Catching up with the bubbly, always happy ... Kendall Talbot

Kendall, I’m thrilled to have you visit my blog again. The last time you dropped in was just prior to your first release – Lost in Kakadu. Well, that book has been phenomenally popular, both in Australia and overseas. Congratulations on its success!

I thought that your readers might like to know what’s been happening in your life in the ten months since Lost in Kakadu was released.

The adrenalin rush of getting that first book published is a very special feeling. Does it still give you a buzz?

Absolutely. I’m so lucky to still have Lost in Kakadu in several bestseller charts and it’s a buzz seeing my book cover up there amongst some very big author names.

Kendall, that's true! And not only that, but you have been nominated in some very prestigious awards lists recently too. Take a look at these:

• Best Romantic Suspense for 2013
• Best Book Cover for 2013
• Best New Author for 2013
• And, nominated as Australia's Favourite Novelist of 2013 by Booktopia

BREAKING NEWS: As of today, 11th June, Kendall Talbot is now also a finalist in the 'Stories with Romantic Elements' category of the very prestigious RWA - Romance Writers of Australia R*BY Awards, otherwise known as the RUBY Award. Congratulations Kendall, and all the other finalists. Winners will be announced at the RWA Conference in Sydney on August 10th.

Link to all the other finalists here:
http://romanceaustralia.wordpress.com/2014/06/11/ruby-finalists-2014/

‘Lost in Kakadu’ is a very Australian book – in setting and story – yet it has been very well received in many countries around the world, especially in the UK and USA. Does this surprise you? And what is it about your book that you think appeals to overseas readers?

It doesn’t surprise me that Lost in Kakadu appeals to an international audience. I’ve travelled quite extensively and in my experience everyone loves Australians and Australia. My book takes the reader into one of Australia’s very special heritage listed National Parks and shows off just how amazing our country is.

Kendall emerging from the plane hangar

What has Kendall Talbot been doing since Lost in Kakadu was released?

The first couple of months after the book was released was completely crazy and in hindsight I wish I’d been more prepared.

My book launch was very exciting with 125 guests. It was set in a small warehouse that I decorated into a jungle scene, complete with real plants and plane parts. My guests were treated to a couple of sexy male topless waiters who served green champagne and aptly named jungle juice.

Kendall with the Pilot and First Officer of the plane that crashed in Kakadu

Doing 'research'. Mm, these abs do feel good.

(Oh yeah! I was there, remember? That was the most awesome book launch ever! Especially the topless pilots/waiters). Seriously, I took the opportunity to get in some...research. 

Yes, Noelle. I saw you, manhandling my pilots. I mean, waiters. 

Anyway, back to the question. Blog tours keep me very busy too and I love attending writing conferences, not only for the information but also for the networking.

Sorry, I just had to include that pic. ;-)

Can you share anything about your current work in progress with us?

I have two manuscripts that I’m ready to start submitting for publication. Double Take is a gritty urban crime novel with a dash of romance. Treasured Love is a high stakes action adventure that involves a missing 700 year old treasure, an evil priest and of course a passionate romance.

Do you consider that your latest stories blur the genre edges? Are they strictly romantic suspense, or are there other elements in them that make them different from Lost in Kakadu?

My next books are very different to Lost in Kakadu, in fact it would be hard to write another book like Kakadu, it’s very much in its own style. Double Take is a crime novel set in Brisbane. The bank my characters are planning to rob was one I once worked in. I never felt safe at that bank, and this story has been manifesting in my brain for about 15 years.  It’s set in 1991 before mobile phones and the World Wide Web existed. I had so much fun going back to that era.

You are an adventure junkie! If people don’t believe me, they should check out your website at http://www.kendalltalbot.com.au/  to see photos of you doing amazingly dangerous things. What adventures have you had in the last ten months?

Hang gliding over Rio de Janeiro

My son went to Brazil for a 12 month student exchange, so of course we just had to visit. One of the most amazing things I did there was hang glide off an 800m high cliff. It was completely exhilarating taking that giant step. Gliding over the spectacular Brazilian coastline was incredible. We landed safely on the beach just down from Copacabana, then settled in for a few Caipirinha drinks served in coconuts and watched all the incredibly fit bodies play beach volleyball. 

