Book Tour Day Three

Thank you to all who are visiting my tour! At today’s stop, I’m talking about Traveling Fiction: Places in Story with Sue Perkins:

http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Also, I now have PRE-ORDER available!  Until the release date, shipping on a personally signed print copy of Off The Moon is free! After November 27th, there will be a small charge included to ship.

Ebook orders will be mailed a bookmark and bookplate, signed. 



My complete tour schedule is here:

http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/?p=1520

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I’m still keeping up with Nanowrimo, as well, with over 7,000 words of a brand new novel!  Nanowrimo.org  -- find me if you’re there! I’m under lkhunsaker.

Book Tour Day Two

I’m talking about Artistic Vision and Creative Doubt, mixed with a touch of pop culture, on Jane Richardson’s blog today!

Come chat for a chance to win a printed, signed short story that’s so far unpublished and a bit of a prequel to Off The Moon.

Jane Richardson: Home Thoughts From A Broad

I love the title of her blog, as much as I loved her “A Different Kind of Honesty” – a lively and lovely contemporary romance that bounces between England and New York City. Funny … so does Off The Moon to a different extent.

Anyone who comments on at least 8 of my blogs during tour has a chance to win a signed copy of Off The Moon when it’s released!

Thank you again to all the tour hosts. You all rock!

Interview with a Musician: Vicki Blankenship

Vicki Blankenship is not only an Indie Singer/Songwriter, but she’s also president of IndieGrrl.com, a celebration of women in the independent arts. As a member of IndieGrrl, I’m glad to have Vicki here to talk with us about her music and her organization.

I’m also happy to announce that the lyrics of I’ve Waited For You, from her newest album, will be the music epilogue for Off The Moon, my fourth novel due out this month.

LK:  Hi Vicki! First, a public “thank you” for allowing use of your lyrics in my novel. It’s amazing when I was searching for indie songs that would fit with the story, just how well I’ve Waited For You fits. It’s nice to have you here chatting with us.

VB:  Thanks for using my song and promoting my music and lyrics.

LK:  First things first, how long have you been in the music business? When did you first pick up a guitar?

VB: I first started playing guitar and drums when I was 5 years old thanks to a grandfather and great grandfather who were both musicians. I’ve been in the music business off and on since college (1976 – 1981) but went full time in the music industry in 2003 with my first solo release “Don’t Forget To Breathe”.

LK:  It’s wonderful when young children get into the arts! Your music career echoes my writing career a bit – my first release was also in 2003. ;-)

So tell us a bit about your newest release, Blue Flame Trance.

VB:  My latest release Blue Flame Trance was originally slated to be called “Elements” because the songs selected for this project were different elements of my life and the songs were songs I had written from 19 years old to present. Many of my friends suggested that I consider using the name “Blue Flame Trance” as the title of the CD because they considered the song “Blue Flame Trance” an unforgettable song and the name would stand out more. The song itself is about Moonshine which is very prevalent in Franklin County Virginia the area where I grew up.

LK: Your music is reminiscent of 60s/70s folk rock, mixed with a touch of a country flair. At least that’s what I think of when I listen to it. Phoebe Snow comes to mind, but also Martina McBride; it’s both soulful and soothing. Who are your musical influences?

VB:  I grew up in the 60s/70s folk rock era so that is the music I know and love and the style in which I write. I loved bands like Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, Steve Miller, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Crosby Still Nash & Young, and Fleetwood Mac. I am a HUGE Lindsey Buckingham fan. Three other songwriters that I love are Mary Chapin Carpenter, James Taylor and Carol King.

LK:  Ah, some of my favorite artists there, also.  I have to tell you I grinned when I went through your website and read about Kiva, your rescued Dalmation. I have a rescued lab mix who is also such a joy, and Off The Moon features a rescued dog. Would you like to share a bit about your Dalmation rescue mission?

