Please tell us a little about yourself...
Hi BK! And thanks for interviewing me.
I just wrote a blog post about how we define ourselves, so I find this question interesting. In terms of what I do, I am a clairvoyant, a metaphysical expert, a naturopath, a Master Herbalist and a teacher. In terms of my relationships I’m a Mom, a wife, a daughter and a friend. In terms of how I want to live in the world, I want to be compassionate, helpful, funny and enjoyable to be around.


BK: Please tell us a little about your book....
50 Ways to Live Life Consciously:8 Tools And 42 Concepts To Help You Wake Up And Live is guide book for people who may be searching for something more, or trying to understand their lives. It offers insight and information that might just have you look at your life and how you live it in a completely different and empowering way.


BK: What inspired you to pen this particular novel?
I’ve been working with this information personally since 1999 and sharing it with clients and students for 10 years. When it resonates with someone, it is amazing to see how their life changes. I say ‘if it resonates’ because there are times when it doesn’t, and that’s ok. We are all on different paths, and for some, this just isn’t their path. What I do like about the book is that even if it isn’t your path, in making that conscious choice that the book isn’t for you, you’re actually waking-up. 


BK: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I have always consider myself a teacher who uses writing as a way to reach people, so I’ve never thought of myself as a writer, until recently, that is. It wasn’t the publishing of this book either that flipped the switch for me, it is this daily blog I was asked to write for BeliefNet – Life As A Conscious Mom. I am really getting into the process of writing and telling stories and I think I am just now considering myself to be a writer.


BK: Do you ever run into writer's block, and if so, what do you do to get past it?
I do run into writer’s block and it usually happens when I’m not in alignment with my Spirit. My writing flows from what I have to share. If I get stuck, it’s because I’ve gotten off track. Getting stuck is always an indication that I need to examine what I’m working on, or more likely, the reasons I’m working it.


BK: What is your writing process like? Do you have any quirks, or must-haves to write?
I usually meditate before I start to write and I use my process of being in alignment while I am writing. As I said, if I’m not alignment, the flow of information tends to come to halt.


BK: Where do you hope your books/writing will be in the future?
I have several books in almost-states of completion that I would love to get out into the world. They range from insight into our relationships to information about the spiritual evolution of dogs. I’d also really love to have my books reach around the world. So far, I know there are a few books in India and China, but to help create change around the world would be wonderful.


BK: What do you hope readers will take away from your books?
I hope people find ‘aha’ moments that change, for the better, how they live their lives. As a whole we tend to live with such struggle and challenge in our lives and that can all change if the information I share resonates. 


BK: What is one piece of advice you received that you carry with you in your writing?
Proof, proof and proof again. 


BK: What is one piece of advice you would give to new and aspiring writers?
To write what you know, when you do there is a natural authenticity to it that people will see and respond to.


BK: Are you currently working on any new projects? What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m working on a few things, but I have no idea what will emerge. Although now that 50 Ways is ‘out there’, it seems more likely that I will publish more books. I love the process. I have two books for parents that are almost complete: Seen and Heard: An Inspiring Guide to Conscious Parenting and The Conscious Mom’s Guide to Natural Healing and First Aid for Kids. Then I have two other books that seem like they are companions or follow-ups to 50 Ways and those are The Shift and The Flow. I also have a book completely finished and just waiting for the right time called I Am Woman, Fully Empowered. It’s a really powerful book for women. It’s based on all my own information – as are the rest of my books and it has some amazing insights into our spiritual role as women, our spiritual agreements, how things are shifting and what opportunities stand before us, if we choose to take them. So we will see. I’m also blogging daily, as I mentioned, at BeliefNet under Life As A Conscious Mom. I’m really enjoying the opportunity to share different stories, experiences and insights about being a conscious mom. 


BK: Where can readers find you?
I have a membership site at www.theconsciouslivingguide.com which is designed to help people live life consciously and make connections with like-minded people. I can also be found at https://www.facebook.com/TheConsciousLivingGuide and on twitter @christineagro. 


Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. It's been a pleasure having you and I wish you much success in the future.

Christine Agro is an internationally recognized Clairvoyant, Inspirational Teacher, Metaphysical Expert and author of 50 Ways To Live Life Consciously. (Haldi Press March 2012)
Using her unique approach that combines her clairvoyance and her degree in Naturopathy, Christine offers a truly holistic overview of health, wellness, well-being and our Spiritual journey. Praised by grateful women, parents, and celebrity clients across the globe for her intuitive and extraordinary gifts as a healer, she has been hailed as “magical”, “transformational” and “inspiring.”
Christine has been featured in The New York Times, and dubbed 'a gift to moms' by Real Savvy Moms an award winning website for the former PBS syndicated TV show. She has been interviewed on radio shows around the world, quoted in health and consumer magazines and e-zines nationwide. She has written for Gaiam Life, and contributed to Messages From Spirit by Colette Baron-Reid (Hay House 2008).
Christine is the author of 50 Ways to Live Life Consciously, creator of the Conscious Living Wisdom Cards and the founder and leader of the membership site The Conscious Living Guide (www.theconsciouslivingguide.com). Through The Conscious Living Guide Christine provides a place for like-minded people to connect and offers on-going support to those wishing to live life consciously. Members can participate in weekly meditations, mini-audio courses and a monthly on-line Q&A session.