L-R Kendall's sister, her mum, and Kendall
on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the coldest May day
on record.

The other amazing thing I’ve done recently was climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with my mum. It was so special to share that experience with her. This is a must do for every Australian.

Will these dare devil antics end up in a future story?

I don’t have any plans to use hang gliding just yet, but you never know. But Treasured Love has quite a few scenes involving scuba diving - another one of my adrenalin passions.

Do you consider that your writing style has changed as you travel the journey of being a published and more experienced author?

I would say I’ve become much more confident in myself as a writer. I learnt so much about character arcs, plot and structure with my debut novel. Lost in Kakadu was certainly risky as a romance novel, but my next novel Double Take is even more unique and risky. I can’t wait to get it out there and hear what my readers think about it.

What is it that drives you to write stories?

A couple of things drive me to write. My husband works interstate, and I refuse to waste time watching television, so writing is my escape from boredom. But what I’ve found is that I simply love the escapism, to be able to fall into my own world, create amazing characters and take them on an adventure filled journey is so much fun. Often their journeys are to places I’ve been to and reliving that experience through my characters is magic.

Finally, are you able to share an excerpt or teaser from one of your soon-to-be-released books with us?

Sure. Here’s an excerpt from Double Take:

Jack heard a car outside and quickly ran his hand through the dollar signs he’d doodled on the dusty table. He stood up, hitched his loose jeans and wiped his sweaty palms down his thighs as he waited to see who it was.

The ancient door emitted an eerie creaking noise as a tall, raven-haired woman stepped over the threshold. She commanded attention in an emerald green dress that moulded to her hourglass figure and he obliged by openly drinking in her appearance. The soft white mounds of her breasts bulged from the plunging neckline and a lock of hair, long, dark and silky, fell loosely over her shoulder and nudged the valley of those luscious curves.

Jack swallowed loudly. “Hello, Rachel.”

She strode toward him with a bold confidence that made him step back. Since he’d called her a week earlier he’d been visualizing how their reunion would play out. But even if he’d been given a whole year to imagine ways she’d greet him, he would never have guessed being pinned to the wall with her forearm across his chest as one of them.

It was several heartbeats before his mind kicked into gear. “What the‒”

“Shut up,” she snapped. With the swiftness of a viper, her hand shot down the front of his jeans.

Jack recoiled and tried to escape, but she quite literally had him by the balls. “What the hell?”

 “I said shut up.” She squeezed tighter. The freshness of her peppermint breath did little to sweeten the evil in her eyes.

As a hot rush burned his neck, sweat dribbled from his arm pits. He didn’t know whether to laugh at her or yell at her.

Rachel’s eyes drilled into him. “If you cross me,” she hissed in an acid voice, “I’ll cut your balls off with a rusty can.”

“I wouldn’t ‒”

“I will hunt you down,” she cut in. “Do you understand?”

As Jack nodded he wondered what the hell had happened to her. The girl he remembered wouldn’t have even raised her voice, let alone done this.

           “Good.” Rachel’s hand slipped out of his jeans and she stepped back. “I’m glad we had this conversation.” She raised her hand and Jack braced for a slap. But instead she gently cupped his cheek. “So… what’s this all about?”

Click here to read more about Double Take.

Kendall, thank you so much for coming along today. The only thing missing from this interview is that magical laugh of yours, which – those that know you personally – will having ringing in their ears. I know that your legion of fans love to hear what you’ve been up to, and are anxiously awaiting the next release from you.

Contact Kendall:

Web: www.kendalltalbot.com.au

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annette.kendall

Twitter:   @KendallBooks

Where you can buy Lost in Kakadu:

Amazon
Booktopia
Google Play
Kobo
Itunes
Mills and Boon
Nook Books

A Day in the Life of: Author - Susanne Bellamy

Today I welcome fellow Queensland writer Susanne Bellamy to my blog. Susanne writes contemporary romance novels set in exciting and often exotic locations.






Susanne’s current releases are:

• White Ginger
• One Night in Sorrento

I recently reviewed One Night in Sorrento. Needless to say, I absolutely loved it. Click HERE to read my review.

