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#AuthorSpotlight with author Lisa Manifold

3/30/2016

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Illumination Author Events and Services welcomes Lisa Manifold!
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​Lisa Manifold is fortunate to live in the amazing state of Colorado with her husband, two kids, two dogs, and one offended cat.

She enjoys skiing and carting kids and dogs to wherever they need to go, and she adores "treasure hunting" at local thrift stores. Her other hobbies include costuming within her favorite fandoms and periods.

She is the author of the Sisters Of The Curse series, based on the Grimm Brothers fairy tale The Twelve Dancing Princess. Her new series, The Heart Of The Djinn, is a trilogy that shows what happens when a free-lancing djinn does his own thing. Three Wishes, the first book in The Heart Of The Djinn series is out now. Book Two will be out soon!

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
Creating my own worlds. I write about the things I like to read, and that gives me great satisfaction.
What genre(s) do you write?
Romance, both contemporary and paranormal, and fantasy with a strong romantic subplot.
What genres and authors would we find you?
Bella Forrest, Chanda Hahn (although mine are not YA) Raquel Lyons
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The middle. I always have a fairly clear beginning, and a definite ending, but sometimes the getting from start to finish presents challenges. I usually have a few ideas, and I see what feels best.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Both. I used to be more of a pantser, but that ends up creating challenges halfway, or two-thirds of the way through. It’s more trouble than it’s worth to just pants your way through. So now, I do a simple synopsis, and print it out, and keep it next to me while writing. If something changes, I make a note of it, and keep going.
Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?
That’s a hard question. I think they’re wonderful. They offer a complete story, and an ending that I find satisfying. That’s one of my biggest pet peeves as a reader – I need to find the ending satisfying for the story. So my goal is not to be anyone else’s pet peeve. But I find that satisfaction from reading other authors, so it’s a matter of choosing many authors, not just one!
What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
 That they like my characters, and they think I’ve done right by them and they close the book with sadness that’s it’s over.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Be true to yourself. Sounds simple, but it’s not.
How long have you been a writer? 
I published my first book in May 2015, so not quite a year. I’ve been writing steadily since 2002, but it took a number of years to get to a place where I wrote something I wanted to put out in public.
How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?
I started Thea’s Tale in fall of 2014, and published it in May 2015. So for Book 1, approximately eight months.
What other careers have you had?
I worked as a financial advisor, in retail management, as a sailing instructor, and most recently, as a certified massage therapist. The last one was almost fifteen years.
Do you write under more than one name? Why?
I do. I write spicier romance, and I wanted to have the freedom to write as spicy as I needed without worrying about my kids or my kids’ friends reading it. I also use my pen name to try different marketing strategies, to see what works.
Are any of your characters based on real people or events?
I tend to take experiences of those around me and weave them into the books. Or, things I’d like to see happen, to see how it plays out. But people I know? Initially, no. I have found, though, in one of my recent WIP, I have a character that is actually based on someone I used to know. I didn’t do it deliberately, it just happened and I noticed it in edits.
How would you describe yourself if you were “speed dating” your readers?
Quirky, doesn’t fit in just one box, tends to talk too much when nervous. Likely to knock over the salt shaker.
What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?
That I love to decorate with peacock feathers?
What else would you like readers to know about you or your work?
