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Saturday, 24 May 2008
Help Needed
Topic: Miscellaneous

The recent storms in the south have created devastation for many.  Author Lacresha Hayes ( you will remember her from a few weeks back when she was here with her book The Rape of Innocence) and her husband saw there church damaged considerably.  In addition. many of their congregation have been left with basic needs unfulfilled. 

 A group of Lacresha's friends, myself included, are setting up a funraiser to help .  We are gathering a large package of printed books to raffle off.  The chances will be 1.00 each and the prize will be the entire set of books we gather--all new, many authographed--there will be at least ten, but watch here for titles as the number grows.

Any author willing to donate a copy of your book is asked to contact me at rainbow@velocity.net and I will let you know where to send the book.  For those wishing to buy chances, you can also contact me at the above address or watch this space for further information.

Thanks, Everyone!!!

 

Tomorrow, we start a week-long visit with author, Steven Bradley.


Posted by joyceanthony at 12:57 AM EDT
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Wednesday, 21 May 2008
A birthday excerpt
Topic: Miscellaneous

Since today is my birthday, I thought I'd share with you an excerpt of my own book, Storm!!  I hope you enjoy it.  When finished, please click on the link to your left that takes you to further excerpts and a place to meet Jane, as well as other characters.  Of course, if you'd like to make my birthday extra special, each of you will buy a copy :-)

*****

Jane jumped to her feet and it appeared to Storm as though she were hugging the air.  What's going on?  Storm knew abused children sometimes had emotional breakdowns and he wondered if that was what he was witnessing.  Jane stepped back, still smiling, and once again looked as though she were listening.  She nodded her head one last time and watched the empty spot for a moment longer, then turned to Storm.  When she saw him, she ran over to him.

"Did you see him?"

"See who?  The crow?"

"No, the nice man.  He always visits me here."

Storm hadn't seen anyone, but the child seemed happier and he didn't want to ruin that.

"He makes me feel happy when he talks to me.  He won't hurt me like my daddy."

Storm had no clue as to how to respond.  Jane didn't seem to be waiting for an answer, however, so he kept quiet and listened to her talk.

"He used to come see me at my house, but then he helped me find this place.  He says Daddy is a bad man and I will be safe one day soon.  He says I can come live with him."

Storm found his voice.  "Do you know this man's name?"

"He says he has many, many names and I can call him anything I want."

"What do you call him?"

"He is my Special Friend.  He loves me and says my mommy will be at his house when I get to go live with him." 

The little girl turned and pointed at the tombstone she had been kneeling near, "This is where my mommy lives right now."


Posted by joyceanthony at 1:05 AM EDT
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Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Dyan Garris -- Making it Easy to Decide
Topic: Blog Tours

The past few days, you have had a chance to get to know Dyan Garris better and see some of the items in her "tool kit".  Dyan has made it a mission to help people grow and connect with their higher selves to achieve all they possibly can.  Her music and angel cards are only part of the picture.  Today I want to tell you about two very special baskets Dyan Garris has assembled to help you achieve  your meditation or relaxation goals.  Whether you want to pamper a special friend or yourself, you will want to check these out :-)

The Meditation Basket is a beautiful, reusable 10" lined basket. It contains all six soul-soothing New Age music CDs in the series of music and guided meditation for Automatic Chakra Balance,TM relaxation, healing, and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit, by Dyan Garris. The CDs included are A Healing Journey-The Voice of the Angels, Moment by Moment-Music for the Soul, Reflection, Patterns, Illusions, and Connections. The basket comes with an angelic scroll of healing affirmations, authentic and powerful Tibetan meditation crystal, high quality incense and holder, and a clean burning, heavenly smelling, Reiki charged meditation candle in its own jar, with its own special affirmation. Beginner to experienced meditator will find the "Journeys" on the last track of each CD healing and refreshing! Please choose the flavor of candle and bath salts from the drop down menus. You can also add things to your basket, by making your choices in the drop down menu below. There is no additional shipping charge for items that you add.