 

 

Susanne, which comes first – the plot or the location?

Generally, location allows me to develop plot ideas although I often see the meeting of my protagonists first. Travelling along the Amalfi coast road gave me the idea for Luca and Rhiannon's meeting and Arne and Amelie were always going to be in Hawaii. I do think that place is important because it carries cultural and social elements that affect what may happen and how characters are likely to behave.

Do Arne from White Ginger, and Luca from One Night in Sorrento, have anything in common?

Apart from being tall, dark and sexy? Heroes have to be heroic in their actions; what they do speaks volumes about their personal values and attitudes. Arne fights to protect his town and reef from a big developer as well as being honourable  towards Amelie. He is also a fabulous uncle to his sister's young daughter. Despite it being Rhiannon's fault, Luca offers her a ride after their near disastrous meeting and helps her achieve her goal. Neither hero is perfect, both have faults but they are intrinsically good men with whom the reader might imagine living a long and happy life. They both have a sense of humour and   engage in witty repartee. Did I mention Luca rides a big, black motorbike and wears leather while Arne is most at home in swimmers or a short wetsuit? Whatever they wear (or not!), they are fine specimens of men, eye candy extraordinaire!

Your heroines, Rhiannon and Amelie: do they have any similarities/major differences?

I like women who are the intellectual equals of their men but a certain amount of vulnerability is fine if packaged with inner strength and determination.  Amelie is visual and highly creative whereas Rhiannon has a logical brain and has assisted her step father with his engineering research. Both women are in unfamiliar countries; Amelie is in Kauai for three months to work on her fabric designs while Rhiannon had taken her ill step father's place. She is on her first trip to Italy to present his designs to a luxury car manufacturer. Amelie has had a bad experience with her ex-fiance yet is still open to possibilities with Arne. Rhiannon has never ridden a motorbike but discovers how exhilarating it can be—Amalfi, motorbike, wrapped around a sexy Italian man wearing leather?

 
Do you think the characters are influenced by the location? I mean – would Rhiannon (for instance) have acted differently if she had been at home in Australia?

Location definitely influences characters' behaviour. Much of Rhiannon's anxiety and reaction to initial events was based on the fact she couldn't understand Italian whereas if she'd been in an English speaking country, the problem would never have arisen. Amelie has to face her greatest phobia in order to help Arne and the location is a key factor.

Take a person out of their comfort zone and a great source of potential conflict opens up. Increase the  problems (ie throw a few rocks their way) and you really see what they're like under pressure.

What do you think readers will enjoy most about your novels?

Location, location, location! I love being transported by a story to another place; it's delicious to live vicariously through the written word. I've been told I write great sexual tension and sensory descriptions too.

How do you balance writing with all of life’s responsibilities? Which ones do you have to juggle?

Until now, I've been juggling full time work and family needs with writing but 2014 is my year to write almost full time while I take long service leave. My biggest problem is 'pfaffing around' because I feel like I have so much time now! I balance writing and other 'stuff' according to the day's needs. House work takes a back seat when I'm writing. The dust will still be there tomorrow but the idea might disappear if I don't get it down. And evenings are time to spend with my husband who works long hours.

What is a typical writing day for you? Do you stick to a regimented pattern of writing so many words per day?

I set a word goal for each day but I'm still trying to find my best writing time. It's such a luxury to have most of the day available! And I'm still learning the demands of social media; it's a great tool but a terrible master. Turning the internet off except for set periods might save my sanity and boost my word count.

Where do you like to write? At your desk, or perhaps wherever looks comfortable at the time?

Mostly in an armchair with my laptop on my lap. I found a neat little 'laptop tray' in an office supplies store that has made this much more comfortable. My main requirement is a lack of distractions. And no chips in the cupboard. My name is Sue and I'm a chipaholic.

Is there anyone who stands out as a mentor in your writing career?

Annie Seaton—she is such a dynamo and generous with her time and assistance in so many areas. Shirley Wine deserves a mention for beating out my early tendency towards 'purple prose'.

What is the most challenging aspect of being a writer?
Self discipline.

