Virtual Book Tour: You Are More Than Enough Achievement Journal-Judi Moreo

You are more than enough Achievement Journal

With 2007 behind us and 2008 on the horizon, it's time to reflect on how we want the rest of our journey here on earth to go. Do we settle for letting life happen or do we take steps toward achieving our dreams? Do we think about it or do we DO it?

If you have watched the movie, The Secret, then you understand the power of affirmative thinking=affirmative action. Are you taking those steps in the right direction to enjoy life at its fullest whether it's through financial success, relationship bliss or perfect health?

On January 1, 2008, Judi Moreo, author of You Are More Than Enough Achievement Journal (Stephens Press, Dec. '07), will embark on a virtual book tour throughout the blogosphere, but it will involve YOU. She wants YOU to be the star in a campaign to let the world know how you are taking those steps in realizing your dreams.

If you would like to become involved in her ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR 08, here is how it works:

1. Repeat this passage from her book: "Every step I take brings me closer to the realization of my dreams" until you understand its powerful message.

2. Think about what steps you are taking to achieve your dreams and write about it. Your entry can be as long or as short as you'd like.


3. Post your message on your blog and give us the link so that we can post it on Judi's tour page at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ (her tour page goes live tomorrow). Email us with your link at thewriterslife( at)yahoo.com.


4. When we receive your link, we will put it on our daily rounds of promotions, thus bringing you instant traffic, so get those links to us soon!

5. We only ask that you include the passage above before your blog post so that people will understand what you are doing.

6. We also ask that you include a jpeg copy of Judie's book, You Are More Than Enough Achievement Journal, in your blog post. You can find her book cover at http://tinyurl.com/3cqa46 and link it to http://tinyurl.com/ywf67x.

7. All participants will be listed at Judi's tour page at http://www.virtualb ooktoursforautho rs.blogspot. com/ when they come in, stating the date on which their blog post will appear and will remain there indefinitely.

That's all there is to it! Hurry before time runs out. Become involved in a nationwide campaign to bring in 2008 with a bang and help others realize that dreams are not something that happens; dreams are something that YOU make happen. Let's make 2008 the year when you realize your dreams and make them happen. Share your stories and become involved in Judi Moreo's "Achieving Your Dreams Virtual Book Tour '08" where YOU are the star!

Judi's virtual book tour will be highly publicized including press releases and other promotions. Let us know what steps you are taking to achieve success and be read by thousands of Internet users!


Dorothy Thompson
CEO/Founder Pump Up Your Book Promotion
http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/



PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com

Virtual Book Tour: Magical Fantasy Novels For Adult--Explore Your Dark Passions

Paperback Writer hosts Theresa Chaze today at http://rebecca2007.wordpress.com/. Read Rebecca's interview of Ms Chaze. In addition, you are invited to add comments and ask the author questions. When you leave a comment, you are automatic entered to win a copy of Awakening the Dragon-Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy.


Magical Fantasy Novels for Adults--Be Wicked if You Dare

Whether in books or our own mind as children we were able to unashamedly walk in the realms of fantasy, going wherever our imaginations took us. As adults were expected to put away childish things for more intellectual material. Guilty we secretly brought home Harry Potter, The Golden Compass, and the many others to once again enjoy other realms and allow our imaginations free reign. Yet like all stories intended for children, adults found that the plots were something missing. No longer did the simple tales of innocence captivate us as they did in days gone by. Instead, we longed for the passionate and mystical encounters in this world and others. Theresa Chaze's Dragon Clan Trilogy is magical fantasy series that is not for the faint of heart. Filled with magic, suspense and passion, the residents of Coyote Springs will entice and frighten you as they face challenges that come from within and without This series are for those who want to explore the guilty pleasures of their dark side while trying to keep their honor untarnished and heal old wounds.

Awakening the Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (978-0-9798406-0-9) is a story of magic, suspense and karmic justice combine in a tale of horror. Rachael moves to Coyote Springs to find a home and open her bookstore. Instead, she becomes the catalyst in exposing a murder and the target of a violent cult. She is forced to awaken her dragon spirit prematurely to save herself and all she loves. Will she be able to control the power of the dragon as it rises giving her the power to save all she loves or will the flames from within destroy her?

Dragon Domain--Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (978-0-9798406-1-6) Cheyenne and Celeste came to Coyote Springs to save a child; instead, Cheyenne found a home. With the help of their new friend, Jane, they created a spiritual sanctuary. But when Celeste stopped running, her past caught up with her. Dominic arrived with promises of love and passion. Instead of love, he reawakened Celeste’s dark side, turning her against those she loved the most. With the aid of the dragons, Cheyenne was barely able to ward off their first attack. With each soul they bound to them, Celeste and Dominic’s greed and hatred grew until they would not settle for less than totally destroying Cheyenne and all she loves. How do you protect yourself from someone who knows how to steal your soul?

Yule Blessings from Celtic Woman and Me

On this longest night
may your blessings come into your sight.
With the Goddess' grace and light
shall your health, love and prosperity ignite.
No longer by challenged by fear of loss, pain and blight
you now have the courage open yourself to your own might.
With the dawning of the new light,
so ends your spiritual dark night.

Magical Fantasy, suspence, Christian, mystery Virtual Book Tours: comment and be entered to win free books

Virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion continues! All authors on tour in December will be giving away FREE copies of their books to a few lucky people who comment on their blog stops. Winners will be announced at www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com on December 31!

The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:

Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov.˜07), will be stopping off at Christian Writers World!
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at Plug Your Book!
http://plugyourbook.wordpress.com/



Jean Hackensmith and Kathe Birch, authors of the time travel romance, THE ULTIMATE PASSAGE (Port Town Publishing, Sept.07) will be sharing her thoughts all week long at Independent Book Report!
http://independentbookreport.blogspot.com/



Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec.07) will be stopping off at Virtual Wordsmith! http://www.virtualwordsmith.blogspot.com/



Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept.07) will be stopping off at Storycrafters! http://www.storycrafters.blogspot.com/



Sydney Molare, author of the christian fiction novel, DEVILS ORCHESTRA (Fishbowl International) will be stopping off at Beyond the Books! http://beyondthebooks.wordpress.com/



Cat Muldoon, author of the fantasy novel, RUE THE DAY (Wings Press, May ‘07) will be stopping off at Book Marketing Buzz! http://bookmarketingbuzz.wordpress.com/



Nelson Pahl, author of the romantic fiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at J. Kayes Book Blog! http://www.j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/



All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Dont miss out on this opportunity to win free books!
These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com.



PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com

queen & david bowie - under pressure live re-edit version

Queen: It's a Kind of Magic--You Tube Video

Emotional and Spiritual Healing: Taming the Wild MInd

Taming the Wild Mind
By
Theresa Chaze


The mind is the most powerful phenomenon every created. It can heal or kill with equal effectiveness. Whatever we can envision, we can create for good or ill. Yet in most people, it is wild and uncontrollable. Sometimes thoughts run in random directions, without focus or restraint. At the other end of the spectrum, our thoughts get stuck on a single topic or person in spite all efforts to change the focus of our attention. We become obsessed with one thing to the detriment of other aspects of our life. In both cases, the mind is out of control. Yet it doesn’t have to be. There are techniques to tame the wild mind. By relaxing into a simple thought or action, you can control your mind and relax your body without the aid of medication.
Meditation has been used for eons to gain spiritual and emotional perspective. It is not a religious practice, but a way a releasing all other thoughts save one for a short period of time. Some focus on the inhaling and exhaling pattern of their breathe. Others chant mantras or repeat prayers to achieve the single mindedness needed to relax the mind and body. In the Catholic Church, a novena is repeating the Virgin Mary prayer nine times for nine days. In other spiritual practices, saying “Om” in various tones achieves spiritual concentration. When combined with visualization, meditation can be used not only to calm the mind but also focus your spiritual energy on a specific area or aspect of your life that needs to be healed. It is a way of focusing the attention inward as a way to simplify the thinking process.
Prayers or rituals help a person step out of the mundane and into the spiritual. It is a way a creating a sacred space, which creates a barrier between one’s normal existence and a safe place. It is why people leave a spiritual service feeling more peaceful and calm. Wiccans and Pagan create a circle of protection that keeps out all negative energy and pulls in positive spiritual forces. In both cases, the person’s attention is directed outward onto a being, which is more powerful than themselves. In doing so, they feel connect to and protected by total unconditional love. Whether as an individual or in a group, prayer or ritual gives individuals a way to release the stresses in their lives by offering them up to the Divine, as they know it.
Yoga or other exercise not only is a way to calm the mind, but a way to hormonally energize the body. Endorphins are a naturally released hormone, which is painkiller and mood enhancer. It has been known to help a mother lift a car off her child and runner to finish the race in spite of injuries. This hormone also uplifts the spirit and enhances a person’s positive attitude. It is the substance that causes the runner’s high. By regularly participating in an exercise program, a person will not only make her or his body healthier and stronger, but uplift the spirit and quiet the mind as the exercise routine becomes the primary focal point. Whereas the mediation and prayers focus the mind in a specific direction, exercise empties the mind in favor of the physical action or movement.
All three options are a way of gaining control of your thoughts by focusing your attention on a specific action or thought for a short period of time. In doing so, you divert your attention away from the stress of your life and release it from the normal thought process. By gaining control over mind, you help yourself heal spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Theses are only three ways of taking back power over your life and your destiny.