That they are written with a lot of joy, and I’m always happy to chat with readers. Not just about my work, but anything in general.
What books or authors have most influenced your life?
Jane Austen, A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, The Shy One, The Count of Monte Cristo, all of Shakespeare.
How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?
They are very supportive. They want me to be not only successful, but to be happy in my career. Writing is a demanding career, but it makes me happy.
Where are you from?
I was born in La Mesa, CA – but I’ve lived all over, as my father was in the Navy. Prior to living in Colorado, I spent most of my time in Annapolis, MD.
How do you come up with the titles?
I start with a working title, and that may change as the book is being written. I find the title, along with a blurb, one of the most difficult things to do.
Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?
It’s amazing and incredibly gratifying to be earning while practicing your art. For me, this is creative expression, and the fact that others want to share in that is marvelous to me.
Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?
I prefer to multi-task. That way, if I’m at a place in a WIP where I’m beating my head against the wall, and considering offing them all just to be done with it, I have something else to focus on. Everyone gets a reprieve!
When not writing, how do you relax?
Read! Working for myself, working at home – it’s made it harder to have designated reading time. So I set aside time to read, because I began writing based on my love for reading.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
The Florida Keys. Anywhere south of Islamorada.
What kind of kid were you in school? Which social path did you take?
“Lisa is a good student, and does great work. She’d really shine if she could stop talking to her neighbors all the time.” Twelve years of that kind of comment, with variations for each teacher’s individual communication style.
Which food could you not live without?
Chocolate. It cures many things, and as my son tells me, is better for a cold than codeine.
Do you have any pets?
Yes. We have two dogs, and a cat. We also have a crayfish and a Plecostomus.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you travel?
All over Europe with a Eurail pass, and the Caribbean in a Hylas 49 sailboat.
Do you have siblings? What was it like growing up with them?
One sister. It was adversarial. We are four years apart, and that meant we were at different places for most of our childhood. But she’s my best friend now, and I’d be lost without her.
What was your first car?
A 1984 Subaru station wagon. I had a very fuzzy steering wheel cover, and my friends called it the Pimpmobile.
Do you have a favorite beverage that you drink when you write?
Flavored water, or hot tea.
Have you ever felt as though you were born in the wrong era? If so what era did you belong in?
I would love to have lived during the Regency era. I love the clothing (some of the least restrictive of historical clothing) and the manners. The problem is that their health, dental, and vision care were the pits – and that convinces me I’m in the right time.
What genre of books do you enjoy reading? Do you have a favorite author?
Historical and paranormal romance. I love Raquel Lyons for the paranormal, and Diana Gabaldon for the historical. Overall, favorite author is Jane Austen.
Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.
I am an avid costumer/cosplayer. My current favorite costumes are the Supernatural Impala, steampunk Princess Leia, and Jason the Condor from GForce.
I taught sailing for ten years. I miss the water terribly.
I was in a sorority (Go AST!) in college.
My favorite shoes are Tieks.
I sing – vigorously – to Bowie while writing.
Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.
I have Book 2 of the Heart Of The Djinn series in the works. Tentatively titled The Forgotten Wish. As well, Book One of the Goblin King series, not titled at this moment.
Where will readers find you?
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorlisamanifold
Twitter: @lmmanifold
Website: www.lisamanifold.com
Amazon Author Page:  www.amazon.com/author/lisamanifold
​
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​In this world there are only two tragedies.
One is not getting what one wants
and the other is getting it.
 