VB: Dalmatians were over bred when the 101 Dalmatians movie came out. And Dalmatians tend to be very active dogs that need a lot of attention. So a lot of them got abandoned when they grew older. I have helped place many Dalmatians in good homes that will work with them and show them the attention they need. Kiva is one that I kept myself. She is deaf and is one of the smartest dogs I have ever owned. She understands a doggie sign language that I made up and is very obedient. She knows no strangers and is friendly to everyone so she makes a good travel companion on the road.

LK:  Just for fun and since I ask everyone, what is your favorite color? Do you have a favorite artist or art style?

VB: My favorite color(s) is a toss between royal blue and purple. I love Vincent Van Gogh and my favorite painting is The Starry Night. I also like Georgia O’Keeffe and Klimt. I also paint; mostly oils and acrylic, and most of my paintings would be classified in the contemporary abstract style.

LK:  How did you come up with the idea of founding IndieGrrl? Will you tell us about it?

VB:  Actually Holly Figueroa founded Indiegrrl as a networking forum for female singer songwriters in 1998. I joined the network in 2003. Later I founded Indie Music For Life in 2004, a non profit to raise money for cancer research and other programs. I took over Indiegrrl in October 2005 and brought it in under the umbrella of Indie Music For Life. Now the non profit has completed revamped as of this year and in February we officially changed the name to Indiegrrl Women in the Arts, Inc so that we could include all aspects of the arts into the non profit and build on other things among networking. Indiegrrl Women in the Arts, Inc. works to create networking, educational, and showcasing opportunities for women of all ages involved in the arts. We also produce several festival events to help raise funds for various charities and are working to raise funds to build an Indiegrrl Music and Arts Camp for children between the ages of 7 and 17. Indiegrrl also produces an annual conference as an educational and showcasing opportunity and we are working on other educational forums, workshops, and seminars to help with entrepreneurial development in music and other aspects of the arts. If you believe in what Indiegrrl is trying to develop please go to our website and make a contribution. http://www.indiegrrl.com

LK:  I better wind this up so I don’t take too much of your time, but before I let you go, I’d love to hear what you’re working on now.

VB:  I am working on developing many Indiegrrl Women in the Arts programs and opportunities. Personally I am starting to promote my new CD “Blue Flame Trance” which you can find at http://www.spottedkivaproductions.com

LK:  Vicki, thank you again! Please leave any links you’d like us to know about.

VB:  http://www.indiegrrl.com and http://www.spottedkivaproductions.com are the main links. There are also Myspace links http://www.myspace.com/indiegrrlrecords and http://www.myspace.com/vickiblankenship and the facebook link http://www.facebook.com/vicki.blankenship

A note to readers: A signed copy of Vicki’s CD, Blue Flame Trance, will be included as part of the release party give-away for Off The Moon. Stay tuned here or sign up for my newsletter for more info.

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My BLOG TOUR for Off The Moon, featuring Vicki’s lyrics, “I’ve Been Waiting For You” kicks off TODAY! 

Here’s the first link: http://judahraine.com/romancewriteup/?p=673

To follow the tour, find the schedule either at CRR Promotions:

http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/?p=1520

Or at Elucidate Publishing:
http://www.elucidatepublishing.net/events.html


Today is my Author Introduction. Leave a comment for a chance to win a so-far-unpublished prequel short story, signed and mailed!  On Tuesday, I’ll be talking about Artistic Vision And Creative Doubt, hosted by Jane Richardson, author of “A Different Kind of Honesty.”
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Wolves and the Moon: Metaphorical Symbolism in Reality Fiction

Why do wolves howl at the moon?

Well, they don’t, of course. Not in reality. They howl while the moon is out and literature – yes, we writers – perpetuates the howling wolf at a full moon scenario so often they are forever intertwined. Why not? Myth and legend are powerful things. In a strange way, they help us rationalize our world when nothing else makes sense. And it can be a lot of fun.