Free ebook--Sisters Mother Daughter

Sisters Mother Daughters-
The Complicated Relationships Between Women
A free ebook

By
Theresa Chaze

Valkyrie Publishing announces the release of the free ebook by Theresa Chaze, Sisters, Mothers, Daughters. Using the fantasy genre, the short stories explore the complicated and ever changing relationships between women. Other worlds, differing religions, and political view points come together as women explore themselves and their life’s path. Sometimes controversial, sometimes frightening this collection of short stories reveals the multi-dimensional spirit of the every changing woman.

Seize of honor is an other worldly tale of how Kelly O’Dell accidentally killed the children of the natives she is attempting to communicate with them to save her people. It was an accident. She never intended to harm anyone, but natives knew she was responsible. They laid the body of one of the children on her door step and pointed their finger at her. Her comrades didn’t understand why. Kelly knew but she lied. Even after the natives attacked, killing most of their party, she kept silent. She couldn’t tell them the truth. At best they would abandon her to the natives’ justice; at worse they would notify command when the rescue team arrived. Either way, she would be as dead; the only question would be is how long and how painful the end would be. To save herself and her people, she must find a way to restore her honor by making the natives understand it was only an accident.

Resa has died, yet her spirit did not move on. Knowing her birth family would attempt to steal her property from those she had gifted it to and inflict their beliefs on her, she refused to cross over. They had tried every legal means available, but this time, she was ready for them. The everything was iron clad. Her wishes would be obeyed; her sisters of spirit would insure her final desires would be followed down to the last detail. In It’s my Funeral, I’ll Disco If I Want, Resa has prearranged her own funeral according to her Wiccan beliefs. Caroline, her spirit guide to the Summerland and long time friend, arrives to escort her to the other side, only find that Resa refuses to leave until after her funeral. Instead she wants to watch as her frustrated birth family is forced to accept in death what they couldn’t accept about her in life.

Politically relevant and controversial, And Freedom For All, projects into the future what life will be like once the religious right has gained power over the United States. Laws are in acted and interpreted according to their Christian doctrine, leading to the over turn of Roe vs. Wade and to a great division between the states. Pregnant by a man who sees her more as possession than a partner, Daphne asks childhood friend, Melanie to help her to escape to a free state. To retain control over her own body, Daphne leaves nearly everything behind and flees for her freedom. Together they must avoid the Pre-born Police, who arrest women they believe are pregnant to prevent them from leaving the Christian controlled states. Three borders and hundreds of miles to cross stretch between them and freedom as they do their best to avoid detection and capture. As they escape, Melanie and Daphne become part of a movement that will once again divide the country.


These are only examples of the tales told in Sisters Mothers Daughters as women strive to understand themselves and each other. Each of these women must look to their own hearts and ask themselves--am I strong enough?

Sisters Mothers Daughters is available at www.theresachaze.com. In addition, there are excerpts of Theresa Chaze’s novels, Awakening the Dragon and Dragon Domain, and other short works. Valkyrie Publishing distributes a monthly spiritual ezine, Messages From the Universe and the ebook versions of both Ms Chaze’s novels.

Theresa Chaze has been described as the woman who plays with dragons, especially the dragons of the mind. She leads her readers to magical realms and others worlds. Her work is based on her philosophy that all peoples can live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs. Her work has been compared to Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey with an adult version of Harry Potter mixed in. Theresa Chaze's major works so far include the first two novels of the Dragon Clan Trilogy and a free fantasy ebook called, Sisters, Mother, Daughters. Her screenplay, Never Can Say Good-bye, is one of the 2006 winners of the Gloria Film Festival. She publishes an ezine called, Messages From the Universe, which is available on her site www.theresachaze.com.

The Question of War

Virtual Book Tour--Newest Marketing tool for Authors

Virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion continues! All authors on tour in December will be giving away FREE copies of their books to a few lucky people who comment on their blog stops. Winners will be announced at www.virtualbooktour sforauthors. blogspot. com on December 31!

The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:

Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov. ‘07), will be stopping off at Fallen Angels Reviews and Independent Book Report!


Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!



Holly Fretwell, author of the nonfiction children’s book, THE SKY’S NOT FALLING (Kids Ahead Publishing), will be stopping off at Write What Inspires You!


Jean Hackensmith and Kathe Birch, authors of the time travel romance, THE ULTIMATE PASSAGE (Port Town Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be sharing her thoughts all week long at The Long and the Short of It and Fictionscribe!


Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec. ‘07) will be stopping off at J. Kaye’s Book Blog!


Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at The Book Connection!


Sydney Molare, author of the christian fiction novel, DEVIL’S ORCHESTRA (Fishbowl International) will be stopping off at The Writer’s Life!



Marilyn Celeste Morris, author of the non-fiction self-help book, DIAGNOSIS: LUPUS (Publish America) will be stopping off at Dancing with Butterflies!



Cat Muldoon, author of the fantasy novel, RUE THE DAY (Wings Press, May ‘07) will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!



Nelson Pahl, author of the romantic fiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Snow’s Blog!



All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win free books!
These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion at www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com.

You Tube Video: Magical Fantasy novels for Adults--Give In to Your Dark Passions

Golden Compass: scenes, interviews, and teasers

The Reflection in the Mirror--How we treat others reflects our self esteem

The Reflection in the Mirror
By
Theresa Chaze


Self-esteem like water seeks to reach the same level. It is why people who like themselves, attempt to raise others up with praise and positive feedback, while those who dislike themselves do their best to tear others down. It is this dynamic that causes both stress and healing in the world.
Those who live life with a positive attitude find it easier to meet life’s challenges. The bumps in the road don't jostle them as much. Nor do they feel the need to control or manipulate others because they feel powerful within themselves. This doesn’t mean they are always happy or don‘t loose their temper, but they are more able to right themselves during emotional storms. Since they love and respect themselves, they are more able see life as an endless supply of possibilities. It is this vision of hope that they project to others not only in their words but also in their deeds. They are more able to help others without strings or condescension, because helping others is a gift they give to themselves, which not only aids the other person but also increases their own self-esteem.
On the other end of the spectrum, those who don't like themselves carry around a dark cloud around their head. Every incident in their life becomes a major crisis. However, it's not the outer world that is the source of their chaos; the anarchy radiates from the individual. Only they refuse to see it; instead, they blame their problems in their life on others or society as a whole. They don’t feel worthy of others’ love so they don‘t respect or trust those who care about them. It is this mind set what causes them to criticize and emotionally batter others. When they make others feel bad, they get a strange sense of satisfaction and a false sense of superiority. For a brief moment, they have positive self-image. Only the feeling of control never lasts, because the power is an illusion as is the positive self-worth. The only person an individual can truly control is themselves. Only this type of person refuses to look within to find the source of their pain. Instead of sharing hope with others, they spread doubt, fear and anger. It is all they have inside. They never realize that their behavior attacks their self-esteem, making them feel worse in the long run.
How we treat others is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. Every day we chose to be a blessing or a curse in our own lives. Positive actions and thoughts increase our self-esteem; however, deliberately harming others lowers our self-esteem and attacks our ability to meet life’s challenges.