The Relaxation Basket is a colorful, reusable 6 inch lined basket. It contains your choice of one music CD, Release or Spiritus Sanctus Volume 1 or 2.
Also included is an angelic scroll of healing affirmations, heavenly smelling, clean burning, Reiki charged relaxation candle (soy) in a jar with its own angelic healing affirmation & a two ounce tin of 100% Dead Sea Bath Salts.

I wish we would have had more time to explore the other items Dyan Garris has to offer.  Her knowledge and talent is incredible.  Stop by the chat tonight to discuss chakras with Dyan and don't forget her tele-class.

Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog tour spots will be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Dyan Garris’ CD – Release. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter will also win a free copy of Release. Share your thoughts and comments with Dyan. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win a CD.
Dyan is offering a FREE teleclass for anyone who has read Money and Manifesting - if you haven't already read the book, visit Dyan's website to order a copy - www.voiceoftheangels.com. For full details about the class, visit this page  http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/begin-your-personal-healing-journey.html

Her website is full of great details about all of the items within her “toolbox” and there are many special features. She provides the tools you need to have a full and happy life – http://www.voiceoftheangels.com/ and it’s not as hard to achieve as you think. Visit Dyan’s Amazon profile for links to many of her products - http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AYREZNHQDLRFM/


Posted by joyceanthony at 1:42 AM EDT
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Monday, 19 May 2008
Dyan Garris and Angel Cards
Topic: Blog Tours

**Note to readers:  Come on guys, over 400 of you stopped by to visit yesterday--I KNOW you have something to say :-)  How about we drop Dyan a comment?  Don't forget, some lucky winner will receive a copy of her latest CD--and I guarantee it is destined to become a favorite :-)**

I want to introduce you to one of my favorite items in Dyan Garris' toolbox--her Angel Cards.  Dyan describes these as:

"Voice of the Angels - A Healing Journey Spiritual Cards. You will find these cards uncannily accurate in answering your questions. The cards were hand illustrated and originally made with crystals and other natural elements. Each card has a message from the angels. The angels speak to you in quatrain verse. Each card is a scene from A Healing Journey Guided Fantasy found on track seven of Voice of the Angels - A Healing Journey CD . This is the companion CD and the first CD in the series of six CDs for Automatic Chakra Balance,™ stress release, help in sleeping, relaxation, and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit. These cards are very different from similar cards, as you will soon discover"

The artwork on these cards is beautiful!!  I stopped by Dyan's site and had a free reading done (stop here for yours-- http://www.voiceoftheangels.com/freereading.html ) and was amazed at the accuracy.  These readings are available in English, Spanish and Russian!!

There is also a journal that you can get that helps you keep track of your angel card readings.  Take time looking around while you are there and discover some of the other items available in this wonderful Toolbox.

Don't forget the chat on chakras Tuesday evening at 8 PM EST.  Just go to http://pub29.bravenet.com/chat/show.php/2488831080 and sign in. 

In addition, don't forget to sign up for Dyan's free teleclass (details below) and leave a comment for your chance to win a CD (details on that below also!!

***

 

Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog tour spots will be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Dyan Garris’ CD – Release. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter will also win a free copy of Release. Share your thoughts and comments with Dyan. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win a CD.
Dyan is offering a FREE teleclass for anyone who has read Money and Manifesting - if you haven't already read the book, visit Dyan's website to order a copy - www.voiceoftheangels.com. For full details about the class, visit this page  http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/begin-your-personal-healing-journey.html

Her website is full of great details about all of the items within her “toolbox” and there are many special features. She provides the tools you need to have a full and happy life – http://www.voiceoftheangels.com/ and it’s not as hard to achieve as you think. Visit Dyan’s Amazon profile for links to many of her products - http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AYREZNHQDLRFM/


Posted by joyceanthony at 1:06 AM EDT
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Sunday, 18 May 2008

Today I have a wonderful treat for you guys.  Dyan Garris writes and performs some wonderful music.  Is this music inspired by angels, listen and you decide :-)

From Sanctus CD

Dyan offers a series of CDs for Automatic Chakra Balance™. Each of the six CDs in the series is available separately, or together as a set in the Meditation Basket. Each CD vibrates to different chakra and each CD is for a specific purpose. Each CD will however, balance all of your chakras automatically and will help you unblock what is in your way. Each CD in the series consists of six or seven tracks of instrumental music plus a guided meditation on the last track."The song "Illusions" was recently #1 on Music Choice's Soundscapes cable TV music channel."