Publisher: Haldi Press
Release Date: Mar 3, 2012 (Kindle), Paperback March 30, 2012
Genre Non-Fiction Spiritual / Self Help


Does life seem complicated? Are you always trying to get to the next ‘something’? Are your relationships confusing and overwhelming? Christine Agro, Clairvoyant and Metaphysical Expert, shares her unique insight that will help you create a graceful, ease and flowing life. Christine’s information is so simple yet so powerful that you may actually feel yourself shifting as you read. With insight into the how, why and what-for of life, Christine helps you get off the mental and emotional wheels and helps you get your ego in check creating a natural balance with the one aspect of yourself that really does have all the answers, your Spirit. 50 Ways to Live Life Consciously is a treasure box that answers the question “why are we here” and offers 8 tools and 42 concepts to help you make the shift into conscious living.

Teaser:
In 50 Ways To Live Life Consciously, Metaphysical Expert Christine Agro offers the simplest, yet most life-changing answer to the question “Why Are We Here?”

Excerpt 1

When we live unconsciously our life drives us. We find ourselves in places and experiencing things without knowing how or why we got to where we are. Instead of consciously choosing the how, the why and in what we experience life, it is our life that pulls us along. With conscious living we recognize that our life experiences hold the keys to what our life lessons are all about. With that we can make conscious choices about how our own life unfolds and each choice leads us further down our path of Spiritual evolution.
Our Spiritual evolution is why we are here in the first place: to learn, heal and grow as Spiritual beings. We have been taught that we are merely our physical bodies, that we are merely human beings and that our lives are all about what we do. But there is so much more to who we are and who we can be and so much more to living our lives.



Next Stop:

May 31 - Guest Blogging at Wise Words


Thursday, May 24, 2012

50 Ways to Live Life Consciously by Christine Agro - Book Blitz & Giveaway


Visit www.theconsciouslivingguide.com to enter to win a free 1/2 hour reading with Christine Agro, a free book tour or a free book trailer creation.


"Life is a journey. Spiritual evolution is a spiral. Living a conscious life puts you in the driver’s seat of your own magnificently spiraling journey." Christine Agro

We've been asleep at the wheel of our lives and the time is now to wake-up and start steering! 

In this inspirational book, metaphysical expert Christine Agro shares 8 simple yet powerful tools, life changing insight into why we are here and how our lives work, as well as 42 concepts that encourage and support conscious living.

Have you ever wondered why certain relationships are so challenging, or just wished you could find greater balance and inner peace? Christine's information is simple and life changing. Once you read it, your view of life and the people you interact with will be positively changed forever.



Christine agro is an inspiring metaphysical expert. As a clairvoyant, empowering teacher and natural healer, she has, for 12 years, been helping people understand and embrace the true beauty of being here on this planet. She has been sharing her unique approach to health, wellness and conscious living for more than 12 years. Christine provides a truly holistic overview, whether in one-on-one sessions, in courses and workshops or speaking. Praised by grateful women, parents, animal guardians and celebrity clients across the globe for her intuitive and extraordinary gifts as a healer, she has been hailed as “magical”, “transformational” and “inspiring.” Christine has been featured in The New York Times and has been interviewed on radio shows around the world, quoted in health and consumer magazines and e-zines nationwide and is the founder of The Conscious Living Guide ™. In 2001 Christine graduated from the School of Natural Medicine with degrees in Naturopathy, Western Herbs, Iridology, and Natural Physician. She also completed three years of Clairvoyant study at the Inner Connection Institute in Denver Colorado. In 2000 Christine received her Raw Foods Teacher Certification from the Ann Wigmore Institute in Puerto Rico and Christine received her Yoga Teacher Certification from the Shambavanda School of Yoga based in Colorado. Christine lives outside of NYC and shares her life with her husband Chuck and son Caidin as well as Brew the dog, Cassie the Cat, Cha Cha Blue the Parakeet and all the animals who visit her daily.


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

GFP: Chatting with David M. Brown - Fezarius Epiphany



Welcome to BK Walker Books Etc. I'm so happy you could join me today.


BK: Please tell us a little about yourself...


I was born in Barnsley, a former mining town in South Yorkshire, England. I first started writing in 1999 when I was studying at college and have become the creator of my own world – Elenchera – over the last decade or so.


