Join me and my fellow Lei Crime writers at the Facebook Event today at 5pm CST. There will be fantastic prizes: Kindle, Book sets and all kinds of Wonderful goodies. I'm going, are you?

Facebook Lei Crime Facebook Party

My new release for Kindle Worlds should go live next week. So excited, can't wait. Also, next week is the Kindle Worlds Facebook party. Come and join us for fun, and free books and prizes.
Facebook Party

The fate of the world rests with unlikely heroes.
Power comes with a terrible price …

Katsuko’s not exactly normal, but she’s never truly been challenged either.

All that’s about to change because somebody knows she’s special.

The murder of Kat’s guardian and the sudden discovery of her powers leaves her reeling.

 She can control fire, conjure lightning, and summon a dragon, but will it be enough to help her save her world and herself from dark magic?

(This story takes place before Blood Orchids, on Hilo.)      

My favorite genre’s are mystery and urban fantasy with some romance and paranormal thrown in. I’m a hybrid I guess. I love to pitch a normal person into an extra-ordinary circumstances as they find out the monster under the bed is real.

I loved the idea of setting some stories in Hawaii, just for fun, like a mini-vacation. I knew I’d need to do some research, but dragons and Hawaii seemed such a good fit.

I hope the readers will learn to love Kat because of her resilient spirit, and ability to carry on in spite of all the loss in her life. She hasn’t built up walls to keep people out.

New Release, New Contest

A sadistic serial killer is staking fairies with iron and taking their wings. Ande Ryan is on the case as part of the Paranormal Investigation Unit. Being forced to work alongside her werewolf former lover, Cal, has made the case even more problematic. Now, she must deal with her difficult Fae half sister—who she didn’t know existed—as well as the possibility that she might have to keep the dark forces from taking over the world. 


It's preorder time for Dead Fairies. So its time for a contest. Anyone who preorders Dead Fairies in the next ten days will be entered in a contest. Two people will receive swag like bookmarks, post card and a notebook. One person will also receive a signed print copy of Dead Fairies. Please comment on this post and tell me when you order.
Would love reviews on Amazon once you read it.
I will announce the winners , on Facebook, by Sept. 29th and you can private message me you...r address at that time.
Unfortunately, the contest is for the USA only at this time.

http://tinyurl.com/owxzeaf

Pet Peeves-Our Furry Friends

Here's the link for my latest Dogster article.


"What behaviors does your dog have that drives you crazy?"


http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-behavior-training-tips-drive-crazy-pet-peeves

Why I Write Blog Hop-Why Does Carol Shenold Write

 

 

WHY I WRITE

My best friend, Amy Shojai, tagged me to join her in a “Why I Write” blog hop. Amy and I have been in a writing group together for twenty years. She not only is she an animal behaviorist with multiple cat and dog care books, but she’s written two “Thrillers with bite.” “Lost and Found” and Hide and Seek.” Visit her at http://amyshojai.com

     Why I write has always been a difficult question to answer. So, here are several reasons.

1. By the time I was in third grade, I realized I could read every book in the library, even if I couldn’t understand it. I was so excited. That’s when I fell in love with books and words. I couldn’t get enough of reading and listening to others read, like my grandmother.
2. In school I was in the library club, wrote book reviews, and was the kid who enjoyed writing essays. My sister and I took the bus to the downtown Dallas library every week during the summer and checked out as many books as possible. I should have known even then that I would be destined for the writing life.
3. I wrote my first book when romances were the first big thing. I saw writers on television talk about being writers and for some reason figured out you did not have to live in New York to be a writer. I was a little slow to pick up on that.
4. I wanted to be published, but even more, I wanted to give other people the same pleasure of getting lost in a book that I also enjoyed. I’ve learned a lot.

The writing life is hard, long, and difficult to break into. If you focus on the on the end product, you might get lost. Focus on the journey, enjoy the writing and editing, send off the manuscript and write the next one. To make a living as a writer, be willing to write fiction, non-fiction, teach and spread your wings in multiple directions.