This in only the beginning of Dyan's lovely music--in all, she has recorded eleven CDs.  The music is intented to relax the body and mind, refresh the soul and clear the chakras.  Dyan Garris has definitely achieved all this and more.

Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog tour spots will be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Dyan Garris’ CD – Release. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter will also win a free copy of Release. Share your thoughts and comments with Dyan. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win a CD.
Dyan is offering a FREE teleclass for anyone who has read Money and Manifesting - if you haven't already read the book, visit Dyan's website to order a copy - www.voiceoftheangels.com. For full details about the class, visit this page  http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/begin-your-personal-healing-journey.html

Her website is full of great details about all of the items within her “toolbox” and there are many special features. She provides the tools you need to have a full and happy life – http://www.voiceoftheangels.com/ and it’s not as hard to achieve as you think. Visit Dyan’s Amazon profile for links to many of her products - http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AYREZNHQDLRFM/


Posted by joyceanthony at 2:59 AM EDT
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Saturday, 17 May 2008
Dyan Garris--A Woman of Many Talents
Topic: Blog Tours

I have the wonderful pleasure of once again visiting with Dyan Garris for the next few days.  She is going to give us a peek into the many wonderful tools she has to offer those of us seeking to make our lives better and happier.

Below you will find a bio of Dyan that includes links to many of her projects.  She dropped by to speak to us and I will be sharing what she had to say. 

Tomorrow, Dyan has agreed to allow us to hear a sample of the wonderful music she writes and performs.  Later this week, we will explore her Angel cards and, on Tuesday, Dyan will honor us with a live chat in which she discusses chakras--this is a must attend chat! 

Please be sure to read through to the end of this post for your chabce to win a copy of Dyan Garris' CD, which is a wonderful addition to any music library.  Enjoy our visit with Dyan Garris :-)

**Meet Dyan Garris**

For many years Dyan Garris has been counseling clients in order to help them move forward in their lives. She is clairvoyant, clairaudient, and clairsentient. In addition, Dyan is also what is known as a voice recognition psychic and trance channel. This means that she can help her clients via telephone, which is how she conducted her readings throughout her career.

Dyan is the author, developer and artist of Voice of the Angels - A Healing Journey Spiritual Cards. This is a thirty card deck of angel cards based upon scenes from A Healing Journey Guided Fantasy.  Each hand illustrated card has its own channeled message in rhythmic quatrain verse from the angels.  Free angel card readings are available on her main website. A journal is available separately as an integrative tool for use with the cards and a meditation journal is available for use with the CDs.

Dyan writes the Daily Channeled Message which posts on her website. Recently she authored The Book of Daily Channeled Messages which is a compilation of inspirational angelic messages to be used for daily guidance or as a bibliomancy tool.

Her book Voice of the Angels Cookbook - Talk To Your Food! Intuitive Cooking is an adventure in opening one's creative centers and communicating with your food so it can transform from raw ingredients into what truly nourishes you on every level.

In 2005 she created a CD series of instrumental music and meditation for Automatic Chakra BalanceTM, self-healing, relaxation, and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit. Each CD is available separately, as well as together in a gift basket, and contains several tracks of relaxation music plus a guided meditation on the last track. The CDs have earned the National Health & Wellness Stamp of Approval.

Her new CD of instrumental relaxation music "Release" was released in late September 2007. Dyan's music can be heard nationally and internationally on numerous radio stations. "Release" recently charted at #3 on Music Choice's cable TV music channel Soundscapes and is currently nominated for New Age Reporter's "Best Relaxation/Meditation Album of the Year" and "Best Cover Art." "Illusions" recently charted at #1.

