MOVED!

Hey Everyone,

I moved to a new website:  www.clarawaibel.wordpress.com, where I speak about writing, publishing, marketing and a bunch of other stuff.

Hope to see you there! :)

Cheers!

The Batman: Halloween Blog Hop

Halloween Blog Hop

So I’m back from Limbo for a very special reason: SMP is doing a Halloween blog hop and it’s just too much fun to say no to. And what’s in it for you? Free books, jewellery and cool stuff. 

That’s right, leave a comment and you’ll be automatically running for a tremendous giveaway and the final draw will take place at SMP http://stillmomentspub.blogspot.com/2012/10/halloween-blog-hop.html on October 26^th!

Now for my part on this deal: A piece on Halloween (which is actually a true life story)

When I was invited to Joana’s Halloween party, I was psyched. Back in Brasil we don’t have Halloween per say (it’s not really part of our culture), but we do have some great Halloween parties imported from the US of A.

Problem was, which costume should I choose? 

Now, I’ve always loved Batman, from age six to right now. Other girls liked My Little Ponies and Barbies while I dreamed of defending Gotham city from the scum that infested it.

“What about poison ivy?” Mom asked. “You could go as poison ivy.”

I shook my head, arms crossed.

“Ok, I know; Batgirl. She is so pretty, sweetheart.”

Head shake again.

“How about Catwoman? She’s powerful and strong.”

“Moooom!” I whined.

Mom breathed out in exasperation. “Fine.”

When Joana’s mom answered the door bell on that Halloween night, she came across a figure. A symbol. A myth.

“Oh, and what are you supposed to be, dear?” She asked, bending over her knees.

I spread my batwings wide and said in a low voice, “Lady, I’m your worst nightmare.”

50 Shades of....?

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you can catch up here, but basically, ’50 Shades of Grey’ is a novel sky-rocketing to fame (check out the NYtimes!), defined as ‘Twilight for adults.’ 

As a matter of fact, it started out as a fan fiction between Edward and Bella and then gained its own life, which is quite…unusual for the lack of a better word, taken ‘50 Shades’ is a really heavy erotica love story between multimillionaire Christian Grey and naïve, literature student Anastasia Steele. 

Remember this: My thang is definetely NOT erotica. Never has been, never will be. I'm the kindda gal who blushes writting a kissing scene.

Now, this book ain’t perfect at all. Far from that. In fact, it’s so poorly written it hurts. The characters are American yet they speak British, and if I read the words “cringe” or "beguillable" one more time, I’ll hang myself. Also, different characters who never met each other, suddenly use the same expressions, which is very distressing. Not to mention that there’s basically no plot here (besides hot, steamy sex.)

Having said that, I could not stop reading this book, which is seriously, mind-blowingly alarming. Did I mention I kind of loathe Twilight? And that erotica is definetely not my thang? Yes, that's how much I was sucked in by this series.

There’s something about ‘50 Shades of Grey’ much like there’s something about Christian Grey, that grabs you and just doesn’t let go. It’s fascinating and scary, like Christian himself. 

The Holly Woods are sketching production for 50 Shades, and if so, how are they going to keep it tasteful? Whatever they do, I hope Alex gets to play Christian.

Anastasia’s love for a man with some pretty wicked tastes drives her in a spiral of events she just can’t control. It’s interesting to see her succumb to her feelings for Christian and send all her moral compasses to the trash, all for this mad love they both feel. 

50 Shades is crazy, offending, often monotonous, but it’s extraordinary at the same time, and I can’t believe I actually liked this book, but it’s the truth. There, I said it. Even though it has soooo many flaws, it's still entertaining and you know what, that is something hard to achieve.

I assume many ladies will spice up their marriages after reading this series.

Have you been wrapped by '50 Shades’ yet? Hated it? Loved it? 

Share your thoughts lovelies : )

Brace yourselves. Winter is Coming.

            This is a series that will blow your mind, scout's word. Okay, never been a scout...let's see, okay, okay got it: Feisty Brazilian's word. There we go.

              I've never been this addicted to a TV series in my whole life. 
         Now that I'm done watching season one and all episodes available for season two, I'm seriously thinking about reading the books. But then again, mamma ain't got no time for epics at the moment, too many deadlines you see. 
             Anyway, there's three factors that I simply love about this series, and although I haven't read the books yet, I credit these three factors fully to George R.R. Martin (and the folks who worked with the script).

•  1st: GOT handles a mob of characters, no joke, and (prepare to be amazed) it works! Lots of side stories here, all very intriguing. Except for the whole shenanigans with Jon Snow and the Wall, but I still believe their moment will come. 

Yes, you heard me Jon. Just keep looking this gorgeous, if you'd be so kind.

•   2nd: GOT characters suffer, a LOT. From paraplegic young lords to beautiful dyrewolves dying for nothing. And that's only the tip of the iceberg, wait until you see what George R.R. Martin does to his MAIN characters. Yes, you will cry. I wish I had the balls to treat my MCs like that. I like to think one day I will, but then again, I'm just fooling myself.