Magical Fantasy Virtual Book Tour Filled with Suspense, Romance and Healing

Virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion continues! All authors on tour in December will be giving away FREE copies of their books to a few lucky people who comment on their blog stops. Winners will be announced at www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com on December 31!

The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:

Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov.˜07), will be stopping off at Buzz the Book!


Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at Pump Up Your Book Promotion!



Holly Fretwell, author of the nonfiction childrens book, THE SKY’S NOT FALLING (Kids Ahead Publishing), will be stopping off at Write What Inspires You!



Jean Hackensmith and Kathe Birch, authors of the time travel romance, THE ULTIMATE PASSAGE (Port Town Publishing, Sept.07) will be sharing her thoughts all week long at The Long and the Short of It and Love Romance and More!


Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec.07) will be stopping off at The Book Connection!



Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept. 07) will be stopping off at Plug Your Book!



Sydney Molare, author of the christian fiction novel, DEVIL'S ORCHESTRA (Fishbowl International) will be stopping off at The Writer’s Life!



Cat Muldoon, author of the fantasy novel, RUE THE DAY (Wings Press, May 07) will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!



Nelson Pahl, author of the romantic fiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept.07) will be stopping off at Publishing Secrets of Authors!



All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don't miss out on this opportunity to win free books!
These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com.



PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com

Virtual Book Tour: Jim Melvin Talks about his Fantasy Series The Death Wizard Chronicles.

Jim Melvin
The Death Wizard Chronicles
A six-book epic fantasy
www.deathwizardchronicles.blogspot.com



What do you like about magical fantasy?


I grew up on the waterfront (Tampa Bay, Fla.) and was lucky in that about ten other boys my age lived on the same street. We hung out morning, noon, and night and played all the usual sports that young boys adore. But we also were obsessed with fantastical games involving super powers and super heroes. Rather than “grow out of it,” my love for magic and monsters stayed with me into adulthood.

When I first discovered The Lord of the Rings in the mid-1970s, I became hooked to magical fantasy for life — and the more magic the better. Entertainment-wise, it’s what turns me on. I would love to be huge and strong and wield magical powers. (Though if I ever really had to face down a monster, I'd probably run with the best of them. Ha!)


Why did you choose it as your writing format?

I wrote my first novel when I was 20 years old. It was a Stephen King-like horror novel entitled Sarah’s Curse. An agent who was a family friend shopped it around, and though it received some nice responses, it never found a publisher. But I wasn’t overly concerned because I believed my second novel would be the one to hit it big. In the meantime, I started my career as a journalist at the St. Petersburg Times in Florida. For me, the rat race officially began. Soon I was working 50-hour weeks and raising a family — and there never was a second book.

But from the time I finished Sarah’s Curse until now, a magical fantasy that eventually would become The Death Wizard Chronicles took center stage in my mind. When I was falling asleep at night, taking a shower, or driving alone in the car, I daydreamed about a wizard who could die and return to life enriched with magical powers. I did this for thousands of hours, all told.

About four years ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to semi-retire. In September 2004, I wrote the first word of Book One, entitled The Pit. Seven-hundred-thousand words later, I’m in the final revision process of Book Six.




You work has been described as not being for the "faint of heart." Why?

An author — and especially a debut novelist — never wants to lose potential customers. But neither do I want to be dishonest nor offend anyone unnecessarily. When a lot of people hear the words “magical fantasy,” they think Harry Potter — and rightfully so, given the enormous popularity of J.K. Rowling’s ground-breaking series. But people who are more knowledgeable about fantasy know that a lot of it isn’t necessarily kid’s stuff. The Martins, Eriksons, and Donaldsons write for adults, as do I. If my books were made into a series of movies (I wish!), the movies would be R-rated. I describe The Death Wizard Chronicles as a cross between J.R.R. Tolkien and Stephen King – Tolkien because it contains many aspects of epic fantasy, King because it’s pretty darn scary and rough. The Death Wizard Chronicles is a classic tale of good versus evil, with lots of action, monsters, and magic. It also contains a very compelling love story. But it's not for kids. I would say that 18 and older would be okay, though everyone is different in terms of what they might or might not find offensive.


Who is your target audience? Why?

My target audience is anyone 18 and older who likes action-packed epic fantasy, but The DW Chronicles extends beyond that. My series is literary in nature and has a lot going on between the lines in terms of symbolism, foreshadowing, parallel construction, and allegorical elements. So anyone who enjoys reading literature also will enjoy my series. I believe it will stand the test of time. I just hope I’m not one of those authors who dies of old age before my work is discovered by the masses!



This is a six-book series. How long between the releases of sequels?


I've got great news for anyone who discovers The Death Wizard Chronicles and becomes compelled to see it to its conclusion. There are no two-year waits between the releases of each book. My publisher (Rain Publishing Inc., a traditional house based in Canada) is as excited about the potential of this series as I am, and Rain has agreed to release the books once a month. Book One (The Pit) was released in September 2007. Book Two (Moon Goddess) was released in October 2007. Book Three (Eve of War) will soon be released by the end of November 2007. Book Four (World on Fire) in December 2007. Book Five (Sun God) in January 2008. And Book Six (Death-Know) in February 2008. All books can be ordered immediately at www.rainbooks.com or on a slight delay at www.amazon.com. There’s a delay on Amazon because the first shipment of books sold out faster than expected.


Which authors inspired you? Why?

Hands-down, J.R.R. Tolkien influenced me more than anyone. I have read The Lord of the Rings at least 20 times. But in terms of content, my writing is closer to Steven Erikson’s (the Malazan books) or Stephen Donaldson’s (the Thomas Covenant books) than Tolkien’s. But without the inspiration of Tolkien, my series wouldn’t exist. To me, he is an unparalleled genius. I wish he was still alive and writing.

As I touched on in a previous question, Stephen King also has been a huge influence on me. Hmmm ... King and Tolkien. I guess I'm not being very original, huh? Ha!



If you could have any famous person endorse your work, who would it be and why?


I've done quite a few interviews, but this is the first time I've been asked this particular question. And it’s a good one. Stephen King would be nice. For one thing, being endorsed by him would be like being endorsed by Oprah. You could sit back and watch the sales roll in. However, my adoration of King extends beyond that. In my opinion, he’s a victim of his own success. How could he be any good when he’s so popular? And how can his writing be taken seriously when it’s about vampires and spiders masquerading as clowns? Well, let me tell you: He is good and his writing should be taken seriously. There are good writers, great writers, and geniuses. King is the latter.



Please give me a brief synopsis of the book and an overall synopsis of the series.


Book One (entitled The Pit) opens with Torg, the Death Wizard, imprisoned in a horrifying pit bored into the solid rock of a frozen mountain. His captor is Invictus, the depraved psychopath whose power threatens to engulf the land in eternal darkness. Torg spends 22 days in agony before making his dramatic escape and setting off on a series of adventures that will change the future of the world.

My series is graphic and action-packed, spanning a millennium of turmoil. In a groundbreaking paradox, the Death Wizard, a champion of good, derives his power from a source traditionally seen as negative — death. His nemesis, an evil sorcerer, derives his power from the sun, the benevolent source of all life. Their struggle to control the fate of Triken will take your breath away.

What separates my series from most others is that I am an active student of Eastern philosophy, which fuels my world view. The concept of karma and the art of meditation play key roles in the symbolic aspects of my work. While deep in meditation, Buddhist monks have had recorded heart rates of less than 10 beats per minute. My main character takes this to the extreme. In an original twist never before seen in this genre, the Death Wizard is able to enter the realm of death during a “temporary suicide.” Through intense concentrative meditation, he stops his heartbeat briefly and feeds on death energy, which provides him with an array of magical powers.

My series also contains an ancient language that is directly translated from Pali, a dialect closely related to Sanskrit but now extinct as a spoken language. When translated to English, it is beautiful and erotic.


I would like a brief excerpt from a scene you are particularly proud of.


With one final surge of mindful concentration, Torg willed his heart to stop beating. When Sammaasamaadhi arrived, his temporary suicide began. What the wizard experienced next occurs to all that ever live — from the simplest bacterium to the most complex animal.