When you don't feel like writing but have a dead line to meet, when your word count seems as elusive as the peak of Mt Everest, when that publisher you subbed to still hasn't got back to you and you feel like your writing 'sucks', you need to keep writing, even if it's just stream of consciousness 'stuff'.

 

What tips would you have for aspiring authors who feel passionate about the stories they write?

Be open to feedback and take it on board, especially if several people give you similar comments. It might be the story of your heart but others may not read it in the same way. If you receive some negative comments or there are elements identified that you don't agree with, don't jump up and down and say they haven't 'got' you. Put your work aside for a night or two or more if need be then come back when you're fresh and look at your work again. Distance does give a different perspective.

Are you able to share with us what you are working on now?

I’m thrilled to announce that I have just signed with Entangled Press. I’m writing Book 4 in The Emerald Quest, a romantic suspense series that spans two centuries.

My book is set in Hawaii in 1960, just after it became the fiftieth state of the USA. It will be the story of Eva Abbott and Luc Martineau. It is scheduled for release in May 2015.

Congratulations! That is wonderful news and I'm looking forward to seeing that one. Susanne, thanks for visiting today, and for sharing so generously with us.

About Susanne Bellamy:

Like most authors, I’ve always loved reading and I read broadly, following whatever my current passion is. Perhaps curiosity killed the cat but it is lifeblood for an author and I am curious. I enjoy researching and I love creating new characters then chucking the proverbial rocks at them and making them work for their happy ending.

 
I am also mad keen about travelling to new places, as well as revisiting some old favourites. Paris will always be one of my top spots, and I fell in love with Scotland when we visited the west coast (it had nothing to do with the fine single malts), but I only recently had my first real trip to Italy. Four weeks in four different parts of the country--tick off one of my Bucket List items!  I’ve enjoyed New Year in Kathmandu and trekked in the Annapurnas, sailed in Ha Long Bay on a junk, and stayed on a floating hotel beside a tethered elephant in Thailand. I love the Peak in Hong Kong and the cable car ride in Singapore. My heroes have to be pretty special to live up to the real life one I married. He saved my life then married me. We live on the edge of bush land on a mountain in beautiful sunny Queensland, Australia, together with our two children and two dogs.  I write contemporary romance novels set in exciting and often exotic locations.

 

Check out my story boards on Pinterest for White Ginger, One Night in Sorrento and Betting on the Boss (formerly Merger in Melbourne) and see what else you can find! Follow me if you see boards you like!

 

Two great books – two fabulous exotic locations.

 

Blurb – White Ginger
Amelie Mackenzie chases her artistic dreams in Hawaii after a life detour. That means no more ex-fiancé…and definitely no men to distract her. Should be easy, but how will she resist the hot and sexy marine biologist fighting a battle against a corrupt developer?

Arne Keloki is fighting a resort development which will damage the reef protecting his small Kauai town. Although being with Arne could be dangerous for Amelie, in more ways than one, some attractions cannot be ignored. Will she succumb to the smoldering attraction or will Arne lose his chance forever?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blurb – One Night in Sorrento
Rhiannon steps out of her comfort zone when she travels to Sorrento for a meeting in borrowed business clothes. The last thing she expects is to miss her meeting, and end up in the company of Luca, a sexy Italian bike rider.

What will one night in Sorrento bring?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Susanne:

www.susannebellamy.com

https://www.facebook.com/susanne.bellamy

Twitter: @SusanneBellamy

 

Buy links

One Night in Sorrento http://amzn.to/1brE2Jp

White Ginger http://amzn.to/MiDjVr

 

Special! Extract from Susanne's next release - Betting on the Boss

Wrong Matt’s warm, long-fingered hand covered hers and stilled her jerky movements. As he pressed her hand against his chest, calluses at the base of his fingers, the kind that came from hard, honest labour, scraped over her knuckles. Strong, tanned and downright gorgeous, Wrong Matt did more than shuffle paper and the touch of his work-hardened hands comforted her. 

Through a haze of tears, she stared at the expanse of wet white shirt plastered to his broad chest. Like a second skin, the material stretched over toned muscle that her hands were now firmly pressed against. Tempted to trace the outline of well defined muscle, she opened her fingers wide and slipped her hand beneath his jacket.