In this game of thrones, either you win or you die, Ned. Whyyyyyyyyy!!!!

•   3rd: Some of GOT main characters look like you'd least expect. Yes, I'm referring particularly to the awesome Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage actually won a golden globe for his performance). How many times have you seen dwarfs as main characters in a book or movie? No, Snow White doesn't count, the seven dwarfs bear not the slightest chance against the complexities of Tyrion.

One of the most awesome characters ever.

 Usually, main characters are gorgeous or weird in a loveable kind of way. Of course they are, we need to like them, and it's always easier to like pretty things (although Tyrion doe not look bad at all if you don't mind me saying). Rarely do they bear features that can be slightly unpleasant to some (come on peeps, it's unfortunate but we all know it's out there). So, I absolutely love Tyrion because he breaks all the 'rules' and boy, does he do it with style. 

Alternatively, Tyrion's brother is a skilled (not to mention drop-dead-gorgeous) fighter. He's also a narcissistic villain who fathered his sister's three children. Yes, Jamie, like his brother, also breaks the pattern and for that, I applaud George R.R. Martin once again. But I still hope Jamie and his son Joffrey die a painful death.

Damned may you and your sister be, Lannister.

I think Game of Thrones is like a little box of chocolate as Forrest would say. You never know what you're gonna get and maybe, that's why it's been getting such awesome critics. And it deserves 100% of it.
Or maybe it's just all the sex and violence.

Giveaway result and more!

Drums rolls please!  The winner of the Giveaway iiiiissss (wow, this is really exciting isn’t it?), iiiiiissssss (don’t you hate it when people build unnecessary tension in situations like this?)

Ms. SAUMYA DAVE!

Congrats Saumaya!!

Today I’m being interviewed by the lovely Jen Daiker over at Unedited and I’m also giving away a copy of Spellbound Hearts for peeps who stop by to comment and show some luff! Last chance folks! 

*Squeee!*

Thanks for all the support, you rule mah dears! :)

Madness, out!

A GIVEAWAY, and my obsessive relation with my former MS

Today, I bear AMAZING NEWS (Ooooh, do I smell a giveaway? I totally do.)

But I also bring you a big, mind blowing confession.

I’d been living an abusive relationship for the past five years. To be honest, the first time she came to me I was fifteen, which turns five into twelve. Twelve years.

Wow.

‘She’ is Jade Kadeem, the main character of my first novel ‘Where Hurricanes Sleep’. Poor Jade didn’t do so well with submissions and after quite a lot of rejections, I decided it was time to let her go. I had dedicated too much of my life to something that would never be what I wanted it to be, no matter how hard I tried.

So on a stormy night, I told ‘WHS’ we were going to Disneyland. Once we reached the cold, dark woods, I smacked my manuscript with a shovel and buried it in the woods.

I drove home and with shaky hands, drank a bottle of Vodka. There, it was done. 

But not all dead things remain dead, do they?  

Jade and her friends haunted me, day and night. They’d play scenes from my MS when I worked out, or when I took the bus, or in my dreams, when all I wanted was to mind my own goddamn business!

And then someone told me that nothing heals a broken heart better than a new love. At which point I thought ‘Hey, why the friggabob not?’.

That’s how ‘In Death’ came to life: as a rebound. And slowly, it conquered me. It didn’t make me the obsessive bisnatch I had become with ‘WHS’. Our thang was calmer, more detached. Healthier. ‘In Death’ was all about ‘I know you just got out of a tough relationship, so, take your time. I’m here for you.’ It reminded me of how fun writing a book can be. We’re taking it slow, but I can see a future for us, I really can.

So, I’d like to know: Have you ever been through the same?

AMAZING NEWS: Oh yes, on with the awesomeness: I officially have two books being sold in Amazon (Holly Molly Guacamole!)

I mean, they’re not 100% mine, mind you. Both are the tiny parts that make a whole called Anthology. But dang, being published feels good! Mostly because it means some insane bunch of peeps thought ‘Hey, da biatch can write!’. Not once, but twice. 

So, I shall celebrate with a GIVEAWAY of "Spellbound Hearts" 
 

 

All you need to do is comment on this post and pray to the Random Number Generator Gods : )

So that’s it for today. Good luck, and good night. 

Madness, out.

Krista Ames' Interview

Hi Lovelies,

Today is the last installment of interviews and we're closing with a golden key.I give you lovely author Krista Ames : )
 Oh and stay tuned: Wicked giveaways this way come (Harry Potter anyone?) oooon the next post. *squeeee*

Hi Krista! Tell us about yourself.

Well, let's see. I'm a wife to a fantastic supportive husband and we have 4 children, 2 chocolate labs and 2 cats. We live in Northern Michigan where the summers aren't long enough and the winters are too cold and snowy. Our house is in continual upheaval but it's an utter joy. My husband makes it possible for me to be a stay at home mom to pursue my writing, even though all 4 kids are in school all day. What better way to get some writing done, along with anything else I find to do when I'm in a lull. 