And that is what made Torg so special.

Only a Death-Knower can die.

And live again.

Only a Death-Knower can return from death.

And remember.

Only a Death-Knower can tell us what he has seen.

Not all care to listen.

Are You Seeing What Love is Showing You?

A & E airs a show called "Sell This House". The premise is that a decorating team comes into homes that have been on the market for several months and restages them to make them more appealing to home buyers. Although some of their decorating ideas are unique, what caught my attention about the show were the comments made about the owners.

Under the guise of searching for a new house, buyers walked through the homes; however, instead of looking at the structure of the house and envisioning themselves living there, they critiqued the owners and their possessions. Sarcastic remarks were made about not only the style of the furniture, but the placement in the rooms. They didn’t like the color scheme, the knickknacks or the personal possessions of the current owners. Instead of looking at the beautiful bay window, the focused on the curtains. They didn’t consider the size of the rooms, number of bedrooms or any of the other features of the home that are actually relevant to their needs.

The middle part of the show focused on the redecorating. It could be as simple as moving or removing furniture. However, frequently there was extensive painting of walls, cabinets, and furniture. Personal items are removed or placed out of sight. The whole idea is to make the house look as impersonal as possible. In most cases, the changes did little to make the room seem larger, but they did make the house seem uncomfortable.

The best part of buying a new home is making it yours with your stuff. One of the first things I did when I bought my home was to paint the rooms to match my tastes and my furniture. The changes made it a reflection of me. It is my home. My refuge from the world. I made if comfortable for me.

The last segment of the show was the same buyers going through and marveling at how the changes made the home so much better. Some of the changes did. But why should they have cared. All the furniture, curtains and artwork were all going with the owners. None of the things they found so amazing were going to stay with the home. How often do we get caught up in critiquing others that we fail see that what we are seeking is right in front of us? We look for love, yet we only see the shallow aspects of size, shape and color; we over look the beautiful soul inside with whom we could share a wonderful relationship based on mutual love and respect. It’s only when we release our expectations and open our hearts to see the real foundation of a person that we are able to see if there is a true love match.

Magical Fantasy Novels For Adults--Be Wicked If You Dare

Magical Fantasy Novels for Adults--Be Wicked if You Dare

Whether in books or our own mind as children we were able to unashamedly walk in the realms of fantasy, going wherever our imaginations took us. As adults were expected to put away childish things for more intellectual material. Guilty we secretly brought home Harry Potter, The Golden Compass, and the many others to once again enjoy other realms and allow our imaginations free reign. Yet like all stories intended for children, adults found that the plots were something missing. No longer did the simple tales of innocence captivate us as they did in days gone by. Instead, we longed for the passionate and mystical encounters in this world and others. Theresa Chaze's Dragon Clan Trilogy is magical fantasy series that is not for the faint of heart. Filled with magic, suspense and passion, the residents of Coyote Springs will entice and frighten you as they face challenges that come from within and without This series are for those who want to explore the guilty pleasures of their dark side while trying to keep their honor untarnished and heal old wounds.

Awakening the Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (978-0-9798406-0-9) is a story of magic, suspense and karmic justice combine in a tale of horror. Rachael moves to Coyote Springs to find a home and open her bookstore. Instead, she becomes the catalyst in exposing a murder and the target of a violent cult. She is forced to awaken her dragon spirit prematurely to save herself and all she loves. Will she be able to control the power of the dragon as it rises giving her the power to save all she loves or will the flames from within destroy her?

Dragon Domain--Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (978-0-9798406-1-6) Cheyenne and Celeste came to Coyote Springs to save a child; instead, Cheyenne found a home. With the help of their new friend, Jane, they created a spiritual sanctuary. But when Celeste stopped running, her past caught up with her. Dominic arrived with promises of love and passion. Instead of love, he reawakened Celeste’s dark side, turning her against those she loved the most. With the aid of the dragons, Cheyenne was barely able to ward off their first attack. With each soul they bound to them, Celeste and Dominic’s greed and hatred grew until they would not settle for less than totally destroying Cheyenne and all she loves. How do you protect yourself from someone who knows how to steal your soul?

Free books by Commenting on the Virtual Book Tours

Virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion continues! All authors on tour in December will be giving away FREE copies of their books to a few lucky people who comment on their blog stops. Winners will be announced at www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com on December 31!

The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:

Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov. ˜07), will be stopping off at a chat at TWL Author Talks all day!


Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at J. Kayeâs Book Blog!



Jean Hackensmith and Kathe Birch, authors of the time travel romance, THE ULTIMATE PASSAGE (Port Town Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be sharing her thoughts all week long at The Long and the Short of It and for a review of THE ULTIMATE PASSAGE, the fourth and final book in the time travel Passage sag, click here!

Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec.˜07) will be stopping off at Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion!

Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at The Writers Life!



Sydney Molare, author of the christian fiction novel, DEVIL’S ORCHESTRA (Fishbowl International) will be stopping off at The Book Connection!



Marilyn Celeste Morris, author of the non-fiction self-help book, DIAGNOSIS: LUPUS (Publish America) will be stopping off at Charlene Leatherman!



Cat Muldoon, author of the fantasy novel, RUE THE DAY (Wings Press, May˜07) will be stopping off at Buzz the Book!



Nelson Pahl, author of the romantic fiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Book Worship!



All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win free books!
These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com.



PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com

Virtual Book Tour: An Excerpt of the Magical Fantasy Awakening the Dragon

Impatiently he tapped the saddle with the reigns. "Lady, next time you can explain to the sheriff. Now get off my property."
Rachael was impressed with his self-control. Her little voice told her Abigail Hanson was extremely lucky woman to be able to leave under her own power. There was more involved in this situation than just the sale of a house.
Furious, Abigail threw the house keys in the dirt. "I’ll drive you back to the office." She turned heel to toe and marched to the sedan, yanking the door open and slamming it shut behind her.
The house seemed to call her; it was lonely. She picked up the keys, but felt reluctant to turn them over to their rightful owner. It wasn’t fair. They wanted to destroy it; he refused to live in it. It would be a perfect home for her and her feline kids. Looking up at the figure in the saddle, she hesitated. The keys were warm and comfortable in her hand.
"You’ll miss your ride." His voice held a hint of amusement. "And it’s a very long walk. Especially in those shoes.""
"I’d like to talk to you about the house."
"It’s not for sale." The harshness quickly returned.
Nervously, she sucked the front of her teeth. "It’s lonely."
Startled, his left eyebrow arched and he leaned forward in the saddle; it squeaked beneath him. "Aren’t you afraid of devils?"
"In the Wicca religion there are no devils."
"Are you sure?"
She looked up directly into the blueness. They were warm, yet distant, unreachable to the mere mortal. "Positive."
So began the battle of wills. He was trying to impress her; she refused to look away. His pupils narrowed, exposing a narrow band of brown. She leaned forward, placing her open palm on the mare’s neck. The muscles beneath quivered. The tail switched. A hoof stomped impatiently.
A fly landed on his cheek. Involuntarily the muscles twitched: he didn’t blink. She reached up and brushed it away.
Abigail blew the car’s horn. The horse snorted and danced away from the disturbance. Rachael jumped back. The moment was broken; the duel was a draw. The horn blew again, a long blast of frustration. The horse reared. He fought for control of the frightened animal both with the reins and with soothing words. Rachael dashed to the car. Through the open window, she grabbed Abigail’s hands and yanked them away from the steering wheel.
"You trying to kill us?"
"Get in the car!" Abigail snapped.
"Not even if my only other option was walking barefoot on broken glass!"
Abigail pulled her arms free, one bouncing off the back of the seat, the other banged against the inside of the door. Quickly she threw the car into reverse. "Find your own way back!" The wheels spun, kicking up dirt and gravel as the car shot backward out of the driveway and disappeared down the road in a huff of dust.
Coughing, Rachael tried to wave the dust away from her face. I’d done it again, she thought, me and my mouth. It truly was going to be a long walk back. Hitchhiking at my age, she laughed at herself, some day I’ll learn. But obviously not today.
The horse had calmed and he had dismounted. Gently he ran his hands down one of her legs then moved on to another, checking for injuries. He wasn’t as tall as she expected; slender build, but not so much he didn’t fill those jeans quite nicely.
Now, now she chided herself. Nearly run over. Finding herself in the middle of a holy war, deserted, and still having lusty thoughts. She smiled, that’s what happens when you approach your sexual prime. Pushing the stray strands back over her head and tucking them behind her ear, she crossed the distance between them. "Is she okay?"
Without looking up, he crouched. With a gentle tap of his finger, the mare allowed him to pick up her leg and he examined the hoof. Resting it against his thigh, he reached into his back pocket and removed a jackknife. Opening it, he used the larger blade to remove a stone jammed into the hoof. Carefully he cleaned away the remaining dirt, inspecting for damage. He smiled and slowly returned the foot to the ground. Experimentally she tested it by shifting her weight on to it. She stomped twice and her ears went forward. "Good girl." He straightened, patting the back of her neck.
Rachael released the breath, she hadn’t realized she was holding. "Is she okay?" She repeated.
His hands still holding the bridle, he turned to face her. "Seems so. How ’bout you?"
"Dusty."
He laughed and offered his hand. "Thanks. Kevin Mitchellson."
Accepting it, she stepped closer. "Rachael Franklin."
"New in town?"
"Month and a half."
"Why here?"
"I’ll answer your question if you answer mine." She indicated the house and the settling dust leading down the driveway.
"Long story."
"It’ll give me a chance to talk you out of a long walk."
"I’ll be having one of those as well. Belle has a bruised foot." Smiling he removed his hat and pushed back his auburn hair. It was damp and thinning at the temples. "This was my Grandmother’s home. She built it when my Grandfather died and my Father took over the lumberyard. She didn’t think it was right we live in a small house and she live alone in the big one. But she didn’t want to leave the grounds. She designed it herself."
"She used Feng Shui."
With a flick of his wrist, he snapped his hat back on. "You know the terminology. I’ll give you that." He turned on his toes and took the reins, heading toward the path he arrived on. "No comment. Have a nice walk."
"No comment. What does that mean?"
He stopped. "It means. You’re not the first reporter who’s tried to get me to admit my Father committed matricide then suicide."
"Wait."
"Why?"
"I’m not a reporter."
"Then why are you so interested?"
She searched for a reason to give. She found none. "I don’t have a reason beyond I‘m looking for a home. Before you ask. I don’t know why I like it. I just do." She hesitated briefly. "I’m not looking for trouble. I suspect I’ll get that when my bookstore, Dragon’s Den, opens on Beltane."
He halted in his tracks. Slowly turning, a smile replaced the sneer. "Good thing you didn’t mention it earlier. No telling what she’d done to the owner of the new devil store."
"Your sarcasm isn’t appreciated." Angrily Rachael decided she preferred to walk. She turned and towards the driveway.
"Where you going?"
"For a walk."
"It’s five miles. But only a half mile to the main house. I’ll drive you."
"Not enough room for me and that red wood size chip on your shoulder."
"Ouch!"
"Have a good life." She continued down the driveway.
"Don’t you want to talk about the house?"
It was her turn to suddenly stop. She pivoted on her toes, placing her hands firmly on her hips. "It’s not for sale."
He shrugged.
"Jerk me around and you won’t like the results."
"Do what you will, but harm none." He countered.
"So your Grandmother taught you."
"Who taught you?"
A breeze blew her bangs across her face; she tucked them back behind her ear. "None of your business."
"Now who has a chip?" Leading the horse, he walked closer. Would you like to see the inside? You might not even like it."
"Been there; done that."
"You got in?" The surprise in his voice raised the tone an octave.
She nodded.
"You lie!"
"That’s it!" She spun on her toes and marched down the driveway.
"Wait! Wait a minute!"
The horse whined. From behind, she heard the scuffle of boot and hoof dancing around each other. He swore. The horse snorted. Running feet came toward her. He grabbed her from behind. Her self-defense training kicked in and he went flying into the dirt, landing face first. Smugly she stepped over him. He caught her ankle. She stopped.
"Let go of me." The anger welled up in her. His moods changed faster than anybody she’d ever met and frankly, she wasn’t inclined to indulge him. "Or you won’t like the results."
He spit out the dirt and blood. His lip continued to bleed. "Are you always so violent?"
"I don’t believe in violence."
"Is that why I have a bloody lip?" Without releasing her ankle, he sat up, sliding his hold up her right leg. "I just want to know how you got in."
"The front door." She punctuated each word with anger. "We did have a key."
"Did Savannah go in?"
"No. She wouldn’t."
"Aren’t you curious why?" He released her ankle to wipe away a trickle of blood from the center of his bottom lip. "Only three of us have been able to go in since the coroner took Grandmother‘s body out. Myself and two of her closest friends. The house wouldn’t let anybody else in. Dad even tried breaking a window. The rock bounced off, nearly hitting him in the head."
"Maybe it doesn’t like bullies."
"Seems to like you well enough."
"I’m not a--" She stopped in mid sentence, realizing her words didn’t match her actions. "Sorry. I’m not usually so aggressive."
"Really?" His eyebrow arched. "You seem so well practiced."
Nervously, Rachael sucked the front of her teeth. She took the class for a reason and his behavior was it. She was sorry for hurting him, but didn’t regret protecting herself. You simply don’t invade a person’s body space without an invitation. She offered her hand to him. "Let me make amends."
"He wiped his lip with the sleeve of his shirt. "Will you help or hurt?"
"Who grabbed who first?"
"Point."
"I’m not keeping score." She again extended her hand. "Are you?"
Taking her hand, he pulled her to the ground. "I’d call us even."
Rachael lay on her side next to him, admiring his profile. With it tied back, you couldn’t tell how long his hair really was from the front. She guessed it fell past his shoulders. His features were angular. She thought he was attractive in a direct sort of way. She liked his ability to maintain eye contact without being intrusive or threatening.
Kevin looked down at her. At first, he cocked his head to the side. An expression of wonder crossed his face, adding a new dimension of light to his eyes. He blinked and smiled as his shield rose.
She didn’t know if he was protecting himself or hiding behind them. But what did he have to hide? For a moment, the battle of wills threatened a rematch, but only for that instant.
He gently clasped her hand and brought it to his lips, carefully wiping away the blood first. "I’m Kevin Mitchellson."
"I’m Rachael Davis Franklin. I’d like to buy your house."
"I’d love to sell it to you. But it’s not up to me."
"What was all that before?"
Laughing, he released her and fell back into the dust. "Oh, legally it’s mine. I pay the taxes. I still come twice a week to water the plants. Occasionally I even dust. But it’s not really mine."
"Unique perspective. Very Native American."
"With this hair color?" Kevin lifted himself onto his elbow. "What brought you to Coyote Springs?"
"A dart."
"A dart?"
Sitting up, Rachael pushed the stray strands back over her forehead, once again tucking them behind her left ear. "I was born sixty miles from here. I wasn’t happy. Family stuff. I worked my way though college at a small shop making incense and essential oils. It was owned by Beverly Franklin. She was like a mother to me. I earned my MA in business."
"She was your teacher?"
"Beverly taught me more than the arts. She taught me unconditional love. Because of her, I was able to release my anger and guilt, but mostly my fear."