 She is a frequent radio guest on the Jay Grayce show at Tribeca Radio in New York City and has been interviewed by numerous other radio hosts.  Recently, Mystic Pop Magazine interviewed her for their January/February issue. Living In Style TV featured her products in their 2007 holiday show.

Dyan Garris is the author of Voice of the Angels Spiritual Cards, The Book of Daily Channeled Messages, Talk To Your Food! Intuitive Cooking, and Fish Tale of Woe - Lost at Sea. In 2005 she created a series of music and meditation CDs for healing, Automatic Chakra Balance,TM and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit.

**A few words from Dyan Garris**

Flash

by Dyan Garris

Flashback circa 1993. Like Merlin in his crystal cave, I am surrounded by shimmering multi-colored faceted crystal as I sit at my desk designing a piece of jewelry. The sunlight flows in like liquid gold from the window, plays on the sparkling gemstones, and sends the gift of radiant rainbows all around me. I am surrounded and give up. It is awesome beauty and the magic of the universe at its finest. I breathe it in deeply.

As I am bathed in this pure magnificence, I hear, feel, and sense a presence. This is nothing new or frightening to me, as I am a clairvoyant. I listen quietly as many voices converge into one and these too, I breathe in. I remain still because I know that in the center of that silence is the Truth. I am being asked to write something down. I step over to the computer and begin to write what is soon flowing as smoothly as honey.

I am writing a "journey." It's a healing journey. We begin on an island and we pass through several colorful doors and cross a bridge.  There is a beautiful blue river and a raft that has no oars. We put the raft in the water, climb in, and float trustingly, since we cannot control where we are going. I feel as if I have visited this place somewhere in time. It feels that real. We play in the waterfall of rainbows, meet the friendly dolphins and receive a gift from them. We leave our troubles in the peaceful clearing and we encounter our guardian angels. The sheer beauty of the journey almost brings me to tears. We look into the mirror and receive answers to our deepest and most puzzling questions. We connect with the light; and when we emerge from this peaceful journey, we return with our whole selves. Yes, I think I have been to this place. It's as if I'm remembering and bringing that imagery back here.

Flash forward to the present moment. "A Healing Journey" was the beginning and foundation of my current body of work. From that healing journey evolved a deck of angel cards, Each card has its own message from angels in rhythmic quatrain verse and each card is based on a scene from that journey. Then eventually one by one came all of the other tools in the toolbox that I'm almost done building. Six music and meditation CDs for chakra balance and for relaxation and connection to inner wisdom evolved in 2005 and 2006. Words and music flowed like manna from heaven. In 2007 my CD "Release" was born. It is eleven tracks of relaxation music for the purposes of releasing whatever is stuck and keeps one from moving forward on the path. Each CD vibrates progressively higher and "Release" vibrates to the seventh chakra.

Along the path came a journal to use with the cards and one to use with the CDs. And then came other books, each also vibrating progressively higher. At the top of this is "Money and Manifesting," which teaches people how to unblock their core energy for manifesting. There are two more items that go into the toolbox and very soon it will be a complete system that people can use for spiritual growth and transformation.  

As I created this healing journey out of one rainbow filled moment, I lived it in every sense of the word. I pondered many times what it all really meant. I contemplated the bigger picture. In that process I came to have in my possession several keys, which I now share with you.  In order to be truly happy and in order to really manifest anything, one must move everything out of their way that blocks their path; and one must learn to align one's will with universal will. This is what gives us the ability to co-create with the truth of our spirits, rather than demand, like petulant children, that things show up in our lives just because we want them. Our lifetimes here are like a flash in a moment of time. Live like the shining light that you are. Everything here is a learning process, a process of remembering, a process that brings us full circle. It all truly is a healing journey.            