What was the moment you decided you’d be a writer? You know I'm not exactly sure when that moment really was. In the beginning(within the last 5 years) I did a lot of reading, like staying up til 2 or 3 am just to finish a book I'd started and the more I read the more the ideas just started popping into my head. There were so many I had to start writing them down and I guess it went from there. I sure do love it though.

What inspired your latest story? My latest story is about a Navy man and a lost love. I'm not sure there was any one thing that actually inspired me, I just love military men and the idea just popped into my head one day. Sometimes the ideas come from songs or commercials or a sign or advertisement, even a greeting card. There are occasions when my oldest child will inadvertently give me an idea when she was in the middle of telling me what drama happened at school that day.

Which actor/actress would feature in the movie adaptation of your book? That's an easy one. For Nicholas Prescott(the hero) I would put in Channing Tatum. He makes a good military man. And for Dana(the heroine) I would choose Amanda Seyfreid. They are great together in the movies they've made and I think they would fit the parts well. 

 Oh hail yeah, Krista!

What’s your favorite TV Series? TV actor/actress? My favorite TV series is Ghost Hunters. I know it's not on regular TV, it's on cable but I love that show. On regular TV I'd have to say either The Voice or The River. Actor and Actress huh? With 4 kids I don't watch a bunch of adult programming but I LOVED Alex O'Loughlin from Moonlight and Josh Duhamel from Las Vegas. Now an actress? It's so bad but I can't think of one right at the moment that I really like.

What’s your favorite singer (or band)? Michael Buble and Bruno Mars both rate pretty high but I'm also a country girl so I do love Kenny Chesney. A lot of other country bands too.  My husband is a huge music buff so we listen to about everything.

Thunderdome question!

You’re alone on an island when suddenly, holly cow! You trip over a magic lamp! You rub a genie out of it and he tells you he can bring only one person in the world to make you company. Who would it be?

Wow, that's an easy answer. The first thought that popped into my head was my wonderful husband. I know I could have picked any hottie celebrity on earth but nope, he's the most important one to me and all the hottie I need :)

Now, tell us a bit more about your work.

Well today I'd like to share a novella that was just released last Thursday the 15^th from Ruby Lioness Press called Second Chances.

Blurb:

If you could get a Second Chance...

When the love of Dana's life leaves without a word, she is forced to move on with her life. Despite loving him, she believes she will never see him again but, little does she know, she's being set up for a night that will change her life forever.

Nicholas, A Navy man, did the only thing he could to save the woman he loved. Driven by a secret, he disappeared and now returns, years later, with hope for love. With one opportunity, will he be able to make things right, or is it just too late? Will she deny any desire for Second Chances?

Excerpt::

He watched her knees buckle a bit as Dana clutched at Amy’s arm, never taking her eyes off him. She said something he couldn’t make out—he never was good at reading lips. He was good at reading body language, however, and he knew in an instant what she meant to do just as she turned and made a dash for the patio door. Instinctively, he propelled himself forward, his body miraculously unfrozen. He had to go after her. He was the reason she was bailing after all. He knew from the look on her face. He passed Dave and Amy and shook his head when Dave tried to speak.

“Don’t. I’m sorry. I have to go after her.”

He closed the sliding door behind him and stood on the deck, searching the darkness. She wasn’t there. She couldn’t have gone far. She didn’t know anyone else here, and he doubted she was familiar with the area. He descended the stairs and walked out onto the yard along the water’s edge. Where’d she go? He started walking and, with relief, caught sight of a silhouette against the water toward the end of his property.

He approached her quietly. She stood, arms hugging tightly around her middle, and held her shoes in her hand while the gentle waves splashed up and over the seawall. Damn, he wanted to touch her. It’d been so long. He couldn’t deny the growing ache pushing against his heart and a sudden tightening of his groin at the sight of how well that dress fit her curves, but this definitely wasn’t the time for his libido to come to life.

He wanted to turn her, hold her in his arms, and nuzzle her beautiful neck just below her ear like she’d always loved. Would she still like it? Maybe she wouldn’t. Maybe he didn’t know her anymore, but he couldn’t stop himself. God, he wanted this woman still. He wanted her to know how very sorry he was for hurting her, and why. But she wouldn’t welcome his touch, especially now. He was certain of it. She’d likely administer a low blow, which he would totally deserve, and bolt. She was unpredictable that way. He loved that about her, too.

He was only human, however, and he couldn’t not touch her. She knew he was there—he’d seen her form go stiff at his presence. Careful not to scare her, he slowly ran his fingertips over her bare shoulders and down her arms, feeling her shiver at his touch before she took a step away. “Don’t, Nicholas,” she said in a low, shaky whisper.

It's available at :

www.rubylionesspress.com

www.smashwords.com/books/view/142186

www.allromanceebooks.com/product-secondchances-753069-149.html

www.barnesandnoble.com/w/second-chances-krista-ames/1109557099?ean=2940014310932&itm=1&usri=krista+ames

Where can we find you?

 www.kristaames.com or my blog www.apassionforromance.blogspot.com and you can contact me via email, krista@kristaames.com.

Thank you so much for having me at your blog today. I had a great time!!!

Pleasure was all mine! :)