Blog hop - 12 days of Christmas

Blog Hop: 12 Days of Christmas 

Event Date: December 1st - 12th 2013 

Hosted by: As You Wish Reviews & Confessions of the Paranormal 

Sponsors: As You Wish Tours & Book Dragon Designs

Christmas window biscuits

I do these with my children every year. Not only do they look great hanging on the Christmas tree but they taste nice too :)



Ingredients

• 125g butter (cubed and at room temperature)
• 125g golden caster sugar
• 225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 table spoons of milk
• 1 packet of colourful boiled sweets

Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Greaseproof paper
• Sieve
• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Large Christmas and small shaped biscuit cutters or a knife 
• Wire rack 

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / Gas Mark 4 / Fan 160°C
2. Line 2 baking sheets with greaseproof paper
3. Put the butter and sugar into a large mixing bowl and cream together until pale and fluffy
4. Sift the flour into the mixture
5. Add the milk
6. Use your hands to mix everything together until you have a ball of dough
7. Sprinkle a clean work surface with flour and place the dough in the centre
8. Lightly flour your rolling pin and roll the dough out until it's about 6mm thick
9. Cut out your biscuits using large Christmas shaped cutters or a knife (ask an adult for help)
10. Transfer each biscuit to the baking sheet, leaving plenty of space between each one
11. Next carefully cut out the shapes for the window, using smaller cutters or a knife  
12. Place a boiled sweet into each window - if they are large sweets you can break them up by bashing them once or twice with a rolling pin whilst they are still in their wrappers
13. Using a fat straw cut out a small hole for the ribbon
14. Bake in the oven for 12 - 15 minutes or until they are a light golden brown and the sweets have melted
15. Leave the biscuits to cool completely on the baking sheets as the sweets are very hot and need to set. When completely cool transfer to a wire rack
16. Thread ribbon through each hole and they are ready to decorate your Christmas tree

Erin Tait is a 15 year old girl, who thinks of herself as a freak. She's moves to her parents home town of Galladale, where all is not what it seems On her first day at school, she meets Sean Jackson. Instantly she is besotted with him. But this results in her being targeted by a girl called Jessica Watson. She has one warning. Stay away from Sean! But he is everywhere she goes, even in her dreams. Which are soon taken over by Jessica's threats and actions against Erin are taken in school. Erin is scared, lonely and confused. Who can she turn to? Will Jessica stop this hate campaign? and can Erin control the fire within?

Most 15 year old girls usually only worry about what clothes to wear, but not Erin Tait. Erin just has to try not to set fire to anything. Easier said than done when she can’t control it. Louise Clarke is a new girl who seems to have some type of seductive power and she says she can have any man she wants, but the only man she wants right now is Sean. After discovering the diary of her great grandmother, Elizabeth Tait, Erin realises that all is not what it seems. Or rather not everyone is who they seem to be. Who is the invisible man? And what secrets does he hold? Can Erin stay away from him? And can she keep Louise away from Sean?

Erin ran away from Sean's birthday party after she witnessed Sean and Louise kiss.

Her world has since been torn apart by the pain caused by Sean's Betrayal and the fire is not only burning on the outside but from within, threatening to strip her of her sanity.

Can Erin handle the Torment that Louise and Sean are inflicting on her?

Can she fight the burning from inside?

Follow Erin on her emotional roller-coaster as she begins to learn to control her fire powers and a friendship soon starts to blossom when Erin begins to learn self-defence.

Her appearance begins to change when she starts fighting with those around her.

Everyone, but Erin, believes that Sean is under some kind of spell and they will go to extreme lengths to prove it.

What will happen in this third installment?

Want a chance to win a signed paperback of Erin the Fire Goddess:The Beginning?

Click the following and follow the instructions. Don't forget to like the page:

Giveaway

Grand Prize: $150 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 

First Prize: One (1) eBook from Every Participating Author 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hi all

I wanted to write a blog because I haven't in so long so I wanted to say hi and have a catch up on what I have been up to..... no much lol (j/k)

Firstly I want to say that my beautiful daughter, Erin, who my Erin the Fire Goddess series is named after, published her first book. She is only 12 years old - How cool is that? Here is a picture of Erin:

So I thought I would tell you a little about her book. It is called 'My World, My Words' and it is mainly poetry and one short story. The reviews have been amazing - You must check them out.