**A chance to win and a special class**

Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog tour spots will be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Dyan Garris’ CD – Release. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter will also win a free copy of Release. Share your thoughts and comments with Dyan. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win a CD.
Dyan is offering a FREE teleclass for anyone who has read Money and Manifesting - if you haven't already read the book, visit Dyan's website to order a copy - www.voiceoftheangels.com. For full details about the class, visit this page  http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/begin-your-personal-healing-journey.html

Her website is full of great details about all of the items within her “toolbox” and there are many special features. She provides the tools you need to have a full and happy life – http://www.voiceoftheangels.com/ and it’s not as hard to achieve as you think. Visit Dyan’s Amazon profile for links to many of her products - http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AYREZNHQDLRFM/


Posted by joyceanthony at 9:07 AM EDT
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Friday, 16 May 2008
If Only by Celia Cooper--A Review

http://www.wingsepress.com/CeliaCooper

We all have them...those "if only" events that we let pass us by and realize too late how much we'd miss them.  Can we go back?  Is it possible to regain what we allowed to slip through our fingers?

Celia Cooper answers these questions in her latest romance novel, If Only. The warm shores of Tampa, Florida, is the setting of this romantic adventure.  Celia Cooper deftly weaves several sub-plots together, creating a world we all dream of--the chance to undo what was once done.

 This isn't your typical boy-meets-girl romance.  Instead, it twists and turns in the most delicious ways, creating a need to continue reading to see how things will turn out. 

Ms. Cooper's characters are so life-like you will swear you know someone just like them.  It is obvious that she has studied the subtle nuances of human behavior and weaves these into a cast aof characters that will have you cheering them on, hoping for a happy ending. 

Is the ending a happy one?  Can Steven and Barbara return to a love they shared twenty-five years ago and make it work this time?  You'll have to read If Only tp discover the answers to these questions but I will tell you this--when you finish If Only you will look forward with great anticipation to the next creation that is painted with Celia Cooper's pen.


Posted by joyceanthony at 5:04 AM EDT
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Thursday, 15 May 2008
Talking With Celia Cooper
Topic: Author Interview

 

 

Celia Cooper the person:

1.   What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

Loyal, passionate and artistic

2.   How do you think others would describe you?

Reliable, loving, talented

3.   Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

 The ecology of my desert. People see it as a wasteland of sand and wind. I see the squirrels, chipmunks, eagles, kangaroo rats, rabbits, and yes, even snakes and coyotes that make this land teem with life. The Yucca draconis commonly known as the Joshua tree grows in only two places in the world: Israel and the Mojave Desert. All these **** developers who think this is a wasteland waiting for them to slap up poorly made, overpriced, elbow-to-elbow ticky tac housing projects to be filled with people the judicial system dumps here from the Los Angeles basin have people like myself with which to deal.

In the five years since I moved back, hundreds of acres have been lost to developers who have little respect for the life of the desert. The sad reality is that when it is gone-there is no recovery. Unfortunately, the people who should be taking action on this can't make themselves see past the bottom line.

Okay. Taking down the soapbox.

4.  Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

 I have a cat named Sancha. She is 16 years old, very spoiled and referred to as a "tuxedo" kitty. Her overall color is black, but she has a white chest, paws, and snout, and looks as if she is wearing a tuxedo-hence the name.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

 I have two very important memories. When I meet the man who is my husband, we both had been battered a bit by life so when he wanted me to meet his dad, I was a bit wary. He'd just lost his mom and his father was the litmus test of whether I was keeper or not. His parents were divorced and his dad had remarried so I was going to be "tested" by Dad and stepmom. When we arrived at their home ( I was very uncomfortable as the home was extraordinarily beautiful, big and furnished with antiques), it took all of 30 minutes for me to fall in love with my future father-in-law and his wife.

The memory is of 6 years later. My husband and I moved back from paradise (lived in Hawaii, Oahu, for 2 ½ years) when we learned my father-in-law was terminally ill. We didn't know how long he had but we were going to spend the time being close. As the end came near, this sinewy, athletic man was reduced to a bed and breathing tube by his body but his mind was razor sharp.

I had been persistent enough (read nagging) to get my husband to go back to school to get his GED. Of the 4 boys in the family, only 1 had graduated from high school. When we brought the document to the nursing home and showed my father-in-law. It was a red-letter day in that he had been taken off the breathing tube and could speak clearly again and my husband had passed his GED. Disagreements of nearly two decades fell by the wayside. My father-in-law's eyes shone with pride.