"Fear?" He leaned closer, resting his folded arms on his bent knees. "You don’t seem to be afraid of anything."
"Even as a child, I saw things others didn’t. Now I know how to deal with them."
"Grandmother taught me how to use my gifts. She was an herbalist and a healer. She cared about everyone."
"Beverly never turns anyone away." Rachael smiled. "I’ll be carrying her line of products. She’ll also be teaching a class this fall. Anyway to shorten a long story. I won a lottery, which provided the prosperity for the store." She hesitated. "I asked the Goddess where she wanted me to go, then threw the dart. This is where it landed. Two out of three. Three out of five."
"Didn’t want to come back. Got the picture."
"Too close to the family."
Slightly nodding, he stood and offered her his hand. "I understand. Completely. If it wasn’t for Grandmother and my promise to care for the mill’s workers, I’d boogied on out of here long ago."
"It’s amazing what we’ll promise in the name of love." She nodded, but stood on her own and started brushing the dust from her jeans. "We all have free will."
"In any case. On to the next step."
"Which is?"
"You opening the front door and going in by yourself."
"Any particular reason?"
"Humor me."
Rachael held out her open palm. "Keys please. Unless I’m suppose to use open-says-me."
"Good trick if you can do it." He reached into his shirt pocket, taking out the keys the agent threw to the ground. He held them out. "If that doesn’t work, use these."
She took them. For a moment, their fingers touched. A shock went through her. It wasn’t sexual exactly, but the strong electrical impulse of his life force. It wasn’t light; it wasn’t dark. The color was gray. At sometime, he had been tempted, leaving footprints on the dark path. But what or when, she couldn’t read. She curled her short fingers around the keys and walked around him toward the house.
Climbing the front steps, she wondered why here, why him? She opened the screen door and inserted the key. It turned easily. The door swung open. Suddenly she felt nervous; more than she knew was at stake
She stepped in, closing the door behind her. It still smelled musty. No not musty, but the dusty settleness of a lonely house. The sun cast patterned shadows of the lace curtains across the floor and up the opposite wall. Plants were everywhere. Most needed transplanting. On the table in the corner, an asparagus fern had begun to wilt as the roots cried for more room. Rachael remembered seeing larger pots and soil in the kitchen. She picked up the fern and carried it down the hall to the back of the house.
The kitchen was cooler and darker than the more sun exposed front of the house. It was also the definitely heart of the house. Even in the shadows of the day and the tree, the room had a light of its own. She placed the fern on the counter next to the sink. Taking the largest pot from the shelf next to the back door, she filled it half-full with soil. Returning to the sink, she taped the clay sides of the fern's pot, pulling it free. With her available hand, she dug a hole in the soil of the new pot adjusting the depth and width to fit the root base. The soil was dry, leaving a find dust on her fingers and under her nails. Turning on the water, she rinsed her hands and adjusted the temperature. She watered the fern allowing the water to fill and flow through the pot, continuing down the drain.
She felt gratitude from the plant. A random act of kindness. She leaned forward and looked out the window. There was so much that needed to be done. Trimming. Pruning. Transplanting. Suddenly she felt as if she was no longer alone. Looking around the room, she saw no one, yet the feeling persisted. "Who’s here?"
The sensation lessoned, but remained.
Rachael knew she was being watched. Sensing the ones, who had crossed, was one of her families talents, but she was the only one of the last two generations who chose to develop it. Running her hand along the counter top, she sensed the love that had once filled the room. Not only in the food that had been prepared here, but also the intimate chats between loved ones around the small oval table in the center of the room. The woman who designed and had the cottage built was a strong, loving soul who knew how to find the good in the darkest shadow. Rachael wondered if that is what killed her. She smiled to herself looking at the hard on the eyes wallpaper.
"What are you doing?"
Startled, Rachael spun around, her fingers catching with the spindly shoots, partially uprooting it. "It needed transplanting." She felt defensive and angry with herself for being so caught off guard. She patted the plant back into place. "It was going to die."
His voice softened. "I'm sorry. When you didn't come out, I got worried."
"Why?" She shook her head, the long strands dancing around her waist. "There's nothing wrong with the cottage."
"That's not it." Folding his arms across his chest, he leaned against the flowered-papered wall. "It's the house. Some places have energy of their own. Most can't handle the level here. It's too intense. For me I can last a couple of hours. After fifteen minutes, my skin begins to itch. After about a half-hour, my head begins to ache and it only gets worse. Most people can't handle it that long."
"I don't know what you mean."
"An energy vortex--"
"I know what that is." She snapped, not meaning to. "Sorry. But you're implying there is something wrong here. Miss Abigail," she motioned quotation marks around the name, "implied the same thing. I haven't found problem one. The water works. It tastes good. No bare wires that I can see. I haven't tried the furnace."
"You are comfortable here." The surprise was evident in his voice. He relaxed his arms, allowing one to drop to his side; the other he tucked in to his front pocket. "You've been here almost a half-hour. It hasn't affected you."
"Earlier it was longer than that."
"The energy hasn't changed.
"Without a good airing, it never will."
"I open the windows twice a week and keep it clean.
"Short term it works." She softened her tone, sensing he was doing his best. "The house would eventually accept you."
"It’s been over ten years. It doesn’t want a master; the cottage wants a mistress. But not just any woman. A specific woman who knows how to channel the energy of the ley lines that interconnect in the back yard." He looked away. His gaze slowly drifted along the floor to the back door. "I also have other reasons."
"Which are your own."
His eyes focused on her, the blue seemingly brighter, more alive. "I won't sell the house. I'm not ready to let it go yet." He hesitated. "But you can live here. No rent. No strings. Just take care of it. Maybe with someone living here, they'll think twice about burning it down."
"I see." Her internal alarm went off, as her own past distrust of men surfaced. She shifted her weight away from him. Taking a deep breath and centering herself, she asked the Goddess for advice for the present situation, qualifying that the sign not be too ambiguous to be useful. She closed her eyes and exhaled. She reached for her center, the place of knowing without reason; it was her place of faith. An image came into focus. It was the house. The gardens were once again cared for and lush. The roses had reached to top of the trellis. She could almost smell the full blooms. A breeze blew through the trees, changing the shadow patterns on the well-maintained lawn. A blue jay swooped through the back yard and landed on the tree stump. A deer walked out of the brush. She walked to Rachael, nuzzling her palm. Gently she scratched between her ears. It was peaceful.
Blinking she opened her eyes. Kevin still stood in the same position. Rachael never knew how long her attention would be focused inward. This time it seemed to be only moments. She looked upward to meet his gaze. "There will be rules."
"Rules?"
"No unexpected visits. Midnight or otherwise."
"Excuse me?" Confused he tilted his head, but did not shift his eyes. "Oh, if I had wanted you as a sexual partner--" He stopped himself. Glancing downward, he scraped the heel of his left boot on the toe of the right. "It'd be your idea as well. Any others?"
"I consider the house my own. I make any changes I want."
"If the house lets you. It's cool by me. You pay the cost."
"Agreed. Lastly. When you are ready to sell, I want first option. And I want it in writing."
"Agreed." He extended his hand. "Will a handshake hold until we can make it legal?"
She took his hand. Electricity shot through his palm. He would bear watching. He did have talents and the will to use them. "Works for me."
"When would you like to move in?" He released her hand. Reaching past her to open the window, his shoulder brushed against her. The light scent of cinnamon surrounded him.
He knows his stuff, she thought. "Consider it mine now. But it'll take me almost a week to move in. There are a few things that need changing."
"Like the locks."
She didn't like it; he read her too well. She'd have to set up her defense systems as soon as possible; she wasn't going to let him see one vulnerable area in her life. Gently she pushed him away from her.
Smiling he backed off. "I'll go get my car and drive you back to town. I'll have the contract drawn up. You'll have that long to change your mind or have the utilities changed over into your name."
"I won't change my mind."
He nodded and reached into his pocket, pulling out his key ring and taking two keys off. "Here are my keys."
"Thanks. She took them from his out stretched hand, carefully avoiding contact with him. "I'll wait for you here. There are other plants that need my attention. I also need to make a list."
"A list?"
"Of what paint to buy. That wallpaper has to go."
He laughed from deep within. Stepping backward, he half turned and patted the flowered pattern. "Good luck. It's been here a while."
"Obviously since the sixties."
He wiggled his finger in front of his face. "Wrong. Grandmother loved it so she had it specially made in the eighties. She said she always wanted to have full blooms even in the dead of winter."
"According to Feng Shui, this is my relationship space. It'll be some shaded of pink, red or white."
"You have all that now."
She forced a smile. "They're lovely, I'm sure."
He laughed and shook his head. "Good luck. You'll need it."
Adding an Irish lit to her voice, she cocked head and leaned against the sink. "It's nota me who needs the luck blessing but anyone who comes without being invited to do so. This be a peaceful private place. I being a mind to keep it that way."
The color drained from his face. "I see."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing." He staggered back, as if she had struck him. Quickly he turned on his heels and was gone.
Rachael stared at the empty doorway not knowing how to respond or what to think of his behavior. She slowly shook her head. He was too confusing to understand. She didn't want to try. Instead, she counted the empty pots and the amount of potting soil remaining. She calculated there was enough soil to transplant three