Buy Now - Amazon UK

Buy Now - Amazon US

I am truly proud of my daughter, and I really hope that you could all support her and get yourself a copy. Please try and leave a review :)

For several months Erin has had problems with her foot. At first we were not sure what the problem was. She is in constant pain and tends to walk on the side of her foot. 

After X-rays, MRI scans, Ink trace scan, we finally we go and see a consultant at the Rheumatology department where we were told that Erin has something called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritus (JIA). 

Then the people in the room started talking about medication she was going to need etc. Erin totally freaked out because they said she would need regular blood tests and injections. She absolutely hates needles. Then they started talking about the medication they use to treat this. It is called Methotrexate. Luckily they have said that Erin can take this in tablet form until she gets use to needles, through having regular blood tests.

It's been a month now since the diagnosis. Erin gets nauseous from her Methotrexate and tired from her pain meds, but we know that this will help her. Also her school have helped by letting her do permanent swimming for P.E, which is great because she loves swimming. Any other sports, which she hates, she lasts five minutes and has to sit down. 

Erin is the same person she has always been - A bit cheeky and thinks she knows everything lol. But we wouldn't have her anyway. She loves reading and writing. Hopefully she will continue and publish more books. 

Not everyone can say they published at a book at the age of 12. I know I cant but I certainly did try - This is exactly why I encouraged Erin and helped her publish her book. When I was that age it was so hard to publish a your work. I use to get letter after letter saying 'We do not accept unsolicited documents' which is quite disheartening for a young girl and for almost two decades I gave up my dream of becoming a writer. It was actually Erin who encouraged me to start writing again when she asked me to write another story about her, after a wrote a short story for her school about how bullying is bad and you should stay in school and learn.  Then one day I had a dream about a young girl being bullied et voila, Erin the Fire Goddess was born.

Now I have my youngest daughter, Kasey-ray, asking me to write a story named after her. Having a character named after her in the EtFG series isn't good enough lol. Well the other day I dreamt of the perfect story for her and next year I will start writing it. So watch this space. 

It was actually Kasey-ray's 7th birthday on Monday 2nd December. She told me it was the best birthday ever. Here is a picture of her:

As you can see, I am truly blessed to have such beautiful children who inspire me every day. I love them so much :)

The Descending Darkness Cover Reveal

Blurb:

After going from demon hunter to babysitter, seventeen-year-old SHADOW has truly hit rock bottom. One week he's slaughtering demons, and the next he has ten super-powered teenagers in his care. Shadow needs them, because without them he can't hope to defeat his new foe. But he's never dealt with other teenagers before. He never had a real childhood. He's always been a loner. Hell, he's tried the whole having-a-pet thing. It died. Shadow's mission: save the world and ensure his entire team survives the potential apocalypse. If MAEDARA, self-proclaimed fashionista and Queen of Evil, wasn't trying to rule the world, it'd be cake. Now, not only does Shadow have to deal with teens more concerned with going to the mall than fighting evil, but also a villain who, in his opinion, makes Lady Gaga look like Mother Theresa.

Interview:

I have been so lucky to have recently been able to interview Shadow from this series. It was definitely an interesting interview and he definitely had an air of mystery about him.

Anyway enough of me yapping, let me show you how the interview went.

Hi Shadow, thank you so much for agreeing to be interviewed, especially since you had to travel so far to get here. If I had a space ship then I may have hopped on over for a visit to your world ;)

Shadow: Hello…

You seem a bit nervous. Are you okay?

Shadow: Not nervous…just wary. I’ve taken a huge risk coming here today.

Well don’t worry, I don’t bite. Well maybe just a little ;)
Is this your first interview?

Shadow: …yes.

How would you describe what you’re feeling right now? Would excited be a good description?

Shadow: I...uh, well…meh.

That doesn’t give too much to go on. In actual words, how are you feeling?

Shadow: It doesn’t really matter how I feel. I’m not doing this for myself. I’m doing this so that I can spread awareness.

What do you want people to know?

Shadow: No world is safe. Well…not as safe as it used to be.

That’s a serious statement. What do you mean?

Shadow: Everyone is in danger. Something is coming and those who aren’t prepared will die.

Explain more about this danger that’s coming.

Shadow: Her name is Maedara.

So it’s a person. Who is she?

Shadow: Maedara is someone you never want to meet. She’s crazy, unpredictable, awful and dangerous. In short, she’s evil.

Oooo you must tell me more. We all need to know, what is Maedara planning?

Shadow: I’m not entirely sure. From the bits of information gathered it appears that she’s forming a legion of demons together…as some sort of personal army, probably to help with her conquest.