My mother-in-law and I "took a walk" to let the two talk.

The second, most personal, moment was December 18, 2005. After a day in her art studio, my mom had noted she was going to lie on her lounge chair and take a nap. As my husband and I had been visiting and were on our way out, anyway, I leaned down and kissed her lightly on the cheek telling her I loved her. She smiled and put her hand on my cheek and told me she loved me.

Four days later, she was hit and killed crossing the street to go to choir practice at her church. When I get to missing her, I think of that moment. I'm glad I got to tell her I loved her.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

To the best of my recollection-I had gone out after work and had one, no about five, too many without eating. I proceeded to throw up on the street in front of the Marriott Downtown in Portland, Oregon. Thankfully, my co-workers were discreet enough not to say anything. I was going through a very difficult period in my life and I think they understood.

7.  If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

Working to make ends meet and pursuing the art of Middle Eastern dance. I started taking lessons on a dare to myself as I'm waaay too many pounds over my healthful weight. I knew I couldn't handle ballet or tap and wanted something that would celebrate the art of dance. I was a little hesitant, what with the preconceived notion I harbored, but having done some hula, I liked the flow of the dance. I've been able to isolate the movement of my individual body parts all my life.

Taking Middle Eastern dance, I learned several things-most countries in the Middle East celebrate women with meat on their bones, and the truth of "belly dancing" is that the moves were designed to assist a woman through labor (the original dance).

In the Middle East, men dance with men and women dance with women. It has to do with custom and faith. Professional belly dancers are for the tourists. It is a fascinating artform that celebrates the being not the body. 

8.  In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

 Christie L. Kraemer, writing as Celia Cooper, spent a lifetime experiencing the world. She traveled the country learning new customs and appreciation for new places. Finding her "soul mate" later in life, they continued the journey. She discovered her muse later than most but once the floodgates opened, she was a prolific writer leaving a legacy of fantasy, romance, and mystery books. Fortunate enough to have her very first novel published, she continued the family tradition of paying forward by mentoring those who wanted to write but needed a little push. She gave seminars to help others traverse the publishing maze and encouraged all.

She was proceeded in death by her husband of 60 years, Lawrence, and leaves behind a brother, Gordon Cooper, a sister, Shawneen Staley and her husband Jim; 3 nieces and 3 nephews, numerous grandnieces and grandnephews, and too many friends to list.

Celia Cooper the writer:

9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

When I had entered a contest on the Diet Coke website- "Living life to the fullest"- and put together a story of 750 words. I sent it off and promptly forgot it as the contest was international, and I figured my chances were slim-to-none.

I had written a piece for my father-in-law, bed bound by a terminal illness after a life of activity, where he was able to get up, take a shower by himself, cook breakfast and take a walk with his cherished dog.

I was at my state accounting job and my husband phoned. He got off earlier than I and worked at the apartment complex where we lived. He told me we had this large envelope from New York addressed to me. My first response was "Who's suing us?" After a minute or two of baiting, I told him to open the envelope. He read the letter aloud to me and it was then I realized I was a "real" writer.

My story had been selected as one of 25 finalists out of approximately 700 entries. While I wasn't the big winner who went to New York and pitched a book idea to publishers, I felt pretty good about my writing. One of the reasons was the judges used by the contest: Maeve Binchy, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Jack Canfield and Mark Hansen, Mark & Chrissy Donnally, Elmore Leonard, Nora Roberts, and Lisa Scottoline.

The public relations house sent us guidelines on doing TV interviews and, in a conference call, told us that the judges kept coming back to our 25 stories; it was the push I needed to open the door to the possibilities of writing.

10.  What is going on with your writing these days?

Unfortunately, making ends meet to pay bills has taken the forefront in my life, but I try to get tukus in chair and write at least one page a day.