I now live in Huddersfield with my wife, Donna, and our six cats.


BK: Please tell us a little about your book....


Fezariu’s Epiphany tells the story of Fezariu, a young boy who suffers the abandonment of his mother and the murder of his stepfather, tragedies he comes to reason as being his fault. Unable to endure such a difficult childhood, Fezariu runs away from home and finds solace with the Merelax Mercenaries – Elenchera’s most prestigious band of hired hands.


As a mercenary, Fezariu is perched on the pendulum between life and death and he believes this existence will help him to bury his past. Although he excels as a mercenary, Fezariu soon learns that for every battle he overcomes, his biggest challenge still awaits and only in facing his past will he ever be able to forget it.


BK: What inspired you to pen this particular novel?


In building the world history of Elenchera I had many ideas for novels but this story just stood out for me ahead of the others. You could say when the characters lined up demanding their stories be told, Fezariu was the one that shouted the loudest. It’s a shorter novel than future books I have in mind and isn’t on as large a scale as other stories but that made it more appealing as a debut work. I wanted to ease readers into the world of Elenchera gently and I think there is something for many people in Fezariu’s story.


BK: When did you first consider yourself a writer?


I would probably say when I completed my first novel. I actually wrote four now obsolete novels prior to Fezariu’s Epiphany, the first I finished in 2004. Even though I have no use for those works now they gave me the conviction I needed that I could write and complete a novel which I knew would demand a lot of time, patience and commitment. Anyone that completes a novel should feel very proud of themselves.


BK: How do you keep your story flowing?


I draw inspiration from Hemingway and Murakami in terms of style, theirs being simple on the surface but difficult to mimic. I know with fantasy that you can spend too long describing your world and leave readers weary before the story has even got going. I try to describe characters, events and places in as few words as possible to avoid losing the reader and to keep the narrative moving along smoothly. It’s a difficult balancing act because I do feel the need for some detail in conveying the world of Elenchera but I take the approach that readers have imaginations and they know how to use them. I may give the readers a map, but I want them to have the freedom to explore by themselves.


BK: Do you ever run into writer's block, and if so, what do you do to get past it?


I’m fortunate that this hasn’t happened very often. As well as my novels I have a blog, The World According to Dave, where I mostly post film, book and game reviews. If I’m struggling with my novels I may switch to my blogs which demand a different approach to writing but they ensure I remain fresh and don’t get too bogged down trying to force life into a novel when I just need a break from it. If you have multiple projects it’s much easier to switch to another one when writer’s block appears. Failing that, I go for a long walk to clear my head and hopefully find inspiration in my surroundings. This may not always work but getting some fresh air is better than being stuck at home staring in frustration at my laptop screen.


BK: What is your writing process like? Do you have any quirks, or must-haves to write?


I write in two places. The first is in a rocking chair I inherited from my late grandfather, the second is on the edge of my bed. I usually write blog posts while juggling my internet research and social media in my rocking chair. When I’m writing on the bed it’s usually a novel I’ll be working on, whether it’s a first draft or editing. I do write better with some earphones in listening to a selection of songs on YouTube. Artists such as The Decemberists and The Beatles are always inspiration to my ears but the ultimate soundtrack for me is the music from the Final Fantasy games, which makes me feel like I’m in the midst of a fantasy world and results in a smoother immersion into Elenchera.


BK: Where do you hope your books/writing will be in the future?


I’m not a greedy person. I would love to be able to earn a comfortable living from writing but I don’t need to have a fortune to rival JK Rowling to feel I have achieved all my dreams. I fully intend to keep writing novels set in the world of Elenchera and intend each one to be better than its predecessor. I never want to be a writer that reaches a certain level and is content to remain there. It’s better to keep developing and giving readers a variety of stories and not just relying on the same plot format each time. I believe there is enough variety in Elenchera to satisfy a myriad of novels. I simply can’t wait to share them all with readers.


BK: What do you hope readers will take away from your books?


In writing fantasy I want readers to fall in love with the characters more than they do the world. I don’t want Elenchera to have more character than its inhabitants but I do want readers to feel they wish to immerse themselves in it at the same time. The characters whose stories I share are never perfect individuals. They always have flaws and hurt just as we do. Some of them you will find selfish, others you will wish only the best for. As long as the characters engage the reader and are memorable then I have achieved what I set out to with the novel.


BK: What is one piece of advice you received that you carry with you in your writing?


When I left secondary school my English teacher signed a book telling me to never give up writing prose and poetry because he believed I had talent. That was in 1998 and initially I didn’t follow that advice. By 1999 I was writing and have been ever since. Having a teacher with that level of faith in me is something I will never forget. I hope if my English teacher ever sees my books he remembers the advice he gave and knows how grateful I am.


BK: What is one piece of advice you would give to new and aspiring writers?