Oh wow that does sound serious. How can we stop it? Or is the entire human race doomed?

Shadow: Again, not entirely sure, but I won’t let that happen. I have a mission and I’m going to ensure that it’s successful.

What’s your mission? How are you going to save us normal folk?

Shadow: …I’ve scoured the land for teenagers like myself – those gifted with special powers and abilities. It’s my hope that together we’ll be powerful enough to stop it.

Oooo you may want to pay a visit Galladale and meet Erin the Fire Goddess and her friends and family. But I do have to ask what if you guys aren’t?

Shadow: The earth is screwed.

Wow. That’s unfortunate. Well, how about we shift the conversation to something less…macabre?

Shadow: ….What did you have in mind?

Well, you’re a vampire, aren’t you?

Shadow: Uh, not exactly. I’m a Dhampir. My mother was human, my father…wasn’t. So I’m here.

I always thought that vampires couldn’t have children…because they’re dead.

Shadow: Yeah, I’m a scientific anomaly. Normally, vampires cannot have children. They would probably need to be recently deceased or conceive the child when the contagion is fresh in their body and hasn’t progressed to the level required of full-vampirism.

Huh?
Shadow: The theory is that my father managed to get vampire blood inside of his body, so the contagion was present in his blood stream. It takes anywhere from 48 to 72 hours for the disease to corrupt a human into a vampire. In that period of time he probably…helped my mother become pregnant. And that’s where my affliction came from.

Ah I see….I think. You view it as an affliction?

Shadow: Wouldn’t you?

I don’t know. Some people would give anything to become a vampire. What do you think of them?

Shadow: They’re morons. Next question?

Well, I have one last question. It’s a totally random, fun, super, awesome question. Are you ready?

Shadow: …Sure.

Would you rather be chased by a fluffy pink unicorn or be eaten by a banana?

Shadow: …

Inquiring minds would like to know.

Shadow: …

Don’t leave us in suspense!

Shadow: ...eaten by a banana.

Why?

Shadow: …because unicorns frighten me. And this Q & A is over. *vanishes*

Michael Chulsky

Author bio:

Michael Chulsky grew up in New Jersey and has been writing ever since his fourth grade teacher let him create a class newspaper to channel his creativity. He is the author of The Descending Darkness and currently lives with his fiancé. When not writing he enjoys browsing Tumblr, listening to music, and devouring every piece of cheesecake that falls into his line of sight.  

Where to find Michael:

Facebook Page

Blog 

Rocking Horse Publishing

Amazon Paperback

Web Site

Ever Wrath by Alexia Purdy

Title: Ever Wrath
Author: Alexia Purdy
Series: A Dark Faerie Tale (#4)
Genre: Genre:  Fantasy/Faeries/YA/Paranormal
Publisher:  Lyrical Lit. Publishing
Release Date: Sept 15 2013
Blurb/Synopsis:
There is no hope.
Only blood and darkness await.
Shade rules as Queen of the Seelie Summer Court with her love, a Teleen Faerie named Dylan at her side. But, the dark court of Unseelie faeries will do everything in their power to rule the earth, including enslaving the human world. Arthas, the Unseelie Ancient King, has shattered the boundaries of Faerie and the human cities are filling with his evil, unearthly armies.
Old enemies become allies. New friends bring old secrets and an ancient magic to light. Alongside the Ancient Seelie Queen, Kilara, Shade needs to harness this wild magic before the lines between human and faery are forever destroyed.

Alexia currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada–Sin City! She loves to spend every free moment writing or playing with her four rambunctious kids. Writing has always been her dream and she has been writing ever since she can remember. She loves writing paranormal fantasy and poetry and devours books daily. Alexia also enjoys watching movies, dancing, singing loudly in the car and Italian food.



Places to find Alexia

Blog

Alexia Purdy’s Promo Helpers

Alexia Purdy’s Facebook Fan Page

Ever Shade (A Dark Faerie Tales) Facebook Page

Facebook

Goodreads Author Page

Reign of Blood Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

Places to find Ever Wrath

Amazon

Barnes and Noble (BN)

Smashwords

Goodreads

A Dark Faerie Tale Series Book Trailer

Other Books in The Dark Faerie Tale Series

Evangeline (0.5) Free

Ever Shade (1) Free

Ever Fire (2)

Ever Winter (3)

The Cursed (3.5)

Ever Wrath (4)

The Fawn Cover Reveal by Susan Griscom

Title: The Fawn

Author: Susan Griscom

Genre: New Adult

Publisher: Amber Glow Books

Release date: Winter/Spring 2014

 Note: Contains strong language and violence.