I have a story published under my C.L. Kraemer name involving a reverse Sleeping Beauty premise with dragons. My husband was so thrilled with it (he doesn't read much on his own. His ADD puts a damper on long novels with intricate plotlines.), he asked me to expand the story. Well, one novel became three and I promised him this last Christmas that I would finish the novel before Christmas.

As I have a mystery book coming out in December that I'll need to start publicity in November, I have until October to finish this book. Throw in my stepson's wedding/our vacation in August and I need to be putting tukus to chair more often.

Someone suggested, after reading a portion of the first book in the trilogy that I start with the middle book, which I had been working on slowly, because the middle book takes place now. Consequently, the first book that will be published (fingers crossed here) will be the middle of the trilogy. Then I'll finish the prequel and continue on to the sequel.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

 I have a dozen startups that I want to finish. I have a romance oriented family trilogy and numerous fantasy-sci-fi stories waiting to be written. They all lurk in the back of my mind and occasionally come out in a dream to haunt me. 

12.  Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

I get up fairly late because I work swing shift at the newspaper and don't get home until 12:30 a.m. Like most, I'm wide awake and going to bed is not an option. If I'm being good, I'll sit and write for a couple hours. If things are normal, I'll do reading or copy editing for the publishing house where I work.

In the morning, I get up do housework, laundry, yardwork or walk then I come in and sit down for an hour or so and try to put hands to keyboard. If I find my muse is being lazy or doesn't want to come out and play, I'll go practice on my drumset to get the juices flowing.

13.  Why do you write?

Because I can't not write. I realize that's a typical writer answer but there it is. Even if I was never to be published again, I would write. Now that I've found my passion, I revel in the feel of words to paper, characters that talk back to me and the amazement of sitting and reading something I've done and thinking, "Did I do that?"

14.   What writer most inspires you?  Why?

I must say I'm fascinated by the work of Dame Agatha Christie, and not because I suspect this is whom my mother named me after. Her work was lush and precise. She wound the reader through the story with deft expertise and, yet, sprinkled the clues in places so obvious that when she revealed the killer, you smacked yourself on the head and said, "Uh, I should have known!" She is one of the few writers I will reread. My memory, as of now, is very good and usually after the first paragraph or two of a book that I think I may have read, I'll know. If I've read it, I'll remember the ending.

Another is Mercedes Lackey. She creates fantasy worlds with such vividness the reader feels transported and doesn't doubt the laws of physics at all. (What we're supposed to do, isn't it?) Her stories have inspired me to write in the dragon genre even though it seems flooded.

15.  How do you define your writing?

 I don't like being defined, per se, witness my eclectic, gypsy life, but would say I write about real people in unusual situations. Not often you run into a dragon when you go camping in your favorite forest. My romance novels are about the guys and gals next door-a little older-but what many of us have become. For example, If Only is phrase everybody says but becomes more pronounced as you age...if only I would've married this guy instead of that one, if only I would've taken that promotion instead of moving to(you fill in the blank), if only I could go back and do it again...See what I mean? It becomes a mantra to many people.

My fantasy stories are crafted with, hopefully, my own twist on things. I'm a bit...different. My mind has a tendency to tweek situations. Phrases will induce an idea for a book. It usually begins with "what would happen if..." From that point, I'm usually scrambling to find something to write on if I haven't brought my notebook with me.

16.  In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

 I love her writing. When I found out she had other books, I bought them all. They have a special place in my library. She made me forget where I was for a while. She writes a good story.

Celia Cooper the details:

17.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

I can be found at www.WingsePress.com  . Look under authors for Celia Cooper (careful-there is a Janet Cooper, I'm Celia) and my website at www.celiacooper.freeservers.com .

18.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?

I can be reached through my email but it is necessary to note in the subject line this is a reader question regarding for Celia Cooper or C. L. Kraemer, otherwise, I'll delete. Celia.cooper1@gmail.com

19.  Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

Under the name ;C. L. Kraemer:

Cyre Drake, in the anthology, Enchanted Realms II from Xlibris;                    

Cats in the Cradle of Civilization from Wings ePress, Inc.