He leaned into her touch. Did he welcome it? A muscle jumped and her little finger slipped between the buttons of his tuxedo and touched warm, smooth skin.

How would his skin taste? Of Champagne? Almost certainly. Her lips parted.

A Day in the Life of: Author – Tania Joyce

Today I welcome fellow writing group member, Tania Joyce, to my blog.

Tania writes New Adult and Contemporary Romance, and I can tell you that she writes with a s-s-sizzling heat level!

Tania’s current novel is called Worlds Collide. I’ve read some extracts, and I just love it! Her writing style is both witty, sharp, and funny. I can’t wait to read this book.

Blurb:

Everything changes in Jessica Mason's perfect world when her agency wins the grand opening for Somers Hotel and Nate Somers, the son of a hotel billionaire, sets foot in her office.
 
Devastated by a moment of unprofessional conduct, Jessica heads out to a country retreat for some reflection where she runs into someone from her past and her hidden burdens are unveiled.
 
It will take nothing short of a small miracle stop her worlds colliding.

 

Tania, I’d love to find out more about you and your writing.

Q. Was anyone in your past, or present, life the inspiration for Jessica Mason and Nate Somers?

No – definitely not. My lead character Nate is pure fantasy (and damn he is good!!!)

Q. Is there a little of yourself in Jessica Mason?

I probably share the same anal characteristic of trying to be a perfectionist. 

Q. What was the hardest part about writing this novel?

Writing really confronting heart-felt emotions and putting myself in my characters shoes.  When Jessica meets a lover from her past after 20 years and they have to deal with a lot of baggage (hey – we all have it) it was tough.  

Q. Which mainstream author would you say your work most closely resembles and why?

My Writers Group think I am like Jennifer St George in my style of writing.  (Fingers crossed – I hope to be published like her one day.)

Q. What do you think reader will enjoy most about your novel?

While the spectacular scenery of Sydney’s Darling Harbour and News South Wales Hunter Valley region is wonderful, it’s the constant tug-of-war Jessica faces in deciding between two men and the dramas she faces.  Plus there are some pretty hot sex scenes throughout the book.  As I said before….Nate is good.

Q. How do balance writing with all of life’s responsibilities? Which ones do you have to juggle?

I work part-time, write part-time and I’m a full-time mum.  Somehow it all works out.  Being a mum always comes first.

Q. What is a typical writing day for you? Do you stick to a regimented pattern of writing so many words per day?

Before I even start writing I usually have the whole book planned out and summarize each scene/chapter. So then once kids are at school/daycare and I have caffeine by my side, I hook in to writing. Once I sit in front of my computer the words just magically flow. I often have to set the alarm to go and pick up the kids because I lose track of time and get lost in my characters.

I don’t stick to a word count per day – I’m more of a go with the flow type person.

Q. Where do you like to write? At your desk, or perhaps wherever looks comfortable at the time?

At my desk overlooking the gardens out the side of my house. It’s beautiful and quiet. Just me and my keyboard!

Q. Is there anyone who stands out as a mentor in your writing career?

No – not really.  My Writers Group is inspirational and keeps me motivated. Being a member of RWA and QWC has also helped me along the way.

Q. What other books are you currently working on?

Too many stories – not enough time.  But on a serious note - presently I am working on “Scandalous”. It’s a fun, sexy novel where a tabloid gossip columnist is in love with her flatmate – a struggling actor.

I’m also reworking my new adult manuscript called “Distractions”

Thanks for visiting today, and for sharing so generously with us. I know you’re anxiously waiting for Worlds Collide to find a home, and when it does, I hope you’ll come back and visit again.

Bio

I was born in Brisbane, Australia. Up until a few years ago my life focused around my career in the corporate world of marketing for several software corporations in the mining, oil and gas industries.  I lived to travel the world, shop and shared many adventures with my husband.  All that changed when he finally convinced me after 10 years of marriage to have children.  What a life changing event that was!  I gave up my full time career to raise my two beautiful boys and, along with the insane hormonal imbalance, I experienced, I unearthed the desire to start writing.

It is amazing how much I love writing - hours disappear without me realizing it and hate having to drag myself away from the keys some days when motherly duties call - especially in the middle of a great scene! I have now been writing books since 2010.