When the gods wish to punish us they answer our prayers.
~Oscar Wilde~
 
 
Prologue
 
Present Day
Tibby
 
I walked into the conference room. This would be a piece of cake. The dispute wasn’t all that big of a deal, although our client was making one out of it. Like all Granddad’s friends, everything was a big deal. Probably why they were all, to a man, rich as Croesus.
Maybe I needed to get that mindset.
Then I laughed inwardly and shrugged such a thought away. I’d go insane. Kind of like most of Granddad’s friends. I liked my life, my practice, and the way things in my life were going. I put my general state of satisfaction aside, and focused on the meeting at hand.
“Mr. Barrington?” I held out my hand to the older gentleman in the room. He stood with two younger men, and he turned when I said his name.
“I’m Tabitha Holloway, and this is my partner, Bryant Higgs. We represent—“
“Tibby?”
Two different voices called me by my nickname. Both held tones of shock and surprise. I opened my mouth to respond when I looked, really looked at who was talking to me.
Oh my god. I felt faint suddenly when I realized who they were. Just as suddenly, I looked around for the telltale flash of glitter. I was going to end up back in my room four years earlier. I could feel it. Back to where this began.

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#AuthorSpotlight with author Anne Stone

3/30/2016

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Illumination Author Events presents Anne Stone who will be participating in the Illumination Author Events and Services Multi-Author Event on Facebook. ​https://www.facebook.com/events/932326303552510/
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​Anne Stone has been a fan of romance since reading Katherine by Anya Seton her senior year of high school.  In college, she penned her first novel which ended up at the bottom of a desk drawer after being rejected by a publishing house.  She’s constantly dabbled in drafting stories but her career always seemed to get in the way.  Anne decided to take the plunge and self-publish. Self-publishing allows her to write the kind of book that she enjoys reading and doesn’t put a limit on her creativity.  Originally from St. Louis, Anne currently resides in Wisconsin with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
 I love the flexibility.  I enjoy letting my mind wander and my imagination take over.
 
What genre(s) do you write?
Sweet contemporary romance.
 
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Both.  I’ll plot out the main points of my novel, but then an idea might pop into my head while I’m writing and take my story in a complete different direction.
 
Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?
I don’t think there should be a choice.  There’s room for everyone.
 
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
 Life is about second chances whether it’s in love or life in general. 
 
How long have you been a writer?
I originally started writing over thirty years ago.  Life and a career put my writing on the back burner.  I started writing again when my father died.  I self-published my first book in January, 2016.
 
How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published?
When I really got serious, I’d say about a year or so. 
 
What other careers have you had? 
I managed an Insurance Department for a Mortgage Company.
 
What books or authors have most influenced your life? 
I’d have to say Katherine by Anya Seton has influenced me the most.  I read it in high school and still come back to it.
 
How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general? My dad really wanted me to pursue my dream of being a published author.  I promised him right before he died that I’d find a way to publish my book, and I did.  I have two sisters that are supportive as well.
 
Where are you from? 
Originally from St. Louis, MO but now I reside in Waunakee, WI.
 
How do you come up with the titles? 
I think about the overall theme of my book, and then, I determine if there’s a way to use the title someway throughout my book. 
 
Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task? 
I multi-task.  I’m either writing or editing, and I’m always trying to come up with the plot for my next story.
 
When not writing, how do you relax?
I like to garden, read and scrapbook.
 
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Madeira Beach, FL.
 
What kind of kid were you in school? Which social path did you take? 
I went to private schools so I was a definite rule follower.
 
Do you have any pets?
I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Duncan.
 
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you travel? 
I’d love to travel to Bora Bora.
 
Do you have siblings? What was it like growing up with them? 
I have two sisters.  There is quite an age difference between me and my older sister.  I am extremely close with my younger sister.
 
What was your first car?
’77 Caprice Classic
 
Do you have a favorite beverage that you drink when you write? 
I’m boring just water or iced tea.
 
Have you ever felt as though you were born in the wrong era? If so what era did you belong in?
Most definitely.  Give me the 1800’s and living with the Native America Indians and I’d fit right in.
 
What genre of books do you enjoy reading? Do you have a favorite author? 
I read a wide variety of romance and non-fiction.  My favorite author is hard to choose, but I’d have to say Lindsay McKenna.
 
Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.
I released Life’s Second Chances which is the first book in my Show Me Series.  I’ve written two more books in the Show Me series that will be released in the summer and fall of 2016.  I’m also getting ready to release Never Lose Hope on May 12, 2016.  Currently, I’m rewriting the book I wrote thirty years ago.  I hope to release that in early 2017.
 
Where can readers find you? 
Website: http://www.annestoneauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anne-Stone-Author-1529034680749011/?fref=ts
Twitter: @AuthorAnneStone
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28789433-life-s-second-chances#
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​Angelina Samuels has lost the only job she’s ever held.  A last minute interview lands her a new teaching job just days before the school year is about to begin.  It turns out to be the best thing that could have happened when she realizes that her best friend from college, Gabriella Alvarez, is also a member of the teaching staff. 
 