Description:

After a not-so-wonderful young adulthood—shuffled from one foster home to another—Lena Benton had hoped marriage would be her ticket to happiness. Wedded a year after high school graduation, Lena was certain she’d found her knight. But when Troy Harington’s true colors surface shortly after their glorious day of elopement, things aren’t quite as rosy as Lena had envisioned. When an unforeseen event turns ugly, all she can do is ... run!

But does she run far enough?

Jackson Beaumont prides himself on being a nature-loving, guitar-strumming carefree sort of guy, known for his eagerness to help injured animals find their way back into the wild. When Lena Benton walks into his bar, he’s once again swept off his feet with concern and desire to help the wounded. Will he risk having his heart torn apart again when the memory of the fawn he rescued as a child resurfaces?

Add it to your to wish list on Goodreads.

Something about Susan

I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, spending most of my time daydreaming or playing around in the mud. I grew out of the mud play, well, most of the time, a good soak in the mud is always fun. I still daydream often and sometimes my daydreams interrupt my daydreams. So, I write to remember them. If I didn't write, I think my mind would explode from an overload of fantasy and weirdness. To the annoyance of my friends and family, my characters sometimes become a part of my world. During my childhood, I would frequently get in trouble in school for daydreaming. Eventually, my vivid imagination paid off and I had the privilege of writing and co-directing my sixth-grade class play--a dreadful disaster, though not from my writing, of course. I'm pretty sure it was the acting.

I enjoy writing about characters living in small quaint towns and sometimes they tend to lean toward the unusual and edgy.

My paranormal playing field delves into a different milieu, abandoning vampires and werewolves, but not discounting them. Someday I might like to write a novel about vamps and those furry creatures. But for now I like the bizarre mixed with romance. A strong hero or heroine confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and capabilities gets my blood running hot as does a steamy contemporary romantic suspense.

Author Links:

Website: http://susangriscom.com

Blog: http://swblog.susangriscom.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusanGriscom

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/SMGriscom

Facebook personal:  https://www.facebook.com/SusanGriscom1

Goodread: http://www.goodreads.com/SusanGriscom

Other works by Susan Griscom include:

Whisper Cape, book 1, a steamy paranormal romance trilogy.

Reflections, Whisper Cape book 2

A Secret Fate, Whisper Cape book 3 Releasing November, 2013

Allusive Aftershock a young adult contemporary/dystopian

Brief Interludes – a collection of short stories

Erotic Interludes – an anthology of two erotic tales.

Enter below for A Special Treat - A Giveaway of 

A Secret Fate, Whisper Cape book 3 when available.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Obsession Blog Hop

Today is the day that my lovely friend Georgina Hannan releases the second book in her series. And to top it all off she is having a giveaway. How cool is that? Complete Madness if you ask me :)

Now here is how your chance to win an Ebook copy of either Cursed or Obsession (your choice). We are going to playing a type of treasure hunt. Hidden somewhere in this blog is a word that is highlighted. You just have to find the word and comment. The first person to commented with the correct word will win. 

Happy hunting ;)

Title: Cursed
Author: Georgina Hannan

Genre: Young Adult, Horror, Romance, Paranormal Fiction
Blurb:

Reality and Myths collide.

A young adult story about a group of four friends who embark on a holiday together to the gorgeous countryside of Dartmoor, Devon, each of them hoping for an adventure, something they will always remember. However it isn’t long before they get what they want.

The group are plagued by noises after hearing the myths and legends of the area. Is it just their overactive imaginations or is there a visitor in the spare room who is trying to get their attention?

Join the group on a spectacular journey as they discover what Dartmoor has to offer.

Release Date: 07^th Jan 2013
Where to buy:

·         Fast-Print.net - Paperback

·         Amazon (Most countries) - Paperback & eBook

·         Waterstones - Paperback

·         Smashwords - eBook

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story line and a refreshing read 16 Jan 2013 By Penjobe

Even though I could be seen as being in the top end of the target audience - Teenagers and Young Adults. I found this book very interesting!

The storyline flowed well, the Characters were well described and I could easily relate to the main character.

I also loved the historical content, telling you about the places they visited with reference to real places that were accurate.

I am an avid reader and found this book a refreshing change and one that can be relaxing for the more mature brain but still ignite the interest of the reader.