I am a member of:

RWA (Romance Writers Australia),
QWC (Queensland Writers Centre)
Yon Beyond Writing Group
NightWriters Writing Group.

Contact links:

Email: tania@taniajoyce.com
Web: www.taniajoyce.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniajoycebooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TaniaJoyceBooks
Extracts:

Distractions - Wiley (Wilhelmina) Cayton's world turns upside down when she meets college newcomer Cameron Wilks. Full of mystery and a painful past, Cameron seems to be nothing but a party boy and a constant distraction. But their families have their futures planned out for them which is destined to keep them apart. As Wiley battles her insecurities and college pranks go horribly wrong - is their love meant to be or just a temporary distraction.

Worlds Collide - Everything changes in Jessica Mason's perfect world when her agency wins the grand opening for Somers Hotel and Nate Somers, the son of a hotel billionaire, sets foot in her office.
Devastated by a moment of unprofessional conduct, Jessica heads out to a country retreat for some reflection where she runs into someone from her past and her hidden burdens are unveiled.
It will take nothing short of a small miracle stop her worlds colliding.





Tania, it's been a pleasure having you here. Good luck with your writing!

Little Red Gem ... and a song from the heart. Meet author D.L. Richardson

I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to fellow Australian author, D.L. Richardson. Deb’s next book, Little Red Gem, is set for release on October 25^th, and I can tell you that this will be one book that will capture the hearts of many readers. Deborah’s previous books are The Bird With the Broken Wing, and Feedback – both out through Etopia Press. Deb’s YA books are proving very popular, and have recently achieved #1 and #2 in Teen Novels in OmniLit’s Best Sellers list. Very impressive!

So, I’ll hand over to you now Deb. It’s such a pleasure to have you here on my blog.

                                          ...

D.L. Richardson

Thanks for having me on your blog, Noelle. For those who don’t know me, I write speculative fiction. This is my third YA novel and my first paranormal romance. Little Red Gem was so much fun to write. It began many years ago as a story about two girls named Ruby and Audrey who swapped bodies when they died, and along the way it evolved into a teenage paranormal love story. I wanted to write the ultimate romance, so for me that meant I had to include one of my passions - music. I loved the character names and retained them, though nothing else of the original story ended up in Little Red Gem.

Why was this so much fun to write? Well, I made the main character, Ruby, a singer in an all-girl band and the love of her life, Leo, is also a musician. As a teenager I sang in the school choir and rock band and I performed in school plays. My boyfriend at the time was also a guitarist. I had an acoustic guitar but I wasn’t great on it and I loved piano but again, not that great. I was a singer, not a musician but I play for enjoyment so it never bothered me. Anyway, when I left school my boyfriend and I started a band where I was the vocalist, but after a few rehearsals I decided to buy a bass guitar, because every band needs a bass guitarist. Suzi Quatro was an icon of mine. I was pleased when I realized I was actually good on the bass guitar, though I sold all my equipment after 10 years when I decided I wanted to write novels. I wish I hadn’t been so impulsive that I just sold everything. But I’m an impulsive kind of person, sometimes.

Back to the story. To be able to delve back into the world of music was a real treat for me as an author. Usually I’m researching worlds or creating them instead of re-living them. Here is an extract featuring one of the songs from the book. It’s called Side Of The Road. And as a special treat, I have recorded this song and included it on the trailer. Be sure to check it out, though it isn’t professionally recorded so I apologize in advance for the less than excellent quality. I hope you like it.

Extract from Little Red Gem

I shook off the gloom, and forced cheerfulness into my voice, telling myself I should stay positive for Anne’s and William’s sake. After all, I was merely dead – they were dead and cursed.

“Okay, you’ve convinced me a song from this century is in order. I’ll sing for you, on the condition you continue with the story of how you and William met your fate.”