Gabriella’s brother, Alejandro, relocates to his hometown after having lived away from family and friends since he left for college to become a renowned transplant surgeon.  He’s settling into a new job, reacquainting himself with family and friends, and is learning to deal ever-so-slowly with the personal loss that forever changed his life. 
 
When Angelina’s sister experiences a health crisis, Alejandro is there to support her and her family.  And when Angelina herself experiences a personal tragedy, Alejandro is the only one to guide her through it.  As love stares down at them, can Angelina help Alejandro take that second chance on love and marriage? 
Enjoy a sample of Life's Second Chances, by Anne Stone.

​Angelina decided to take a break and headed to the nearest local bookstore.  Her favorite mystery author had just released a new book and she wanted to start it that weekend as a reward for finishing her grades for the quarter.  She also wanted to read something new, in addition to the mystery that she held in her hand.  She wasn’t sure what she was looking for, and was searching the endcaps for new releases when she turned and accidentally bumped into someone, causing herself to drop her book.  She looked up and was surprised to see Alejandro.  “What’re you doing here?” she asked as she knelt down to pick up the book from the floor.
“I could ask you the same,” he said as he also reached for her book.  “Sorry about that.  I didn’t mean to scare you into dropping your book.”
“You didn’t scare me.” 
“Well, I’m glad.” he said, laughing.  “If you’re not in a hurry to be somewhere, would you be interested in having a coffee?”
Smiling at him, she teased, “I guess if you twisted my arm I could have one.”
Smiling broadly at her, he paused and said, “Okay, I’m twisting,” and he reached for her arm and playfully twisted it.  Laughing, they headed towards the café.
The barista took their order and Alejandro graciously paid for their coffees.  Angelina ordered a café mocha, while Alejandro chose a plain old cup of coffee. 
“You’re not too adventurous.”
“What do you mean?”
“Plain coffee?”
“What can I say?” he chuckled as he led her to a table in the back of the café.  They sat and talked.  “Angelina, I am so glad that you and Gabriella were able to reconnect.  I think she considers you a sister.  She has Alec, Joe, and I, but brothers are brothers.  You can’t talk ‘girl’ talk with us.”
“I consider her a sister as well.  I can share things with her that I can’t share with my own sister, Kelly.  I guess it’s because we’re the same age.  Gabriella’s a special person.  I am lucky to have her in my life.”
“I know she feels that same about you.” Alejandro took a sip of his coffee, “So, what’re your plans for the day?”
“Well, I worked on grades earlier.  I got up early since my parents, Colleen, and Wyatt were heading off to Kansas City for Colleen’s field hockey game.  I thought I’d take a break, and that’s how I ended up here.  I’m not sure how I am going to spend the rest of the weekend.  I guess take it easy.”  Pointing to her book, she added, “And read.”
“Since you have no real plans outside of reading, what about having dinner with me?”
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#AuthorSpotlight with author S. D. Galloway

3/30/2016

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Illumination Author Events and Services would like to introduce you to author S. D. Galloway, author of Throne of Jelzicar, book one in the Warrior of Gravenlea.
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Author S. D. Galloway is a resident of Phoenix, AZ. A lover of fantasy, a gamer, and a self-proclaimed nerd, the world of warriors and magic users is a place she visits frequently in her mind. She is also a Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for working with military members and their families. Currently she is in Monterey, CA where her husband is stationed with the US Army. They have four children and two Great Danes.  She adores readers of all genres of books and writers of all styles. Believing that books are a sacred commodity, she keeps one with her at all times so that a book is always available should the opportunity to read arise. Now she invites you to journey with her to Jelzicar and other far-away lands as the Warriors of Gravenlea take on the demon empire and whatever foes may follow. Gather your weapons, put on your armor, and prepare to walk with her through the world of fantasy that she has created just for you. ​

 What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
I love becoming a part of the world when I write. There is nothing more freeing or exhilarating than immersing myself in the story and finding out where the characters will take me. I explore the story just as the reader does and I love the adventure!
 
