Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Spreading Holiday Joy and Germs

Hello everyone!

Sorry for the long absence from the blog. I assure you I've felt just awful about it. I've been entertaining family from far flung reaches of the earth. I am not used to children in my living space (currently, one is sticking plastic ants and snakes down my shirt)  and thus I fear I am allergic to them, for I come down with the most awful symptoms. Or, my theory of kids being walking petrie dishes is confirmed.

Sometimes I think I am turning green, not with jealousy, but like the Grinch. I can't stand all the noise, noise, noise. Can't we just carve the roast beast and be done with all this merriment.


I did find this enlightening personality quiz on Buzzfeed, and I scored quite high. But as my wise friend always said to me, "this, too, shall pass."

I think I can hold out. I got some great remedies and am figuring out new flavor pairings (Hot dogs and mac and cheese DO NOT go well with hot toddies.)

But you will all be happy to know that I did complete my NaNoWriMo commitment, though I have no title, I am happy with how the story turned out.

 I had planned on editing it and the third in the Angel Hacker Series, while I was on holiday break, but as you can see, there is a snake up my shirt.

I'll get to it eventually.

So I wish you a great new year, and hope I can get everything edited and published in this next year.




Saturday, November 1, 2014

NaNoWriMo

So I've joined this crazy movement called NaNoWriMo. (National Novel Writing Month) I heard about it last year, but it was a bit late to join. So this year, I saw a few of my friends sign up and thought, "Hey, it seems like a great motivator. I've got a slight start on one novel, why not use this as a way to finish the first draft in a month?"

Good idea or another thing to stress me out? I guess we should find out.

I should confess, I feel like I am slightly cheating.  As I have mentioned I had a good start on this mystery novel I'm writing and wanted to make sure I had an accurate word count for this competition. Thus I entered the word count I had, plus the thousand words I wrote today and BOOM 7,106 word count on day one. Boy, don't I look like a super duper writer.

In reality, I struggle to get 1K a day. But now that I have a good start I think I can push the 1.5K I need to reach the 50K by the end of the month. Whoot!

In the meantime, the Christmas Anthology came out today. You can check it out HERE! Even if you aren't into the saccharine-Lifetime-movie-Halmark-channel-warm-fuzzy type of story, I highly recommend it. The stories are really good. They'll make you laugh, they'll make you cry, they'll make your shrivelled grinchy heart grow 10 sizes and then some.

Happy November Everyone!



Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Musical Inspiration (SinC-Up Blog Hop)

Music is the ultimate of inspirations. People listen to music to get pumped up while on the treadmill at the gym, to unwind after a stressful day, to get into the (wink wink) mood.

I am always listening to music while I write. I tend to go for some dark, yet energetic songs. Mostly they are Alternative Rock, but sometimes, I throw it a throwback classic.

Having always been the mixed tape type of person, I now make up playlists to go along with what I'm writing.

Nothing puts me in a good mood for writing about bad-ass hackers like a great group of songs.
(Click on the songs to watch the videos)

Here are some of the songs/artists to whom I listen to get in the mood:
She's Long Gone  by  The Black Keys
     I love The Black Keys for their gritty, underground vibe.

Fresh Blood by the Eels
The Eels I discovered late, but thank goodness for iTunes and their recommendations. I guess Fresh Blood is the opening song for some kind of show about vampires, I had no clue.


Take Me Out  by  Franz Ferdinand
I used to listen to this song full blast in my car with the windows rolled down, like a gangsta. Except that I'm horrifyingly white and drove a Hyundai Accent.

Do I Want to Know by Arctic Monkeys
  I like this for the same reason I like The Black Keys, except it's more rock.

Tainted Love covered by Imelda May
     Rock-a-billy cover of a great 80's song? Hell yeah!

Let's Dance by David Bowie
     Since I'm in an 80's mood. I'll listen to any Bowie, actually. Except for that one he did with Mick Jagger - that one sucks.

What the Water Gave Me by Florence + The Machine
     I love her haunting voice and lyrics. Makes me want to sit alone in a dark room and hug myself.


I guess that gives you a good look at my musical tastes, though that is just the tip of the iceberg of my musical collection.

Thank you for stopping by on the SINCBlogHop.

Please take time to visit these authors:

Fellow Sister in Crime member E.M. Powell is the author of #1 Amazon bestselling historical thriller, The Fifth Knight. The sequel, The Blood of The Fifth Knight, will be published by Thomas & Mercer on December 09 2014. Find out more HERE!