Find a critic you can trust and listen to them. My wife, Donna, is my top critic and the reason I trust in her is because she was the first person I met who told me aspects of my writing did not work. Before, friends and family had always said my work was perfect which I never believed. Your critic should be willing to praise the good stuff but also pick out the bad as well. You may not always agree with them but I always remember that if my critic has issues with some parts of my writing then other readers will as well. Better to address any weaknesses sooner rather than later!  Thankfully, even though we later became friends and then married, she never lost her brutal honesty!


BK: Are you currently working on any new projects? What can we expect from you in the future?


I am currently preparing to publish my second novel, A World Apart, which tells the story of three friends – Demetrius, Halcyon and Eleyna – that grow up together and find themselves in an unwanted love triangle in their teens. Demetrius leaves to join the army but is reunited with Eleyna and Halcyon around a decade later. The three friends find they have changed dramatically, so much so that they are now enemies!


I’m about to start work on my third novel, which will tackle the popular subject of vampires. These are not the sparkly Twilight vampires that have divided critics and readers, but will rely more on the traditional tales of vampires. At the same time I want to put my own ideas forward on the subject. It may be a gamble writing about vampires, but I believe I have a good concept and having shared my ideas with some book bloggers (including my very critical wife) it seems I may be onto something good here. I certainly hope so!


BK: Where can readers find you?


If you want to know more about me and Elenchera you can head for my website (www.elenchera.com) or stop by my blog The World According to Dave (http://blog.elenchera.com).


I am also on Twitter (@elenchera) and Facebook (authordavidmbrown). If anyone wishes to know more do contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and share my thoughts.


Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. It's been a pleasure having you and I wish you much success in the future.


Thank you for taking the time to interview me. It’s been wonderful sharing my thoughts with you.


12-year-old Fezariu thought his mother died when he was little, but when his beloved stepfather dies the boy discovers she is alive and well - and working at the most famous brothel in all of Elenchera. When she cruelly rejects him it's more than he can bear, and he runs away to join a band of ruthless soldiers for hire. The Merelax Mercenaries will fight for anyone who can pay them, no matter the justice of the cause.

Fezariu grows up among the soldiers and becomes one of them. He thinks his time with the mercenaries has hardened him. But a campaign in his old home town pushes him too far, and he discovers what really happened to his mother. Maybe there are some things money shouldn't buy... and maybe it's time Fezariu took his revenge.



Excerpt 1:

Jessamine’s arrival at the White Oak was the subject of conflicting rumours. Some said that Vincent had found her on the streets and offered to take her in, others professed that Jessamine was a prostitute from a rival brothel and that Vincent had persuaded her to join the White Oak. The worst of the sceptics claimed that Jessamine was payment from one of the local merchants who was heavily in debt from his frequent visits to Vincent’s inn and had been forced to sacrifice his own daughter. Whatever the truth, Vincent arrived at the White Oak one day with eighteen-year-old Jessamine by his side.

The atmosphere at the White Oak changed completely. Vincent quickly found himself overwhelmed by love for Jessamine and his hostile demeanour descended into a rare placidity that was welcomed by all that frequented the inn. It seemed that Vincent’s days of sexual promiscuity were at end and with Jessamine he had found the reassuring comfort of monogamy. However, Vincent’s new found and tender devotion did not last long.
Within months, Vincent’s love submitted to the lure of opportunity. During the long nights sitting with Jessamine by the bar, Vincent hadn’t failed to notice the lustful gazes of the patrons. Their eyes, wide with desire, followed Jessamine’s every move. Rather than feeling the insecurity of a jealous lover, Vincent was struck by a glorious epiphany, one that could increase his already vast wealth.

Vincent took his time in laying the foundations of his treacherous scheme. He enticed Jessamine with sweet words, flowers, rich trinkets and promises of impending marriage and children. Once Jessamine was at his mercy, Vincent introduced her to the wealthiest and most impatient of his patrons. His assurances to Jessamine spoke of monogamy and sacrifice that would bind them together for all time. If this had been the beginning of their relationship then Jessamine would have refused Vincent’s proposal and walked away; however, by this point her heart beat to the same rhythm as Vincent’s and to leave now was simply unthinkable. So Jessamine submitted body but not soul to the eager patrons, all the time thinking of Vincent’s reassurances that they would one day be married.

Jessamine’s new life as a prostitute of the White Oak brought fame and wealth. The mysterious and shy girl Vincent had first brought to the inn became spellbound by the power of her own intoxicating femininity. As her confidence grew Jessamine learned to dominate the room, giving equal attention to each patron before choosing to share her bed with the highest bidder. Vincent remained in the background and watched the patrons – old and young – offer money and fabulous gifts for just one night with Jessamine. The partnership was perfect. Jessamine would earn a fortune by day but at the end of the night would sleep in Vincent’s richly adorned arms.