 

5. Back to why I write. I love books and stories. My grandmother was a wonderful story teller. She told me and my sister scary tales at bedtime, to my mother’s lasting horror.  For me, the creation of worlds allows me to get lost in other lives and reading allows me to enjoy worlds created by others. I love Post apocalyptic and paranormal tales. 
6. I’m finally retired from 50 years of nursing. As much as I love writing fiction, nonfiction pays more quickly. I’ve been writing non-fiction, medical-technical and pet related. So, even though I can now write full-time, I have to divide writing time between paying gigs and fiction. But, I’m doing what I always wanted to do, full-time, and love it.
7. The most difficult part of the writing life for me, is the fact that writing time takes away from reading time and I love reading. Never have enough time for reading, never have too many books. Never have enough time for all the art I want to create.

 

Now it’s time for me to tag a couple of other writers.

Rinda Elliot has written the Beri O’Dell series,”Dweller on the Threshhold” and “Blood of an Ancient.” She also loves making wine and gardening. Go visit her at https://relliott4.wordpress.com

 

 

Tabitha Shay is a romance writer who writes witchy titles such as “Witch’s Brew” Witch’s Heart” Witch’s Moon” Now she’s added angels to the mix and you can meet the Angels from Deadwood. You can visit her fun website at www.tabithashay.com

 

Be sure to come visit me at www.carolshenold.net or http://carol-carolsinkspot.blogspot.com. “Fairy Dust”, “Privy to Murder” and “Bloody Murder” are all available at www.Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Discovery

I've discovered Elizabeth Von Armin and "Elizabeth and her German Garden." Beautiful writing, and can so identify with this Edwardian writer, her views on nature, gardens, babies, books, neighbors and visitors. Solitude is to be prized when you can find it.


Don't make the mistake of thinking the real life Elizabeth was a shrinking violet. Born in Australia, raised in England, married a duke, lived in Germany, had a divorce, an affair with HG Wells among others, died in the US in 1941. Acerbic sense of humor and definitely a feminist.


So enjoying a book I would never have picked up if my Grand daughter had not invited me to join her book club. Many thanks to Nikala.

Wednesday Writing- Tips, tricks, news.

My new article "Infection Prevention in a Rescue Population" will be on www.catster.com next week. I'm excited. Can't wait to see it. Go visit the site if you enjoy great articles and tips about cat care, cute pictures and all that fun cat stuff.


How do you revamp your writing career? For me it has so far consisted of writing fiction more and bringing back the nonfiction writing. I'm working on freelance articles for Catster and Dogster as well as applying to write for www.about.com on a regular basis. Next trick, getting into a good routine that gives me time to write fiction, nonfiction and up my marketing, including this blog.


I'm sure there are more things I need to be doing but this is where I began. Sure am enjoying working from home. Less make-up, jewelry and dress clothes involved, comfortable shoes. More time for writing and art. Now I just have to figure out why blogger won't let me add pictures to my blog right now.


Have you done anything new lately?


Would love to hear from you here, or on Twitter @realmonsters or visit my website at www.carolshenold.net. I'm also on facebook at www.facebook.com/carolshenold

Cats and More-Changes

I am so totally enjoying being retired, (except for the fixed income, but that's another post altogether.) I now have time to write, paint, play music and read. I'm spending more time on Zentangle projects and taking up nonfiction again as well as fiction. I'm even going to write about pets again, fun writing in addition to the medical technical writing and my urban fantasy addiction.


I really went crazy and submitted to About.com but not sure I will hear back. Catster also has an article they are considering. So, activity going on here. Dead Fairies on the downhill stretch for the first draft, finally. I've begun the latest CME course for nurses.


Not sure how I had time to work before because I'm pretty busy with writing, occasional lunches or plays with the girls, Zentangle with friends on Monday afternoons and Lori's needs.


I have a goal of being a more regular blogger now, so stay-tuned for more Privy to Murder and Dead Fairies news in the future, plus Infection Control at home tips and pet news. Jasper and Poppy both want to be in the spotlight.

Today-Sunday

Good news on the writing front. Have a freelance contract with Catster for a new article.
Starting the new CME course on environmental hygiene in healthcare-so exciting.
Trying to finish Dead Fairies.
Want to begin the new pastel painting I sketched out, an Indian shawl dancer.
Word for today, the week, Notice, be present. Enjoy every moment of retirement.