Jessie Bishop Powell is author of Marriage on Rue Morgue and the delightful blog on her website, Jester Queen.

Also Paty Jager, Author of the Halsey Brothers Series and numerous other romance, paranormal, and action adventure novels with a western flair. Visit her blog here.




If you'd like to participate in the hop please go here for more info.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Sweet Romance? Seriously?

Hey,

If you know me, and I think you do by now, you know that I write mostly in a more macabre genre. So, it may surprise you that I am going to be in a sweet romance anthology.

Yup.

Sweet.

Romance.

Me.

I am in a critique group with some award winning authors and we all decided to put together a collection of Christmas themed stories.  Did I mention that the other authors in the group are romance writers?  Well, they are. And I am not.  But I still have a story in the book and it comes out November 1st.

Here is the cover.

But to be truthful, my story dances on the edge of Sweet Romance, with her pants around her ankles, slapping her behind... Romance? Barely. Sweet? Hardly. Heartwarming? Perhaps, if you are as demented as I am.

Anyhoo, I am excited about getting published again and in good company.  I've heard most of these stories, and they are very good.  I hope you will run out and get yourself a copy, it would make a great gift.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Welcome Fall

You may hate me for this, but I'm happy it is finally fall.
I love the cooler weather, the change of seasons, the brisk smell in the air, the screaming from the living room as I try to write... I say this every year.

Anyhoo, I wanted to update you all on what I've been doing.

I had a virtual book tour this summer to promote my latest release, Angel's Betrayal.
I want to announce the winners of a free copy of the book now.
((Drum roll))
Cassidy Frazee and Catherine Lee

Congrats! (I'll be contacting you separately)

I just finished a short story that will be published in an upcoming anthology of Christmas themed storied done by Montanan Authors.  I'll post more on that when we get closer to the release date.

Also on my plate, I am starting a new series. My first full fledged murder mystery, using the experiences I've had in my life (not murdering people... working in a sorority).

If you missed it, I did an interview with Barry Eva in June.  Here is the link to listen.

Other than that, I hope you enjoy the fall, no matter what the weather.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Up and Coming!

Hey everyone.

I must have hit the right blog because now I have all these likes and followers.  I feel so blessed and loved. Thank you all.

I want to keep the love going.  Today, I am doing my first interview with Barry Eva and his podcast Book and a Chat.  I've listened to his podcasts and it should be a good time.



You can drop by and comment or call in, or just listen live (6:30 EST) or at your leisure later.

I hope you enjoy the show.  I should make myself a drink to calm my nerves.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Covergasm


 Thank you to Herding Cats for sponsoring this hop!


I am pretty new to the publishing world.  Just over a year, and I've learned so much, and yet have so much to learn.  I keep telling people that writing the manuscript was the easiest part.
One thing that makes it easier is having a great artist to design your cover.  No matter what is said, people DO judge a book by it's cover.  That is why I was so excited when my first book cover came in my inbox for my approval.


 Needless to say, I was blown away.  It said so much, yet kept it mysterious. Angel's Code takes place in London, is about cyber hackers, and lots of hoodies.  This cover really has a wow factor, and people I showed it to also said the same thing.

Then came the sequel.


Even darker and mysterious, and hoodie-rific.

I really can't wait to see what the next cover in the series will look like.

So, are you enthralled, interested, want to know more?  I will randomly give away a copy of either Angel's Code or Angel's Betrayal, either a digital download or a paperback signed copy.  
Just follow the link below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for showing up and enjoy the hop.

Friday, May 16, 2014

On tour, stopping at a blog near you.

Hi all,
I am officially on tour, at least virtually.  I've hopped on the Goddess Fish tour bus, filled with M&M's, martinis, a nacho bar, and oddly enough, Goldfish crackers.
I hope to see you on one of my stops, please stop by and tell me how fabulous I look.  I will know that you are lying, but it will still boost my ego.  You may even win a copy of my book.

The first stop is at Simple Things In Life.  http://pwrspot.blogspot.com/2014/05/author-interview-and-giveaway-with-h.html  It is a fun interview I did and I will be available to answer any questions and or receive your mist sincere praise.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Winners from the Authors in Bloom Hop/Giveaway

Thank you to all of you who participated in the blog hop and were kind enough to leave a comment.  If I knew my dogs were going to be so popular, I should have been writing books about them.  