Comment on the Virtual Book Tours and be entered to win free books

Virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion continues! All authors on tour in December will be giving away FREE copies of their books to a few lucky people who comment on their blog stops. Winners will be announced at www.virtualbooktour sforauthors. blogspot. com on December 31!

The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:

Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov. ‘07), will be stopping off at Girls Write Out!

Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at Dude, Where’s My Muse?

Holly Fretwell, author of the nonfiction children’s book, THE SKY’S NOT FALLING (Kids Ahead Publishing), will be stopping off at Fictionscribe!


Jean Hackensmith and Kathe Birch, authors of the time travel romance, THE ULTIMATE PASSAGE (Port Town Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at TWL Author Talks!

Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec. ‘07) will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!


Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Leicester Review of Books!

Sydney Molare, author of the christian fiction novel, DEVIL’S ORCHESTRA (Fishbowl International) will be stopping off at Author Talks!


Marilyn Celeste Morris, author of the non-fiction self-help book, DIAGNOSIS: LUPUS (Publish America) will be stopping off at The Book Connection!


Cat Muldoon, author of the fantasy novel, RUE THE DAY (Wings Press, May ‘07) will be stopping off at The Story Behind the Books!



Nelson Pahl, author of the romanticfiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Buzz the Book!



All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win free books!

These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion at www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com.



PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com

December 6 Virtual Book Tour

Virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion continues! All authors on tour in December will be giving away FREE copies of their books to a few lucky people who comment on their blog stops. Winners will be announced at www.virtualbooktour sforauthors. blogspot. com on December 31!
The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:



Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov. ‘07), will be stopping off at My Christian Fiction Blog!

Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at The Book Connection!



Holly Fretwell, author of the nonfiction children’s book, THE SKY’S NOT FALLING (Kids Ahead Publishing), will be stopping off at Paperback Writer!


Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec. ‘07) will be stopping off at Plug Your Book!


Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Acme Authors Link!


Marilyn Celeste Morris, author of the non-fiction self-help book, DIAGNOSIS: LUPUS (Publish America) will be stopping off at The Writer’s Life!


Cat Muldoon, author of the fantasy novel, RUE THE DAY (Wings Press, May ‘07) will be stopping off at Pam’s Wild Rose Blog!


Nelson Pahl, author of the romantic fiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Snow’s Blog!


All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win free books!



PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com

Virtual Book Tour: Win Free books and meet the authors

Virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion continues! All authors on tour in December will be giving away FREE copies of their books to a few lucky people who comment on their blog stops. Winners will be announced at www.virtualbooktour sforauthors. blogspot. com on December 1!


The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:
For the working links click here

Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov. ‘07), will be stopping off at Paperback Writer!


Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at Valley Girl Musings!



Holly Fretwell, author of the nonfiction children’s book, THE SKY’S NOT FALLING (Kids Ahead Publishing), will be stopping off at Plug Your Book!



Jean Hackensmith and Kathe Birch, authors of the time travel romance, THE ULTIMATE PASSAGE (Port Town Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Inspired Author!




Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec. ‘07) will be stopping off at Don’t Tell the Stones in the Road!


Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!


Marilyn Celeste Morris, author of the non-fiction self-help book, DIAGNOSIS: LUPUS (Publish America) will be stopping off at Shop This!



Sydney Molare, author of the christian fiction novel, DEVIL’S ORCHESTRA (Fishbowl International) will be stopping off at Buzz the Book!



Nelson Pahl, author of the romantic fiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Sadie’s Storylines!



All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win free books!
These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion at www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com.



PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com




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Magical Fantasy Sequel Not For The Faint Of Heart

Magical Fantasy Sequel Not For the Faint of Heart

Valkyrie Publishing announces the December 8 release of Dragon Domain--Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy. Reminiscent of Anne McCaffrey, Marion Zimmer Bradley and J. K. Rowlings, Theresa Chaze continues the tale of the Dragon Clan with Dragon Domain--Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy.

Dragon Domain (978-0-9798406-1-6) picks up the story several months and several miles down the road. Cheyenne and Celeste came to Coyote Springs to use their psychic gifts to find a missing child. They find the girl and made a new friend, Jane. Tired of rootless life, Cheyenne prays for a safe, stable home. With Jane's help, she find abandoned farm and decides to stay. Reluctantly, Celeste also remains. The threesome create a spiritual retreat that grows out of their shared wisdom, respect and sense of family. Cheyenne is happy for the first time since she awoke broken and bloody beneath the blinding desert sun. Celeste had saved her then, but soon after Dominic appears on their doorstep, Celeste once again turns to the dark arts. Instead of a savior, she becomes vicious enemy with knowledge of all her strengths and weaknesses. With the dragons' aid, she was barely able to ward off their initial attack. But with each dark soul Celeste and Dominic binds to them, their malevolence grows until they will not settle for less that destroying Cheyenne and all she loves. How do you protect yourself from someone knows exactly how to steal your soul?

Dragon Domain--Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy is a book where all the magic works, the women are strong, and suspense is page turning. As residents of Coyote Springs are forced to face the challenges from within and without, the characters jump off the pages and invade your dreams. Not for the faint of heart, Dragon Domain is a tale of lust, passion, and old magic that no longer has a name known to man.

Therese Chaze draws her readers in from the first page and refuses to release them until the last word of this fantastic tale of witches, magic, love and betrayal. Set in the village of Coyote Springs, Dragon Domain is a book of lessons; lessons on love, forgiveness, and above all truth to oneself. In the grand traditions of Anne McCaffrey and Marion Zimmer Bradley, Therese Chaze captures the imagination as well as the heart of her readers. Dragon Domain is an open door to a world of wonder, and from the first page to the last, you will be hard pressed to put it down.
Linda Rucker, author

Virtual Book Tour: Marilyne Morris--Lupus a Personal Story

Marilyn Morris has been courageously dealing with her lupus since her diagnosis in 1988. Instead of giving into the pain and depression that follows, she chose to have the courage to fight back through her writing skills. Diagnosis: Lupus is her way of not only her way of coping, but a message to others that they are not alone. Diagnosis: Lupus is a must read for not only those who have the disease but for their loved ones.

Once a Brat


Diagnosis: Lupus : The Intimate Journal of a Lupus Patient
Following are some of the many questions I am asked when people learn that I am a published author. Some are painfully naive and others are painfully honest. We get the good with the bad.


When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
A: I knew from the time I was in kindergarten. I watched my teacher making marks on the blackboard and I understood that those marks made words, and words made sentences, and sentences made a story. I was hooked right then and there.

Also, my parents and extended family members were readers. I learned to read at an early age, and I knew I could write stories like the ones I read.

Did you do any writing when you were a child, in school?
Yes. My father was an army officer and we spent a good deal of our time living overseas. It was probably forced isolation when I was in a military compound in Seoul, South Korea, in the third and fourth grades. There were few kids to play with, especially in the winter. So I listened to music and wrote stories.
How about in high school? Did you participate in the journalism classes?
Strangely, no. The school newspaper dealt with facts, and I knew I wanted to write fiction. I remember taking a journalism class at the local junior college several years ago, and after I had written my assignment, it was handed back to me with all kinds of red marks on it. I knew then I didn’t have it in me to do factual writing. I’ll do an article, every once in a while, but it is usually about my own experiences with lupus or being an army brat, or something I have experiences with.
What was your first break into being published?
I wrote a couple of stories for confession magazines, using a pen name. My check was made out to the real me, though! And the Star-Telegram posted one or two of my columns when they had guest columnists, way back when. I was absolutely thrilled to see my name as a by-line, even if it wasn’t a “big break.” It was a start. Then I began writing a weekly humor/human interest column for a local weekly paper, and I did that for ten years.
So when was your first book published, and how long did it take you to write it?
I always say it took me 20 years to write my first novel, Sabbath’s Room. I was going through a difficult divorce and lacked any shred of self-confidence, so each time I pulled the manuscript out of the drawer, I worried that it wasn’t good enough. And this was all written on a typewriter, B.C. (Before Computers) But when a fellow Army Brat I met online in our military brats group asked me to proofread his book, and then he got it published, I thought, “If he can do it, I can do it.”
So by now I had a computer and Internet access so I screwed up my nerve and sent it off and they accepted it.