When Jessamine passed her first year at the White Oak she saw a sudden change in Vincent. His greed, seldom constrained, was now unleashed in all its ferocity. Jessamine began entertaining patrons day and night to line Vincent’s already bulging pockets. Their nights of tender lovemaking and untarnished promises of marriage were forgotten. Jessamine, believing it to just be a phase Vincent was going through, worked even harder to please the patrons and win back the adoration of the one man she loved. 

Giveaway:

One commenter from the tour will win a $25 Gift Card from Amazon. You can follow the tour HERE for more chances to win.






Goddess Fish Partner

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Mrs. Garcia's Class Visits the Hospital by Kristy Taylor & Giveaway


“When we arrived at the hospital, the first thing I noticed was how big it was!  It was about twenty stories high; it had to be one of the tallest buildings that I have ever seen.  Everyone “oooed” and “awwwd” in amazement."




Mrs. Garcia's Class Visits the Hospital is the first book written by author and former elementary teacher, Kristy Taylor. The book is an exciting career day adventure with a diverse group of characters where the students in Mrs. Garcia's class visit the local hospital for their class field trip. While touring the hospital with Mrs. Garcia and Dr. Johnson as their guides, the students learn about over twenty different healthcare careers, and they have lots of fun along the way!
Supplements: An additional student activity is also available for purchase. The activity guide features games, resources, quizzes, and worksheets that will challenge children to think critically about Health Science career options. This guide is a great resource for teachers and parents to teach children about careers in Health Science. The guide also includes a free PowerPoint presentation featuring glossary terms and pictures from the book.




Excerpt:
“Eric introduced us to Michelle, the phlebotomist.  “What is a phlebotomist?” asked Haley.  “A phlebotomist is a person who specializes in drawing a patient’s blood for testing,” said Michelle.  Suddenly, Nathaniel got an interesting look on his face and raised his hand.  “Yessss,” said Michelle.  “Is your job sort of like being a vampire?”  Nathaniel asked.  The entire class laughed and turned to look at Michelle.  “No,” she chuckled. 

“I learned about all of the different areas that doctors could specialize in, for example, Dr Herrera was a podiatrist, and he specialized in treating patients with feet problems.  Dr. Osborn was a neurologists; she specialized in helping patients with nervous system disorders.  We also met Dr. Chadwick, the hospital’s pharmacist; she helped patients get the medicine that they needed in order to help them feel better.”






Giveaway:

For every person that purchases the book during the tour will receive a free activity guide.


Kristy will also be giving away a Swag Pack during her tour:
Swag Pack: 
A KidMedic T-Shirt 
KidMedic Coffee Mug 
KidMedic Pen KidMedic Stickers


May 10 - Guest Blogging & Review at Loves 2 Read
May 14 - Guest Blogging at Mass Musings
May 16 - Interviewed at Writing Innovations E-zine
May 18 - Interview & Review at Ramblings of a Bibliophiliac
May 22 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
May 24 - Guest Blogging & Review at Creating Comfort
May 29 - Guest Blogging at Wise Words
May 31 - Interviewed at A Word Fitly Spoken
June 5 - Reviewed at Books, Books, and More Books
June 7 - Interviewed & Review at A Book Lover's Library

Kristy K. Taylor is a fulltime Health Science Professor, author, and founder of Kid Medic, LLC.  She has over seven years of teaching experience in the field of health science education, and she spent two years as an elementary school teacher in Brackettville, Texas.  Prior to becoming an elementary school teacher and accepting her current position at Palm Beach State College in Florida, she spent six years on active duty in the United States Air Force as a Healthcare Administrator and teacher for the Community College of the Air Force.  Kristy holds an associate’s degree in Healthcare Management, a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Resources, and a master’s degree in Health Science with a focus in Health Education.  Kristy is also currently pursuing her doctorate in Health Science with a focus in Global Health at A.T.  Still University located in Mesa, Arizona.  She holds several certifications to include:  
  • Texas EC-4 Generalist and EC-12 Health Teacher 
  • Certified Wellness Coach 
  • Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) 
  • Certified in Instructional Design (through the Community College of the Air Force) 
In the past, Kristy has worked with students by providing them with career exploration tools and resume help.  She is also currently working on her Career Coaching Certification through the Professional Association of Career Coaches and Resume Writers.  Kristy enjoys teaching and working with students to help them achieve their goals.  She started Kid Medic because she believes that children can reach their potential only when they are properly taught, nurtured, and engaged in a manner that inspires them to expand their horizons through reading, thinking, exploring, and discovering the world around them.


Saturday, May 5, 2012

Cheating Husbands to Catastrophe - When The Heart Falls by Kimberly Lewis - Interview & Giveaway



Welcome to BK Walker Books Etc. Kimberly. Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. I just love the cover of your book, (horses are my weakness) and it sounds amazing!