Fairy Dust Launch Day

Official Wild Rose Press Launch day for Fairy Dust

 

Comment on this blog, tell me your favorite book, the one that influenced you the most. Enter to win a print or electronic version of Privy to Murder to Bloody Murder. Contest on until July 10. United States only. Be sure to leave your email so I can let you know if you win.

Fairy Dust Interview

Join me for a fun interview at: http://twrpblackrose.blogspot.com/
Find out all about me and Fairy Dust.
Also, Post a comment on my blog, right here,  for a chance to win a copy of Privy to Murder or Bloody Murder.


 

Zen Your Art

Here's an example of a Zentangle. This is my zen meditation thing. Love pen and ink drawing with art pens, also pretty with colors added. If you too want to zentangle, go to www.zentangle.com to learn how. You will love it. It is addicting.

Below are some Zentangle inspired Art. Just for fun.

Next, journal tangle.

Took a zentangle class, some art from class below.

 





Finally, some pastel penquins for a cool moment on a hot day.

This is what I do for relaxation, stress relief and fun, when I'm not vicariously fighting demons and wicked fairies with my heroines.

Fairy Dust-Release Date July 3.

Can a half-fairy and a were wolf find true love and save the world the same day?

Fairy Dust by Carol Shenold

Half fae/half witch, Ande Ryan’s deepest desires are simple: a stress-free, fun evening with a nice guy, to earn the respect of her peers in the Paranormal Investigation Unit, and at long last, learn to use her Goddess given fae magic.
Instead, she fights a demon, gets mugged by a pixie, meets her soul mate and oh yeah, has to try and defeat a wizard with the help of a six-foot elf and a wolf—Cal Masterson.
Cal had no idea that his first encounter with Ande Ryan would include a fight with a demon or an intense attraction to the red-haired fairy who displays as much courage and determination as any wolf in his pack. Will Cal overcome his need to protect her as they both fight the odds and allow her fulfill her destiny?
Purchase from AMAZONhttp://tinyurl.com/crq2vf6


Excerpt
The thing coming at me barreled out of the trees, leaping from shadow to shadow
Its rotten-meat smell drove me back. It didn’t hesitate before it threw itself at the circle shield. Sparks flew off, crackling in the air and weakening the shield. It kept coming, like the crazy it was, slamming itself into the arc, weakening it more and more until one of the impacts threw me back, into my own energy and through it.
Okay, out of protection here. I threw myself over to land on my knees and came up in a crouch.
The ghoul looked around as if it couldn’t figure out where I went. When it saw me, it let out a snarl and flew toward me. I sent a stream of earth fire at his sorry ass but missed because I levitated at the precise moment I let the stream of fire loose. Ahhhhh.
It always happens at the wrong time. If I ever get control of the flying thing, it will be so great.
Now the darkling was truly confused, and I sent another tiny but forceful fire stream toward him. This time I didn’t miss, and he burst into flame, at least his arm did.
He screamed with frustration because he couldn’t see where I was, flailed around a bit, and ran back into the trees.
“Damn it.” I needed down before the hell dog came back so I could get rid of it.

What if some kid came along. Not one child but several, in a group, with a leader came skipping toward the bridge. Damn, I shouldn’t have had that thought out-loud.
“Go back,” I yelled as loud as I could. “Hurry. Run.” The kids were chattering at the top of their lungs. The leader tried to push them faster, wanting out of the park before the sun set altogether I guessed. They didn’t hear a word I said.
Shadows crept toward them, and one shadow moved away from the others. It was back and heading straight toward the kids.
“Up here, idiot. Leave the kids alone. I’m your prey. Come on, use that one cell you have for a brain.”
“Oomph.” I dropped like a dead fairy, directly in front of the thing. I was toast.

Purchase from AMAZON

http://tinyurl.com/crq2vf6

Wicked Woman and New York City

WICKED

 

I

shall be

horrible

when I am an

old woman who sits

and whispers wickedly,

stories into children's ears.

They must lean closer and closer

to hear me murmur tales so evil.

Careful kiddies. Too close and I will bite.