I don’t write paranormal, but I couldn’t help jumping in on the paranormal event here [originally posted at Lindsay’s Romantics Oct 2009)  since I do draw on symbolism that comes from supernatural events to create metaphor in my next-to-come, Off The Moon.

The biggest superstition I pulled was that of the full moon relating to insanity. The book title is a hint at the heroine, Kaitlyn, who could be an actual case study for a psychologist (and may become that). It’s said that there are more “crazy” happenings and more suicides under a full moon. Statistics don’t verify that, but it’s so ingrained in our cultural myths by now that statistics hardly matter.

I hear you scientist type people out there groaning about now. But few will deny the power of the mind. Do strange things happen because of the full moon? Yes, I’m quite sure they do. Why? Because so many of us tell ourselves they do and thoughts are highly self-perpetuating. In other words, because we expect strange things to happen, we help cause them to happen or we relate it to the full moon when otherwise we wouldn’t.

I also used the wolf symbol as a metaphor. Wolves are strong animals, and familial. We all know the phrase, “wolves mate for life.” Wolves are also seen as lonely because of their mournful howl. In my novel, Ryan has a thing for wolves although he thinks of himself as rather an antithesis of a wolf. He’s independent but only to the point he has everyone else doing everything for him, pop star fashion, and he thinks his temporary companionships are all he wants in between his musical freedom. The wolf touches his soul, though, and he can’t deny its spirit within himself. Some authors have a hero turn into a werewolf to show his powerful animal nature. I have my anti-hero draw on his wolf spirit to turn into a hero.

Off The Moon is reality fiction highly steeped in symbols and metaphors often used in the paranormal world. The mating of the “crazy” heroine with the “wolf” anti-hero brings about sparks diffused by the calming symbolism of water.  

Happy Halloween!

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About the Story:

"Riveting" Ryan Reynauld is immersed in a world of music, parties, and temporary companionship. Having risen to the top of the pop charts, his biggest concern is objecting to the way his music is produced. That is, until he finds a young woman standing on a window ledge. Against the advice of family and friends, and through media attacks and fan protests, Ryan determines to care for her himself, making a promise that threatens to destroy his career.

Convincing the skittish girl she can learn to trust again comes with a steep price. Sometimes the path to recovery begins by allowing your world to implode.

I’m Going On Tour!

CRR Promotions has done a wonderful job booking me on blogs all through November to talk about my books and to promote my newest, Off The Moon, release date November 27th!

Come follow me!  I’m giving away a new short story, unreleased, that goes with the novel as a bit of a prequel at each blog stop. A drawing will be held by each host. The story will be printed, signed, and mailed to each winner at the end of November. Also, anyone who follows me to at least 8 of the 15 stops is eligible for a drawing for a signed print copy of Off The Moon!

THANK YOU to the following blog tour hosts!  Content will be different each day, to include author and character interviews. (I’m missing two links below but they will be added well in advance of the dates.)

I’ll be here to post reminders of where I’ll be and the subject for each blog. If you’d like an easy way to keep up, subscribe to my blog with the form to the right. Your email will not be shared or used for any other purpose than notification of new posts here.

01-Nov	Judah Raine http://judahraine.com/romancewriteup/
03-Nov	Jane Richardson http://janerichardsonhomethoughts.blogspot.com/
05-Nov	Sue Perkins http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/
07-Nov	Linda Banche http://lindabanche.blogspot.com/
09-Nov	Sandra Kay http://www.sandrakayauthor.blogspot.com/
11-Nov	Liana Laverentz http://lianalaverentz.blogspot.com/
13-Nov	Nancy O'Berry http://obe-romancingtheblog.blogspot.com/
15-Nov	Sandra Sookoo http://www.sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/
17-Nov	Lainey Bancroft http://www.elaineforlife.com/LaineysBlog
19-Nov	Lindsay’s Romantics http://lindsaysromantics.blogspot.com
21-Nov	Maryann Miller
23-Nov	Sandy James http://www.sandy-james.com/stable
25-Nov	Lizzie Starr
27-Nov	CRR - Release Date http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/
29-Nov	Steph Burkhart http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/

"Riveting" Ryan Reynauld is immersed in a world of music, parties, and temporary companionship. Having risen to the top of the pop charts, his biggest concern is objecting to the way his music is produced. That is, until he finds a young woman standing on a window ledge. Against the advice of family and friends, and through media attacks and fan protests, Ryan determines to care for her himself, making a promise that threatens to destroy his career.