BK: Please tell us a little about your book....
The story is about a woman named Misty who leaves her cheating husband and moves back to her parent’s ranch to rebuild her life. During her stay there she meets hired hand Vance Kinney and begins a relationship with him. But just as Vance and Misty start seeing each other, her best friends older brother Dylan McCoy walks back into her life and Misty finds herself struggling with her feeling for both men. Strange occurrences begin to happen around the ranching community and when Misty chooses the man she loves, she finds herself involved in one horrific event after another. Now the two of them must fight the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart, and the danger that threatens their lives.   


BK: What inspired you to pen this particular novel?
I had always wanted to write a novel but I just couldn’t figure out what type of novel I wanted to write. During the whole Twilight craze I attempted to write a novel directed towards young adults dealing with the whole paranormal scene. But it was horrible and I just couldn’t get into it enough to write anymore than a few pages, lol. Then a friend of mine gave me a romance novel telling me it was amazing and I just had to read it, thus starting my love of cowboy romances. After that I knew that I wanted to write a western romance and the idea for When the Heart Falls just came to me one day out of the blue. 


BK: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I actually didn’t consider myself a writer until people started calling me one. I mean, yeah I kind of thought of myself as one once my novel was published. But it didn’t really hit home until other people started recognizing me as one.


BK: How do you keep your story flowing?
Wow, this is really kind of hard to explain. I don’t know how I do it really, I just do. When I’m really into writing I just let the story play out in my head like a movie scene and just write what I see.


BK: Do you ever run into writer's block, and if so, what do you do to get past it?
I do run into writer’s block. I actually have a novel that I started after When the Heart Falls and it’s been sitting on my laptop untouched for a year. I’m about nine chapters into it and I just have no idea where I want the story to go. So I just set it aside and started writing a new novel, which I have just recently completed. I really need to be into a story and like what I’m writing in order to continue.


BK: What is your writing process like? Do you have any quirks, or must-haves to write?
 I only write when I’m feeling creative. If I attempt to write anything when I’m not in the mood it turns out terrible, probably because I’m forcing it. But when I do feel creative and start to write it’s hard for me to stop once I get going. I normally write one chapter in a sitting, sometimes more if I have the time. I don’t necessarily have any writing quirks that I can think of. Maybe I have a few but I don’t know that I’d consider them quirks. I can’t listen to music when I write because it distracts me. I prefer to be alone because it helps me concentrate on the story. And if I’m working late I need to have coffee, lots and lots of coffee.


BK: Where do you hope your books/writing will be in the future?
I’d really love to make it on a Best Sellers list of some sort, lol. I think that would just be absolutely amazing. But as long as people are still reading my novels and liking my work than that is more than enough for me. My goal is to continuing writing novels that make people happy and give them that break from reality that we all need every once in a while. 


BK: What do you hope readers will take away from your books?
I’d like for readers to feel like they’ve been able to escape from their lives for a while and step into the lives of the characters. I want them to walk away from the novel having loved it so much that they wished the story never ended. Those are my favorite kinds of novels to read and I’d love to be able to have that affect on people.


BK: What is one piece of advice you received that you carry with you in your writing?
This isn’t actual advice that was given to me specifically but it’s a quote that I believe in very much. “Write the kind of story you would like to read. People will give you all sorts of advice about writing, but if you are not writing something you like, no one else will like it either.” – Meg Cabot 


BK: What is one piece of advice you would give to new and aspiring writers?
 Always keep your chin up and believe in yourself. The writing world comes with the good and the bad, and if you let the bad stuff get to you then you’ll never succeed. Don’t let one little bad review ruin this experience for you. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and not everyone is going to like your novel. But for every one person that dislikes your work there’s always five others that loved it. Keep that in the back of your mind and you’ll do just fine.


BK: Are you currently working on any new projects? What can we expect from you in the future?
 I am actually. I just finished up a new cowboy romance the other day and sent it off to my editor. I’m still playing with the title so I can’t reveal that just yet, lol. If all goes as planned I should have this new novel out sometime in July. It is the first of a series so there will be two more novels following this one.


BK: Where can readers find you?
My Blog: www.kimberlylewisnovels.blogspot.com
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Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. It's been a pleasure having you and I wish you much success in the future.

Giveaways: 

Kimberly will be giving away one $15 Amazon Giftcard during her tour. You can follow her tour HERE for more chances to win.

When Misty Prescott moved back home to her parent’s ranch after catching her husband cheating on her, she couldn’t have possibly known that she’d fall for not one, but two cowboys at the same time. Nor could she have known that getting involved with both men would bring unwelcome excitement, turning her already messed up world completely upside down. As Misty’s relationship with Vance Kinney begins, she can’t help but develop an intense attraction to her best friend’s older brother, Dylan McCoy. But just as Misty makes her choice, she indirectly becomes the target of one horrific event after another. Now, Misty must fight the very obstacles that threaten to tear her apart from the man she loves, and survive the danger lurking around every corner that threatens their very lives.