I closed my eyes as if sorting through my mental library and all I saw was the image of Mom’s Jeep careening over the embankment. I choose to sing a tragic ballad:

“I am a cross

At the side of the road

Covered in flowers

Sweet roses of gold

No more can I see them

How that makes me cry

At the side of the road

Is forever where I lie

I am a memory

Too painful for some

Now others bring flowers

I don’t know who they’re from

Would I could I’d say thank you

How that makes me weep

At the side of the road

Is forever where I sleep

I am with angels

In sweet heaven above

There are those who don’t know this

But I once found true love

And always I’ll be waiting

To again touch his face

At the side of the road

I found my resting place.”

After I’d finished, my cheeks felt warm and I figured, throughout the night I’d swiped at the tears, now I should let them cascade like a river. If they ran for long enough maybe they’d wear down through my flesh and bone to form a crater-like dam, which would come in handy; I doubted the tears would ever stop and I’d need somewhere to store them.

The wind outside rattled the shutters and I opened my eyes, hoping to view a different day and feeling horrendously let down when I didn’t.

“Such a sad song,” Anne whispered. “Yet…beautiful at the same time.”

 “Thanks,” I said. “I got an A+ in music. Teacher said I must be a reincarnation of John Lennon.”

Anne tilted her head. “Oh. You did not write that song about your own demise?”

“No. Leo and I were driving into Prospect, and on our way home the car hit an oily patch on the road. We skidded. The car did a complete three-sixty. Thankfully we didn’t crash into the oncoming cars, but we did end up off the side of the road. We pulled over to let our heartbeats return to normal, and there, staked into the ground was a wooden cross with a bunch of flowers tied to it.”

Anne’s eyes lit up. “How intriguing.”

“It gets more so. There was a newspaper clipping pinned to the cross. A young woman’s car had run off the run and crashed into a tree. She’d died. The flowers were from her lover.”

“This is turning into a tragedy.”

“Agreed. But in a way it’s also a very romantic story. The crash happened ten years ago and the newspaper clipping said the lover vowed to return every year on the anniversary of her death to replace the flowers. And every year he’s returned, not only has he replaced the floral arrangement he’s also carved the date into the cross. How’s that for true love?”

No sooner had the words left my mouth than an agonizing grief rammed into my chest. My throat unlatched and a sob escaped. “Oh Leo, I’m sorry I died.”

Anne rushed over to my side and embraced me. We curled up on the couch, pressed up against each other, and throughout the night my tears flowed. They continued until light seeped in through the cracks.

I had survived my first twenty-four hours as a ghost.

About the songs in this book

With the exception of Amazing Grace, all the words to the songs in this book are written by the author. Side Of The Road, the song Ruby sings to the ghosts when she first meets them, is the only song not written specifically for this book. It was written in 1991 and was inspired in a similar way to which Ruby was inspired to write the song. A Million Miles, the song Ruby performs at the Reach For The Stars audition was written for this book and has musical accompaniment, unlike the rest of the songs which are just lyrics and have yet to have music put to the words.

Book Description:

Love can make you do crazy things as Ruby Parker discovers when she dies and returns from the grave to unearth how much Leo Culver loved her. With the aid of bad advice from a ghost who is trapped by a curse, a little bit of magic courtesy of her unsuspecting half-sister, and a televised music talent show coming to town to hold auditions, Ruby Parker makes more of a mess in death than she ever did in life. Can she fix everything before it’s too late? Or will she spend eternity as a ghost, haunted by the unknown depths of love? Either way, one thing Ruby learns is that while love can make you do crazy things, it can make you do amazing things too. But at what cost?

Little Red Gem – out now on Amazon!

Available at all good online retailers such as:

Buy eBook

Amazon
Smashwords
Kobo
Barnes and Noble   

Buy Print

Create Space:    https://www.createspace.com/4465741

More online retailers to come…

Other links:

Goodreads    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18525150-little-red-gem

Bonus material!!!
Here is a unique book trailer. Listen to D L Richardson as she performs one of the songs featured in the novel. I apologize in advance for the quality. I haven’t performed live in over 10 years. I’m a little rusty. 



Coming soon from D.L. Richardson - Listen to D L Richardson as she performs a second song featured in the novel.

Coming for Christmas - Bonus novellas. What happened to Audrey while she was trapped in the underworld? More of the story behind the two ghosts, Anne and William

"One lucky reader who comments on my blog post will be randomly selected to win an ebook copy of Little Red Gem. Good luck!"