So how did you feel when your book was actually in your hands?
I felt like I had won the lottery. The book cover was great, and it felt good in my hands,
even had a kind of smell to it, like a new car smell. And it was a shock to see my words in book form, instead of on 8 ½” by 11”typing paper.

And your other books?
A. My book about being an army brat came next, after I met the Director of the American

Overseas Schools Historical Society at a national gathering for a group called Overseas

Brats that I had found on the Internet. Dr. Drysdale pointed out to me that I am perhaps

one of the “original” brats to be sent overseas after WWII, and he was correct. Then he suggested I write about my experiences and send a copy of the manuscript to the Museum Archives, where former Department of Defense Dependents School teachers had set aside to gather all our memorabilia, such as my 4th grade report card, dated 1947, in Seoul, Korea. Yearbooks, letter jackets, old school newspapers, etc. are catalogued and housed in our institution in Wichita KS. for historians and researchers. So when he received my manuscript, he wrote me and said, “This needs to be published. “ And it was. It’s titled, Once a Brat, and the cover is from a photograph of my father, mother, two brothers and me at his retirement ceremony in 1958.

My third book, Diagnosis: Lupus, The Intimate Journal of a Lupus Patient, was by far the most difficult to write. Taking writings out of my 5 year journal and putting them up for public viewing, was a daunting task. I had to admit I was angry, depressed, and fearful when I was diagnosed with SLE in 1988. A couple of years ago, I thought maybe some other person suffering from Lupus or any other chronic disease might like to know how I got through it, and that it’s normal to cry and be angry about your lost health. So I took some of my notes and put them in a manuscript and it was published.

I have been in remission for several years, now, but I am always aware that I could have a flare at any time. And I have to remind myself that I could be hit by a truck tomorrow, too. Nothing is guaranteed in our lives.

My most recent novel, The Women of Camp Sobingo, will be released as an ebook by Mardi Gras Publishing on June 9th, 2007. This is something entirely new for me, as I am such a non-techie person.

What is the least favorite thing about writing?
A. Writing is fun. Promoting is not. Forget the old school of thought that if your book gets published, you’ll be out on a glamorous book tour and make a lot of money and be famous. Not today. I published like a lot of my fellow writers do – I chose a print-on-demand company, which didn’t offer any kind of promotion for any of my books. That’s all left up to me, to get them into the bookstores (they are on-line, though, on Amazon and Barnes and Noble) and do what I can to advertise my books. That hasn’t happened yet, simply because I haven’t done the legwork. I learning to promote on the Internet, but I need to go in person to the brick and mortar stores to ask them if they will stock my books.

I recently held a book signing at a Hastings Books in Lawton, OK. where I was attending my 50th class reunion. A classmate of mine took it upon himself to handle the publicity details, and I was very pleased with his work. He can be my agent anytime.

I have to tell a story about how my 86-year-old mother reacted to my first novel, Sabbath’s Room. Keep in mind it’s a paranormal murder mystery.

She called me and said, “I sat down and read your book today, all in one sitting.”

I said, “Okay, what did you think?”

She kind of stuttered a bit, and I prompted her, “Go ahead, tell me if you didn’t like it.”

“Well, that’s not it. It’s just that….well, I was surprised by all the sex and violence.”

I have to tell you here, that the “sex “consisted of passages such as “necking like teenagers” and “she lay in his strong arms.” And it is a murder mystery, so it has some violence in it.

“Well, Mother, I’m sorry you feel that way. I could have put in a lot worse on the sex scenes and made the murder much more graphic, so what you’re reading is pretty mild. Are you ashamed of me?”

“Well, no. I’m not ashamed of you. It’s just that --- well,” she finally said in exasperation, “It’s just that I recommended it to my Sunday School class.”

I laughed and said, “Well, okay, next Sunday, apologize to your Sunday School class for the recommendation; that you didn’t know it had so much sex and violence in it.”

She said she would do that.

And guess what? My sales went up.

Gotta love those Methodists.

Marilyn Morris may be reached by email: marilyncmorris@sbcglobal.net to schedule a speaking engagement or arrange for editing services. See also http://www.freewebs.com/graceworksproductions/ for excerpts of all three books.

Diagnosis: Lupus: The Intimate Journal of a Lupus Patient is available at www.PublishAmerica.com, Amazon.com and other online bookstores, or your local bookstore may order for you.



1. When and how did you learn you had lupus?
A: I was diagnosed in October 1988, but I had experienced many of the symptoms for several years. My general practitioner sent me to a rheumatologist who made the diagnosis, at last.

2. What were/are your symptoms?
A. I experienced severe joint pain, swollen and red joints, somewhat like arthritis, but with no disfigurement. And regular arthritis meds weren't working. Because of my age, (50 at that time) I was not a typical lupus patient, since it strikes most often in child-bearing years. I also had extreme fatigue and cognitive impairment.

Reynaud's Syndrome presents with a coldness in the extremities, such as being unable to reach into the frozen foods section at the supermarket without the hands becoming blue.

I didn't experience Reynaud's Syndrome, though I did have Sjogren's Syndrome, which is dry mouth and eyes. There are medications for the Sjogren's but I know of none for Reynaud's.

How do the symptoms present themselves?

In my case, they all hit me at the same time.

3. What kind of treatments are available?
A. The typical treatment for my symptoms included steroids (to reduce the swelling, but cause weight gain and a "hyper" feeling despite the ongoing fatigue (I called it "wired/tired" and I also took Cytoxan and Imuran when I developed vasculitis in my ankles. That made walking difficult and I had to use a cane for a while. I was also prescribed Plaquenil, an anti-malarial, which had been found to work very effectively on lupus. That course of treatment takes 3 months to feel the effect, and I am currently still taking Plaquenil once daily to keep lupus in remission.
Non-traditional treatments were applying heat to the affected joints, warm baths and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, like Ibuprofen.) They helped me somewhat, and often work well for some people, but I needed "big guns" for a while. I am often offered "cures" for lupus, and feel that as long is no harm is done, they just might work, but I generally ask my rheumatologist about them.
For a while, I was told by a reflexologist to eliminate all red meat, sugars, potatoes, tomatoes and squash, and when I followed her advice, I didn't hurt so badly. I forgot one day at lunch and absently ate jello and by 4 PM my knees hurt so badly I could hardly walk. I've also heard of some lupus sufferers using DHEA, (and I really don't know what that is) but again, I haven't felt that need to experiment, as long as what I'm doing is working all right.

4. You are the co-facilitator for the Fort Worth Lupus Support group. How do support groups help and how can one be found locally?
A. Once a newly-diagnosed person walks into our meeting room, they sense an immediate feeling of relief: somebody here understands this disease and I'm not alone. We allow them to "vent" and ask questions, focusing on the positive aspects of our recovery and treatment. To find one in your area, go to www.//Lupus. org and under the heading of "support groups" you will find one in your area. Our group is part of the North Texas Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America and is all volunteer. If someone has no access to a computer, someone in the medical/ mental health/counseling field has information about us. We often include nursing students in our meetings, who are required in their training to attend any kind of support group, and some choose our group.

5. How did writing the book help you?
A. Although the book consists of selected excerpts from about five years of journaling each day, I was surprised and pleased to see how far I had come from the very first pages to the time I finished journaling. I saw that I was afraid, angry, frustrated, in pain and despair that this would never end. Nobody seemed to understand I was really very ill, when I looked perfectly healthy (translation: How can you be sick when you're so -- uh, fat?) I realized that many people going through any kind of chronic illness must feel the same.

6. How do you want it to help others?
A. I want the reader to know he/she is not alone. Someone understands what they are going through. It's not all in your imagination, and you're not being a hypochondriac. I want them to know that the sooner they get a diagnosis of lupus, the sooner their treatment can begin and they will get better. They can have a better quality of life, even though this disease is still active. And they can achieve remission, for a day, a week, a month, or even a year or more. I want them to learn to recognize their limitations within this disease, and that they need to take care of themselves by not pushing so hard, and resting more often.

7. If you could say one thing to a person who has just learned he or she has lupus, what would it be?
A. Each individual presents different symptoms, making the diagnosis difficult. But once diagnosed and treatment begins, you will get better.

8. My book is available on Amazon.com, PublishAmerica' s site or you may ask your local bookstore order it for you.