Here are the three winners, chosen at random.  
Froggy
Karen H.
Glen Woods

I will be in contact with you three shortly.  For those of you who didn't win today, I will be doing a virtual tour starting next month with (so far) six different blogs. Please check back for updates or sign up for my newsletter.

Thank you again.

H. A. Somerled

Monday, April 7, 2014

Growing up Pug

Welcome to my blog and the Authors in Bloom Blog Hop!


I have two dogs: a Pug named Flapjack, and a Puggle named Fritter.

Fritter is four and Flapjack just turned one.
Before I got Flapjack, Fritter and I loved to spend time in the garden.  She would lay out in the sun while I weeded.  She would lay out in the shade, while I weeded.  She would go back inside, while I weeded.

Then we got Jack, and everything changed.

Jack was born in March, north from where I live and closer to the mountains.  When I got him in May, the breeder told me he had never seen grass before, since she still had snow in her yard.  So his first experience with grass was a game changer.  Of course to a Pug, especially a puppy, it was the BEST THING EVER!


Then we got busy in the garden.  Another fun fact the breeder told me was that this certain Pug loves peas.  I filed that info away and didn't think much about it.

Flapjack and Fritter got along, mostly.  Jack followed Fritter EVERYWHERE and was pretty much what every younger sibling was supposed to be; annoying. They played and rolled in the grass.  
Fritter showed him the hole under the shed where she had dug out a hiding place.  She showed him where to find the BEST STICKS EVER!
If we didn't see Jack for awhile, we knew he was probably trying to drag a stick inside.






The garden grew, and before I knew it, I had peas.  I started to bring Jack out to the garden and would pick a pea for him.  OMG! It was the BEST PEA EVER!  Thus everytime I went out into the garden, Jack would follow and patiently wait by the peas for me to give him one.

Then soon, he stopped being patient.  I wondered why there were only peas from my knee height and up.  Then I noticed that the pea vines were on the ground.  Finally I noticed the half-gnawed-on pods. That dang Pug was pilfering my peas!

Luckily I had peas-a-plenty, and other things began to sprout that caught his attention.  However, it never failed if anyone went out to the garden to weed or harvest, they were confronted by the pea-eating Pug.

And really, how can you say no to a face like this.

This is a recipe from my favorite cooking show/magazine/website (Cooks Country) and is worthy for any pea loving Pug.

Bacony Peas

SERVES 4

Do not thaw the peas before adding them to the skillet. You can use half a medium red onion in place of the shallot.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4slices bacon, chopped
  • 1shallot, minced
  • 1garlic clove, minced
  • 1(1-pound) bag frozen peas
  • 2teaspoons dark brown sugar
  • 1tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. 1. RENDER BACON Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate and pour off and discard all but 1 tablespoon fat from pan.
    2. COOK PEAS Cook shallot and garlic in bacon fat until softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in peas and sugar and cook, covered, until heated through, about 4 minutes. Off heat, stir in butter. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with bacon. Serve.
Pass the Peas!

My big giveaway!

To celebrate Spring and the recent release of my second book, I will be giving away copies of both Angel's Code and Angel's Betrayal.  One lucky winner will win both copies and two others will receive their choice of one or the other.

Angel's Code
Danny Murray is a restless young Londoner.  Bored with his studies as a web designer, he longs for something new and exciting.  He attracts the attention of an enigmatic American hacker who goes by the screen name "The Fallen Angel."  Angel agrees to train him, as long as he becomes a member her team.  Oliver Murray, Senior Investigating Officer for London's Metropolitan Police's Cyber Crime Division, and Danny's older brother, has different plans for his troublesome brother.  But when Oliver is abducted, it comes down to Danny and the illegal skills he's learned to save him.


Angel's Betrayal
It's summertime and insects are not the only things flying in the London skies.
Oliver and Danny Murray return in this explosive second-in-the-series novel.
When two CIA agents appear in Oliver Murray's office, he knows nothing good could come from it.  An American drone has gone missing and the agents believe that one of their own may have taken it.  The agent in question is Sara Parsons, also known as Fallen Angel.
Maintaining her innocence, Angel tries to find the real culprit, but when one of the agents sent to apprehend her turns up dead in her flat, Oliver has a hard time believing her.  With the help from his brother, Danny, Oliver betrays his own instincts and decides to help Angel find the true murderer and drone thief.