Excerpt:
“Howdy, stranger,” a deep masculine voice said behind her ear.
She jumped just a little and turned to see who it was.
“Dylan! What are you doing here?” she asked excitedly.
“Heard there was a band playing here tonight, decided to come check it out. You here by yourself?” he asked, hoping that she would say yes.
“No, I came with Vance,” she said as she gestured towards the bar.
His heart sank just a little but he quickly recovered. “You think he’d mind if I asked you to dance?”
Misty was elated. All she wanted to do tonight was dance and have a good time. And she knew that Vance wasn’t going to dance with her so why should he be mad if she danced with Dylan. They were just friends so she saw no harm in it.
“Nope, I don’t think he’ll mind at all,” she said as she got up from the table and let Dylan lead her out onto the dance floor. They followed right in line with the other dancers, circling the dance floor and swaying back and forth. She couldn’t help but notice how nice Dylan looked tonight. She had been used to seeing him in his worn out tan cowboy hat, t-shirt and worn out boots. But tonight he had on a white cowboy hat, pale blue western style shirt with pearl snap buttons, Wranglers, and what looked like new brown boots. He looked even better all cleaned up than he did in his work clothes. The song ended and the couples started to depart the dance floor. The jukebox kicked back on with Tracy Bird’s “Watermelon Crawl” and dancers swarmed back onto the dance floor.
“You know this one?” Dylan asked Misty.
“It’s been a long time, but I’m sure it’ll come right back to me,” she said as she watched what the other dancers were doing.
Dylan joined right in with the other line dancers and Misty was surprised to see how good of a dancer he was. She caught up and blended in to the sea of people as the steps of the dance came back to her. She laughed and continued to dance for the next few songs, Dylan by her side the whole time. Another slow song came on and Dylan took Misty by the hand and pulled her close.
“This ok? Or do you need a break?” he asked as he looked down at her face.
“No, this is just fine,” she said, tilting her head back to look at him.
He took her right hand and molded it with his left, then placed his right hand on the lower part of her back and turned them in a small circle there on the dance floor. She leaned her head against his chest and took a deep breath. He smelled absolutely wonderful. She couldn’t explain it, but the way he held her in his arms as they danced made her feel safe. Like he would do anything for her and protect her at all costs.
Dylan leaned his head down and rested it on the top of Misty’s hair. The aroma of citrus and flowers that nestled there sent his senses spiraling into a whirlwind. He hadn’t expected to see her here of all places tonight. But when he caught sight of her, all dolled up and sitting alone at that table, he thought that someone was surely looking out for him. He loved the way she had left her long brown hair loose instead of pulled back into a ponytail like he was used to seeing. The silver sequined tank top she wore hugged her in all the right places. And Lord bless those jeans. A part of him wondered how she even got them on being as snug as they were.
He twirled them around the dance floor one last time as the song faded. When the room was quiet he stopped and Misty lifted her head to look at him. She was still wrapped in his arms and her face so close to his that she could feel his warm breath on her lips. Her heart started to race like a horse that had just been released from the starting gate. The moment was ruined when she caught sight of Vance from the corner of her eye sitting at the table with a furious look on his face. She quickly pulled back from Dylan and staggered before catching her balance. He looked at her confused and when he saw her glance towards Vance’s direction he understood.
“Thank you for the dance,” she said and gave him an apologetic look.
He watched her walk away from him and he felt an overwhelming sense of defeat. Surely she had to feel what he was feeling. Why else would she have lingered there in his arms after the song had ended?





Thursday, May 3, 2012

Hunter Moon by Cait Lavender - Fun Fact Interview & Giveaway


Welcome to BK Walker Books Etc. Cait. We're so excited to have you here for a chat today, and we decided to make it fun facts in interview format. So without further delay, please welcome Cait Lavender!


What vampire would you most like to meet that you've read in a book? 



Probably Stefan Uccello from the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. Any Vamp that has decorated his VW bus like the Mystery Machine is cool in my book.

 Would you ever bring a werewolf home for dinner? 

Well, if they’re anything like my weres, OF COURSE! How could I turn down sexy lupines? Plus, they’d make a really cool parlor trick. Cash would be a true gentleman, James would be hilarious and I’m sure the other two brothers, Guy and Beau would have some interesting stories to tell as well.

 Favorite Bull Rider from the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) circuit? 



Unfortunately I haven’t gotten to follow this year’s riders, but in previous years I’ve been a big fan of Ty Murray.

Would you ever, or have you ridden a bull? 