I couldn't put it down. I would definitely recommend this book to people 11+ and even those who weren't the intended target. For me it's an all rounder.

Buy now links:

Blackwells: Paperback

Amazon UK: Paperback and Ebook

Amazon US: Paperback and Ebook

Fast-print.net: Paperback

Goodreads

Cursed Facebook page

Smashwords

Cursed Blog

Waterstones: Paperback

WHSmith: Paperback and Ebook

So here it is. The moment you have all been waiting for. Drum roll please...........

Title: Obsession
Author: Georgina Hannan

Genre: Young Adult, Horror, Romance, Paranormal Fiction
Blurb:

There's a fine line between Obsession and Madness.

After a strange and exciting holiday, Daisy is looking forward to the new start University life will bring.

A life changing assignment makes her question the fine line between Obsession and Madness.

Can she tell the difference?
Can you?

Release Date: 13^th September 2013
Where to buy:

·         www.fast-print.net/bookshop - Paperback

·         Amazon (Most countries) - Paperback & eBook

·         Waterstones - Paperback

·         Smashwords - eBook

Buy now Links:

ObsessionFB Page 

Goodreads:

Amazon UK: Paperback

Amazon US: Paperback

Fast-print.net: Paperback

Blackwells: Paperback

Obsession should be available in ebook format by the beginning of next week, and it will also be available to buy at Waterstones.

Interview with author:

When did you first start writing?

I started writing when I was about fourteen. I started a romance story in a collection of notebooks and my friend joined in with me for a bit. Unfortunately a lot of that story was lost so I have been re-writing it and updating it ever since.

Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

No, I used to want to be a teacher!

What drew you to writing young adult stories? 

Well as I started when I was fourteen it was my age group and still is just. I like writing about the way younger people see and feel about relationships and situations as it’s a lot different to an adult.

Where does your inspiration for these stories come from?

Good question! I’m not really sure, sometimes it’s just a random idea or its adapted from a dream or an advert or something in my life.

What has your experience been like publishing with Fast-Print.net? 

They have been very good and very helpful. There have been a few teething issues but mostly they have been very accommodating and I would recommend them.

What was your favourite chapter to write and why?

My favourite chapter would probably have to be Chapter 8 as I enjoyed writing it from different views. I won’t say any more than that J

Where is your favourite place to write?

My favourite place is my bedroom at my desk, which I just recently set-up J

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? i.e. You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

My only routine is I sit at my desk and I have to listen to music otherwise I become distracted by the TV programmes.

Do you use a computer/laptop for your first draft or are you a pen and paper writer? 

I used to use pen and paper as I knew I’d always have it with me, however I hated typing it all up so I use my laptop now.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

The characters are usually a mixture of names I like and surnames of random people or first names of people I know with different surnames.

Did you learn anything from writing your book?  What was it?

I learnt more about the Dartmoor area and the places available to visit there. I also learnt that editing is very hard but very rewarding.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

Not that long a few months or so really. It’s the editing that takes the longest for me.

Can you describe the feeling you had when you saw your published book for the first time?

I was ecstatic! I was so very excited and I kept touching it and showing it to everyone.

Who are some of your favourite authors? 

Lauren Kate, Karen Mahoney, JK Rowling, and many more.

Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?

Yes I have, not sure there are many writers out there who can say they haven’t! I tend to do a few things; mess around on Facebook for a bit, text a few of my friends and family, make a nice hot chocolate and re-read what I have written. If that still doesn’t work then I put a film on and go back it after it. There has only been one occasion where I had to give up trying for the day as it just wasn’t happening.

What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?

Keep at it. Try editing your own work before giving it to a professional as it makes you so much closer to your own work and teaches you a skill.

Would you share a deep dark secret about you with us?

A deep dark secret, gosh I’m not sure I can think of one! Let’s see... I once tried writing a raunchy scene but I made myself feel embarrassed so deleted it!

The event is running along side the blog hop that is being circulated by some of the most awesome peeps on Facebook. Get connected, retweet, share and join us.

Follow us on Twitter:

Georgina = @AuthorGeorgina

Sabrina= @SabrinaNedelea

Lavinia = @Lavinia_missb

Jude = @nixwolfwood

Victoria = @victoriaskyline

Ella = @ellajade1

Doris = @djg9

Claire = @darkmotive1981

Carrie = @carriebookfairy

Ellie = @Elliewillz83

Samantha = @SamanthaHAuthor

Penelope = @Penjobe

Steph = @stephbenton1