Convincing the skittish girl she can learn to trust again comes with a steep price. Sometimes the path to recovery begins by allowing your world to implode.

Elucidate Publishing
November 2009
http://www.elucidatepublishing.net

Smashwords Supports Operation Ebook Drop

Anyone who has known me for any time knows I'm highly military supportive. So when I found this new project yesterday that combines my support of the military with my support of literacy (and love of reading in general), I had to sign on.

Operation Ebook Drop, formed and run by indie author Edward C. Patterson, allows independent authors to donate free copies of their Ebooks to deployed servicemembers. [I'm unsure about contracted authors -- you would have to check with your publishers.] I signed up last night and already have a list of names to contact. Only five weeks into the program and there's a long and growing list of servicemembers looking for books to help fill down time, and over 70 indie authors signed up. If you have a loved one deployed who would like to be included, or if you are an author interested in signing up, more info is at the link below.

Smashwords: Smashwords Supports Operation Ebook Drop

I'll be sending out emails today and will post updates as to how it's going. If the link doesn't work for you, contact me directly at info @ lkhunsaker.com (take spaces out) and I'll send you the info you need!

Book Review: Fire Eyes by Cheryl Pierson

Fire Eyes
Cheryl Pierson

The Wild Rose Press
ISBN 1-60154-470-7
available in Ebook & print

Kaedon Turner is a federal marshal in the days just after the War Between The States. After his parents are killed by Indians, Kaed is rescued and raised by the Choctaw before setting off on his own path, first as a soldier, than as a marshal. When he is severely beaten trying to rescue two young Choctaw girls, the Indians rescue him and drop him at the door of Jessica Monroe.

Jessica is a young widow caring for a baby not her own in the wild Oklahoma Territory. While taking care of the marshal and nursing him back to health, she finds herself falling for his advances. He shows a promise of giving her the attention and devotion she never received from her husband. Still, she’s wary, especially when she learns he’s on the track of the notorious Andrew Fallon – the man who murdered her husband.

Both Kaed and Jessica enter the story with plenty of personal baggage. Fire Eyes is the story of how they face their own intimate fears while battling external dangers. Jessica is afraid of the Choctaw and of allowing herself to trust Kaed. He, in return, is haunted by his own loss and determined not to feel it again. Along with these two deep, true-to-life characters are several supporting characters we get to know well and care about. Fallon is one of the most evil villains you’ll run across, complete with background. The side story of two young girls who escaped Fallon’s clutches is endearing and adds a wider scope to the whole picture.

Along the way, we get lush detail of the landscape as well as some historical background of the times. Cheryl Pierson has a knack for creating intensity with both description and plot that refuses to let you out of the story until you’ve read the whole thing, and even then, it stays with you. There are no clichès concerning the ‘wild west’ or Native American life. I wasn’t always fully convinced that the group of marshals would be quite so open with their emotions as they were, but at least they did have emotion instead of being impervious to their pasts and present (ie John Wayne). 

Overall, Fire Eyes is a smooth, realistic read with wonderful characterization, real dialogue, and an absorbing fullness. Any reader interested in romance and westerns will enjoy this one!

A light note of caution: this is on the spicier side of non-erotic romance in places, but readers can easily move past those short scenes if bothered by them.