Nope! I’m way too tall and lacking that certain type of death wish that bull riders seem to have. The closest I’ll ever get to riding a bull is the mechanical one they have at rodeos! I have a couple bulls, a papered angus and a Maine anjou, but both of them are sweethearts, so I wouldn’t subject them to me riding them ;)

 Hottest Cowboy Alive? 


Hands down, Robert Redford. But Viggo came close in Hidalgo.
What's your horses name? Rusty is the only horse I have now. He’s a red roan quarter horse gelding and the inspiration for Roany in Hunter Moon. I love quarter horses. They’re just a great all-around horse. I love roans of any color and I have a soft spot for flashy black and white paints.

Where is the scariest place you ever visited? 

Scariest? I don’t scare all that easy so this is a toughy. Probably the abandoned all-boys school near my high school. I went there with some friends on a dare. The Hobb’s Grove in my book is a real place, and though I only get as scared as I want to be, the guys with chainsaws still freak me out a bit.

Bawling cattle tore Shelby Flint from her bed. With lawyer fees to pay in her struggle to keep her ranch from the clutches of her greedy cousins, she couldn’t afford the loss of even one calf. When she sees a large wolf circling her cows, she aims and fires. While the wolf escapes, Shelby can’t seem to get away from her troubles when a marijuana grower sets up shop on her land, sabotaging her property and eventually coming after her. Adding to that, a handsome game warden is poking his nose into her business and working his way underneath her skin. Shelby will have to fight harder than she ever fought before to keep from losing heart and everything she ever loved.

EXCERPT ONE
I saw the warden’s forest green Silverado when I pulled in, but no sign of the warden himself anywhere. I lowered the tailgate of the Blazer to let Reggie down and he took off toward the barn. I trusted his instincts and followed him and found an image I could use to warm the lonely, cold nights. On the trailer of alfalfa was a 6’4’ Adonis. The man, or god, who I assumed was the warden, had his shirt off while he was unloading hay. His fantastic shoulders were bare and rippling as he unloaded bale after bale of hay. His biceps flexed as he squatted to pick up another and bless him, I had a front row seat to his fantastic rear.
The warden couldn’t have been any older than late twenties or early thirties, and his golden skin just added to the Greek god effect he had going. Something stirred in me while I watched him work, something I had never felt before. Pure unadulterated lust. I wanted that man more than anyone in my whole life.
Irritated with my surging libido, I tamped down my unwelcome feelings as much as I could. I definitely didn’t need that kind of complication in my life right now. He bent over and picked up another bale and I had to bite the inside of my lip to keep from moaning. No man should look that delicious. I nodded my head in agreement with myself and continued to gawk. His shoulders were nearly twice as wide as mine, and his broad chest narrowed to flat, rippling abs and a trim waist.
In the ten minutes I supposed he’d been there he had almost the whole trailer unloaded, and it didn’t even look like he’d broken a sweat. If I’d unloaded that much I would have been a puddle of exhausted goo. I stood there, staring at all his assets, for a few minutes longer before I climbed on the trailer and started helping.
When I came up behind him, he stopped working and stared at me. His nostrils flared wide, but he didn’t seem surprised at my arrival. Unnerved a bit by his piercing gaze, I picked up a bale. He just shrugged and resumed unloading, maintaining a silence the whole time we worked. In between bales he brushed his dark brown hair off his forehead to reveal two eyes the brilliant blue of sapphires.
He looked at me for a moment, and then unloaded the last bale of alfalfa. I hopped off the trailer, suddenly needing distance from his cobalt stare. Without the hay bales to occupy my hands, they were itching to touch the ripples of all six of his abs. I stared at the ground, shifting from foot to foot.
“Thanks. I really appreciate the help. If I was by myself, this would have taken hours.” I handed him his uniform shirt that was hanging off the side mirror of my truck and glanced at the name tag. “Officer Newcomb.”
“It’s warden Newcomb, but you can call me Cash.” He put his uniform back on and I couldn’t help feeling a sense of loss. The fabric covered a spectacular chest with just a judicial smattering of curly brown hair that drew together in a fuzzy line that lead south. Talk about a happy trail.



Giveaway: 

Leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win an ecopy of Hunter Moon. Follow the tour HERE for more chances to win.


Cait Lavender is a twenty-six year old wife and stay at home mother of one (so far) in Central California. Living on a cattle ranch in Central California where she and her husband raise papered Black Angus cattle. When Cait's not chasing her toddler around the house or doing mountains of never-ending laundrym she's writing feverishly or reading anything she can get her hands on. Cait's favorite thing about books is their ability to transport you out of the stress and fatigue of your own life into a more interesting, sexy world.

Title – Hunter Moon
Genre – PNR
Format – Ebook
Publisher – Kindle Direct
Release Date – March 1, 2012

Website – www.caitlavender.com