Okay, that's my fun for today. I love to write poetry, even when it's mostly bad. I wrote this one several years ago and had fun with it. But, as a kid I loved to be scared, loved spooky stories.   Not as fond of being scared now. I'll be speaking at Thrillerfest in NYC, on a panel about suspense. Now that I find scary. Why couldn't I be speaking in OKC, among friends? Oh, yeah, I wasn't asked.   This old lady, a  bit nervous about the whole big apple thing, but it will be so much fun. Amy is coming to outshine my sparkles. Can't wait. So, if anyone will be in NYC, July 12, come listen to the Suspense panel.

Tangled Writing

I took a Zentangle class this weekend, and once again heard something that applies to art and to writing. Are you surprised?

Zentangle is an art you create one stroke at a time.

Writing happens one word at a time.

Zentangle is more about the process than the finished project.

Writing is more about the process than the finished project.

Create small, portable projects, one small one, (write one page or one scene) at a time.

Creating is like eating an elephant. (One bite at a time.)

Everyone would take the same designs, (same story idea) and end up with something completely different than any one elses.

If you have never seen Zentangles and want to learn more, visit www.zentangle.com.

 And-keep on writing - one stroke/word at a time.

New Cover From Wild Rose-Fairy Dust

Here is the new cover for the Wild Rose Press release. Love it. So pretty and fairy-ish Don't have the pulication date yet but hopefully soon. Show some love and write a review or two when it comes out.

In the mean-time, an excerpt:

I hovered three feet from the ceiling in the Herb and Fairy Gardens Shop, praying no customers came in while I calmed down my fairy dust emissions and my temper.


“Bouddicca Andraste Ryan, get your fairy ass off the ceiling and come help me. I’m dying here,” Sierya, a six-foot elf with white hair, and half owner of the shop, yelled at me.

I went up higher. She had no patience with my iffy hold on magick, especially since we had an order from a coven for twelve flower wreaths, for a moon dance. They were due to pick up the wreaths by four, and it was already after two. It’s not my fault I’m only half Fae and not in total control.

I was named for a great warrior queen and a goddess. I felt like neither as I grabbed for my flying waist-length hair with both hands, avoiding the ceiling fan.

“You hold your skinny little horses there. I’m doing the best I can. What did youexpect? Tell me a team of Darklings from the Under is on it’s way to snatch the Titania amulet from me—and expect me to hold my temper? Not going to happen. It’s the only thing my father left me, my one tie to the Fae World. And it’s the focus that lets me use earth magick so well.”

Sierya’s laugh, a short bark, held no humor. “He didn’t leave it to you, he left it because he was in a hurry to avoid responsibility.”

I plummeted to the ground. “Ow. You don’t have to get nasty about it or diss my father.”

She turned on her heel, talking over her shoulder. “It was the best way I knew to get you down before you were caught. We have work to do.”

Elves can be so pissy. I stomped after her, making certain the front door wards were in place as I passed by. They would let people in but any magical creatures would have to leave their powers behind.

Welcome to the NEXT BIG THING blog hop.


What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way that readers can discover new authors, because with bookstores closing and publishers not promoting new authors as much, we need to find a way to introduce readers to authors they may not see in their local bookstore. So I get to give a shout-out to the wonderful author who invited me to this “dance” and then invite terrific authors at the end of the blog.

Debut thriller author Amy Shojai invited me to join the “hop.” Years ago we met at a critique group in Texas and we’ve been critique partners, and friends ever since. Her thriller suspense novel, Lost and Found, is suspenseful read with a child and animal in danger. See the links at the end for other authors you really MUST check out. Check out Amy Shojai's website here, and you can buy Lost and Found.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

In this particular hop, I and my fellow authors, in their respective blogs, have answered 10 questions where you get to learn about our current work in progress as well as some insights into our process, from characters and inspirations to plotting and cover decisions. I hope you enjoy it!

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!

1: What is the working title of your book?

Bloody Murder is my most recent book, a cozy paranormal mystery, part of the Tali Cates series. The next in the series, Murder Most Fowl, is in the beginning stages.

2: Where did the idea come from for the book?

I lived and worked in and around small towns in North Texas for twenty years. The town of Love, Texas incorporates events, locations and people from all over the area, as well as putting ordinary small town people in extraordinary circumstances. Add humor and unexpected magic and you have Love, Texas.