From Celia Cooper: (All from Wings ePress, Inc.)

Old Enough to Know Better (January 2003);

Sun in Sagittarius, Moon in Mazatlan(June 2005);

If Only (April 2008)

20.  For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

 Characters that will make you think of a next-door neighbor, details that help you visualize but don't take away your ability to create your own backdrop; and, most importantly, a good story well told. When my stories become hackneyed, I'll take up rock n' roll drumming for the Stones.

In conclusion:

21.  Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?

I was privileged to have a mother who emphasized reading above all. I grew up as the daughter of career marine and we traveled over the country. Money was tight and TV was in its infancy - there were only 1 ½ stations available to us through the antennae where we lived when I was a kid. My mom introduced us to the world of the library and helped me to escape reality through the written word.

I hope that my writing gives people pleasure and let's them "escape" for the time it takes to read my books. I would encourage them to read, not only my books but many different types of books. The act of reading makes a person slow down and take the time to breathe (unless you're reading Stephen King!). We all move too fast.

I will write until I can no longer move my fingers or speak into a microphone. I can only hope my books will maintain a high level of quality and entertainment.

And yes, I do put on my plus size jeans one leg at a time.

 


Posted by joyceanthony at 9:50 AM EDT
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Wednesday, 14 May 2008
If Only--An Excerpt

The blonde woman stopped before Barbara, tossing a fearful look in Rachel's direction, before reaching out, and gently lifting Barbara's hand to her, palm up, and peered at the opened extremity. She raised a bejeweled, ruby tipped finger and traced the lifeline. Her dark brown eyes peered deeply into Barbara's.

          "You have recently suffered a great personal loss."

          Rachel harrumphed behind Barbara.

          Ignoring Rachel, she continued. "You have come home seeking a glimpse of the past to answer questions of old. You will have to make a decision between two—brothers?—which will change your living arrangements as well as your life…"

          Before she could continue, Rachel grabbed Barbara's elbow and propelled her toward the front door, muttering under her breath, "Any fool can see the white circle where your wedding ring used to be and, of course, you're seeking something. You came into this bloody shop. What a fraud."

          The blonde turned and softly called to the retreating backs of the two friends, "By the way, Dylan says you are headed in the right direction, and he wants to thank you. Now he can rest."

          Barbara planted her feet to the floor. She whirled, and, grasping her throat, whispered, "Dylan?"

          The blonde approached warily, glancing at the furious face of Rachel looking over the head of her friend.

          "Yes. He said you," she pointed at Rachel, "would not believe me, but he was finding it difficult to get a message through to you. Barbara, he wanted very much for you to know the quest you have taken is the first step to setting him free. He knew he was your second choice."

          Barbara gasped, tears welling in her eyes. "He never said a thing."

          "He told me to thank you for all the years of love you gave to him and says he wants you to find your first love who now searches himself."

 

For More information on Celia Cooper, please visit her site at:

http://www.celiacooper.freeservers.com/

 

and should you be ready to pick up a copy of If Only hop on over to http://www.wingsepress.com/CeliaCooper and grab one :-)


Posted by joyceanthony at 4:55 AM EDT
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Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Visiting with Celia Cooper
Topic: Blog Tours

For the next few days, we will be visiting with author Celia Cooper.  We will talk with Celia and get to know her a bit better and you'll get a chance to read an excerpt from If Only.  We'll top off the visit with my review of the book on Friday.  Stop by often and drop Celia a comment :-)

Author's Bio: Celia Cooper has been a gypsy all her life. From her military child beginnings to her might-not-get-this-chance-again attitude after she left home, she's seen most of the continental United States as well as Hawaii and Alaska. She hopes to travel the world but is content to stay close to her family in the Southern California desert—for the moment.

Old Enough to Know Better and Sun in Sagittarius, Moon in Mazatlan were gifts from the writing , gods. Her current novelIf Only, explores the wistful saying everyone has said at one point or another in their lives and scratches a persistent itch.

She is currently working on a dragon trilogy and several short stories.


Posted by joyceanthony at 2:00 AM EDT
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