September Whispers

Rise and Shine at seven forty-seven
first breaths unremembered
unhurried
There was always love surrounding
warm arms waiting
a soft blanket against crisp fall air

Paper hats & piñatas & chocolate cake
& smiles deeply felt
The virgin in her protective shell
keeping each part of life in its separate place
messy must-be-heres

Nature’s palette adds its own paint
shifting greens to golds
newness to ne’er-do-well
and it falls
tumbling, dancing, orange-red to the ground
not the first
but the deepest

Another beginning at the start of death
branches baring solid stems
stalwart
never mind, they whisper
all things heal
regrow
re-begin


©LK Hunsaker
September 17, 2009

Blog Awards

Thank you, Linda, for sending along these two blog awards! (Which reminds me I had 2 from Andra some time ago I forgot to post. *blush* Now I can’t find them. Yes, I need help.)

The first is:



I’m passing this one along to--
S.G. Cardin – http://sgcardin.blogspot.com
Lisa - Peel the Onion - music, society and humor
Paul - http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendId=492549152

Check out their blogs. You won’t be disappointed. :-)

And:



With this one comes Q/A …

When posting the award, list 7 of your favorite things, 7 of your favorite activities, and 7 things no one knows about you.

Okay then, I’ll give it a go but as long as I’ve been blogging, there may not be 7 things I’m willing to share that’s not already known. ;-)

Favorite Things:
1- Family
2- Writing
3- Art
4- Music
5- Gorgeous Scenery
6- Scottish Coffee (any good coffee, but in particular)
7- Chocolate (of course)

Favorite Activities:
1- Swimming
2- HD Biking
3- Traveling
4- Getting to know people and chatting (seriously, although I’m not as available for it as I’d like)
5- Gardening
6- Reading
7- Learning stuff on the computer (design work, etc)

Unknowns (at least largely unknown):
1- I have a phone phobia. I rarely pick it up even to call family.
2- I’m actually a Type A personality although most who kind of know me would think I’m a B.
3- I took dance lessons most of the time I was growing up but don’t like to dance in public.
4- I have 3 siblings and 9 first cousins.
5- I have original signatures of 23 singer/musicians on photos or albums
6- I also have a signed thank you from Laura Bush for sending her a copy of my first novel. I have tons of respect for her and wish I could have met her personally.
7- I have a collection of M&M items for my kitchen and Seraphim Angels in the rest of my house.

I’m sending this to:
Andra – http://www.almarquardt.com/blog/
Dawn - http://blogs.myspace.com/dawncolclasure
David - http://www.writing.com/main/books/item_id/1461602
TC – http://thewritegardener.blogspot.com
Charlotte - http://www.writing.com/main/books/item_id/1028995
Jen - http://www.writing.com/main/books/item_id/931550 (this one is restricted to members)
DJ – http://blogs.myspace.com/mtclimber1976

So.. if you like blog-hopping like I do, skim around and check out these Lovely, Kreativ Blogs!

And many thanks to Linda Banche, romance author:
http://lindabanche.blogspot.com

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Lest We Forget

Pentagon – September 2001

I took this photo and the one below about a week after September 11th. We lived 15 miles away.



In June 2002, we took relatives into Washington DC. This was an eerie site:


A plane over the Washington Memorial.

I was also in Northern Virginia when terrorists with a white van were on a random killing spree. I still cringe when I see white vans.

In September 2002, we visited New York City and Ground Zero:




I have yet to visit Shanksville, Pennsylvania, but I will.

Now, photos taken of the September 11th mastermind by the Red Cross are being spread around by Al Qaida terrorists and sympathizers in order to garner support for another attack.

We cannot forget. And we cannot let our guard down.

Be safe, America. Freedom cannot be destroyed. We can’t allow it.

There hasn’t been one September 11th yet I have not shed tears for my country and the families and friends of the victims. I hope it never becomes enough “past history” that I’ll stop. For some of us, it will never be in the past. It will always be with us. 
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