3: What genre does your book come under?

Cozy Paranormal Thriller

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

If I were every lucky enough, I’d love to see Sandra Bullock as Tali, Meryl Streep as Mumsie (really dreaming now.)

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Tali Cates must stop the murders at the county fair Queen contest before she becomes the next victim, oh, and is her new guy really a vampire?

6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

Privy to Murder is published by AWOC publishing, Deadly Niche

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

It took a couple of years due to working full time as well as writing and life events.

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Maybe a little like the Sookie Stackhouse books due to the small town venue, humor and paranormal elements.

9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I love cozy mysteries and paranormal, so I finally just wrote the kinds of books that I wanted to read.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

A good picture of small town politics when it involves kid competitions. Stage moms can be deadly.

Below you will find authors (in no particular order) who will be joining me by blog, next Wednesday. Do be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on WIPs and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading!

Janet K. Brown, Writing God's Message of Hope, DIVINE DINING - published by Pen-L Publishing December, 2012, VICTORIA AND THE GHOST - published by 4RV Publishing in 2012

Website: http://www.janetkbrown.com, Group blog: http://www.bookstowriteby.blogspot.com

Bloody Murder-Just in time.

Bloody Murder is now live! For a good Halloween read or anytime mystery read, add Tali to your faves.
Love the new cover, especially the reds as I'm a red person. My model is a sweetheart and fits the bill perfectly.

FOR SUSAN

My sister died the first of this month. This is for her.

What can I say about Suzie?  She had angels, three. I’m sure she is with them now, helping them organize white robes and halos in labelled boxes as only she could. She promised to stay with the angels to bring all of her loved ones up, one at a time to join her. Of course, being Susan, she planned to snatch us one by one.

Susan was a fierce protector of her loved ones and of her students. She had courage beyond the normal. Who else would have travelled half-way across the world, alone; to snatch the man she loved from Iran and bring him back with her?

When Susan was first diagnosed with cancer, she took the news calmly. But she was determined to fight the disease and win. Susan won for a while. For many years she managed her illness and lived five years in spite of the diseases attempts to win. She did so with elegance and grace, as she did everything.

The Susan I grew up with was snarky, smart and funny. She loved cats and Yul Brynner (a fact only appreciated by those of us old enough to fall in love with the bald king in The King and I. Don’t tell anyone, we thought he was better than Elvis.) She was a perfectionist, devastated by any grade under an A. She spent hours on her eyelashes, expecting perfection from them also, and she got it. Nothing and no one defied Susan if she wanted something.

Susan’s Soraya is a combination of the best of Mike and Susan and the two of them took care of her, with the help of Mollie the Cat, brought her home for as long as possible devoted their lives to her.

I’m going to miss my sister, the person who knew me when I was young, my biggest fan, who loved my books, hung my paintings in her house. She knew all my secrets and took them with her. Whether our conversations took place minutes apart, days or months, it was as if we had just paused for a minute.

I will so miss that person who knew me best, shared a sense of humour, love of cats, books, and family. My best friend, little sister Suzie, will be waiting for me to join her and finish that last conversation.
 

Writing, Life and the rest.

I went to a party last night. We watched a singer, very Sinatra, Andy Williams-ish. Enjoyed the party, wine, friends, music, watching people from work all spiffed-up. Had a great time, but missed having a partner to dance with. Love music, love dancing, no partner does complicate things. Still, eight years later, miss having someone to always watch my back, take over in the emergency, share the fun. Kids are great but not quite the same. They have their own families and lives.

Life has been creeping in more and distracting me from writing. It does get frustrating. Writing is supposed to be my escape, but life events seem to end up with my staring into space and getting no words on the page. I know it's my job to get through it and back to the writing job, but harder than usual this time. Mind over matter, compartmentalizing, not working so well. My mind just goes back to my sister, Karl, other worries.

Maybe I just need to go with it, get past this time and then back into the routine. Traveling works as a life interruption to. I'll be happier when we get back to a routine again and I can put my world back in order. That's my whine for today and yes, I want cheese with that, chocolate and all that good stuff.