The winners will be able to choose between a signed paperback or a digital copy.
Please leave a comment with your email below.  Plus if you are interested in my books and want to be kept in the loop, please indicate that you would like to be put on my newsletter mailing list.
           
                 Thank you for visiting during this blog hop.  To continue your hop, click below.
Remember, to be eligible for the grand prize you must visit and comment on each author's page.  Good luck!

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Upcoming events

Spring is finally here!
I wanted to inform you all about the upcoming events.

First, on Monday starts the Author's in Bloom Blog Hop, hosted by Dianne Venetta. It is 10 days of daily giveaway, the grand prize being a Kindle or a Nook AND a $25 ebook gift card.
I will be giving away copies of both my books to one lucky person and one copy of either Angel's Code or Angel's Betrayal to two others.

Next on my Calendar is my Virtual Book Tour, organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

I will be a guest on several blogs for several weeks, and will be giving away copies of my books there as well.

Stay tuned for updates on where I'll be.

Last but not least, I'll be guest on an internet radio show, hosted by Barry Eva.
Also stay tuned for when the interview will be made available.



So that's it for now. 

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Get it now

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it.

GET YOUR PAPERBACK COPY HERE
Also available for download for Kindle

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

And the Spring Fling Hop winners are...

Hello to all,
With the snow finally melting and the mud drying up, I'm very grateful for those of you who participated in the BTGN Spring Fling Blog Hop.
The winners of a copy of my first book, Angel's Code, and a $15 Starbucks gift card are:
Diana Merritt and Robyn Donnelly!
Congratulations, I will be contacting you shortly.
Thank you to the rest of you who made an appearance, and those of you who signed up for my newsletter.  There will be more giveaways coming as I gear up for the release of Angel's Betrayal.  So if you haven't already and want to be in the loop, you can sign up for my newsletter using the handy "Sign up for email updates" button on this page.

Again, thank you, thank you and enjoy the nice weather.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Angel's Betrayal


I'll have you know I have not been sitting on my laurels this winter. Oh No!  I've been busting out chapters, kicking butt and taking names.

I am proud to introduce to you my second book, second in the Angel Hacker Series as well, Angel's Betrayal which is getting final touches and will be out soon. Published by the fine people at Books To Go Now.


      It’s summertime and insects are not the only thing flying in the London skies.  Oliver and Danny Murray return in this explosive second in the series novel.
     When two C.I.A. agents appear in Oliver Murray’s office, he knows nothing good could come from it.  An American drone has gone missing and the agents believe the one of their own has taken it.  The agent’s name is Sara Parsons, also known as Fallen Angel.
     Maintaining her innocence, Angel tries to find the real thief, but when one of the agents sent to arrest her turns up dead in her flat, Oliver has a hard time believing her.

     With the help from his brother, Danny, Oliver betrays his own instincts and decides to help Angel find the true murderer and drone thief.

To celebrate the upcoming release of Angel's Betrayal, I will be giving away a copy of my first book Angel's Code and a $15 Starbucks gift card.   


Please leave a comment and your name will be selected at random at the end of the hop, also let me know if you would like to learn more about Angel's Code, Angel's Betrayal, and I will put you on my newsletter list.  You are also in the running for the BTGN prizes as well- but that is not in my hands.  Click here to continue hopping and Good Luck!





Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Time to get hopping!

It's snowing again in the Big Sky Country, and my thoughts are turning toward new beginnings, spring, and warmer weather.  At least all the snow shoveling is giving me a killer workout.

So as we writers are peeking our heads out of our little holes, wincing in the brightness of the light, hoping we don't see our shadows (please no more winter), we start planning events.

There are a few blog hops and fairs I'd like you all to know about.

First of all there is a blog hop being hosted by the lovely ladies of Books to Go Now: Jennifer Conner, Danica Winters, and Sharon Kleve.

As of now there are over 60 authors signed up, all you have to do is click on their link and leave a comment.  There are prizes to be given away including a Kindle paper white device and an Amazon gift card.  I will also be giving away prizes.

Another blog hop being sponsored by Dianne Venetta, April 7th through 16th.  


There will also be prizes and fun stories.  

If you are going to be in the Missoula Area, I will be at the Missoula Women's Fair on March 22nd.
I will be in attendance with other local female authors, including Casey Dawes and Danica Winters.

So come on down and buy a book, get it signed, talk with these amazing women, and me.

Be sure to check back and I'll have the links to the hops.

Hope to see you at these events!