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Writer’s block. I get it every time. I make it through about 75% of a book and then I’m stumped. I have to put it away for a few months and then come back to it before I can finish. This often results in me deleting about 20,000 words and then moving forward from there. That is always the most frustrating part of writing.
 
Are you a plotter or a pantser?        
I am 100% pantser. The last time I wrote a plot outline was in college and, even then, I only did it because it had to be turned in. My characters and story end up very dry and deliberate if I don’t let them do their own thing along the way.
 
Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?
I don’t! I think they should choose to read all the authors that spark their attention! Reading is such an amazing experience and each author takes you to a different world. Don’t choose my book over another one, pick up both!
 
How long have you been a writer? 
I have been writing and creating stories ever since I can remember. Even as a small child, when I was bored, I would create stories to entertain myself. It has always been my biggest passion and love.
 
What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?
I’m a gamer, and that seems to catch people by surprise. Apparently there aren’t a ton of Family Nurse Practitioner (my day job) female gamers out there. How sad! I have several World of Warcraft characters, I enjoy Dragon Age and Divinity, and I paint miniatures in the Warhammer and Warlord worlds. I also love RPGs and have way too many dice because I can’t resist the awesome colors! 
 
What books or authors have most influenced your life?
Stephen King is the most memorable author to me. I started reading his books at a very young age in comparison to most people and I was instantly hooked. I loved how he wrote. His stories were the perfect combination of dialogue, imagery, and storytelling. His writing is almost its own art form to me and I wanted to perform that beautiful prose myself!  I also have a great love for Kevin Hearne (if you like urban fantasy and you haven’t heard of him, check him out)! Not only is he an incredible writer with the most compelling characters and a perfect sense of humor, but he’s an incredibly nice guy!  I would be thrilled to mold myself after him!
 
Where are you from?
I was born in Missoula, Montana. I’ve spent the largest portion of my life in Colorado and recently my family decided to move to Phoenix, Arizona. Currently we are stationed in Monterey, California where my husband is an active duty soldier, but we are looking forward to moving to Arizona and the warm desert air!
 
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Currently, it happens to be Phoenix!  Will it stay that way when we move there?  Maybe!  I’m a fan of stay-cations!
 
What kind of kid were you in school? Which social path did you take?
I was a geek and a nerd in school. I was a social outcast and an awkward teenager. I was often on the receiving end of teasing. I hated it at the time, but I’m ok with it now. That path ended up meaning I would excel in college and go on to do amazing work as a Registered Nurse, later a Family Nurse Practitioner, and a published author. My family and friends are brilliant and kind and life is amazing. If you’re one of those kids struggling with finding your way, hang in there, it gets better!
 
Which food could you not live without?
Taco salads!  I am a sucker for Mexican food, but taco salads are absolutely my favorite!
 
Do you have any pets?
I have two Great Danes and a cat. Our house if full barking and fur!
 
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you travel?
Ireland!  I’ve always wanted to see the castles and cliffs!
 
Do you have siblings? What was it like growing up with them?
I have two younger brothers. Growing up, we were typical siblings, we fought and argued all the time. As adults, they are two of my very favorite people in the whole world and I couldn’t imagine life without them. It’s amazing what growing up does!
 
Do you have a favorite beverage that you drink when you write?
I love hot tea!  I typically have fruit flavored teas available most of the time! 
 
Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.
I am currently working on Book #2 of the Warriors of Gravenlea young adult fantasy series. In fact, I am very close to finishing it!  I am at the tail end of the writer’s block phase and so I anticipate it wrapping up in the next few months!  Keep an eye out for details!  While you’re waiting, be sure to check out the first book of Warriors of Gravenlea: Throne of Jelzicar! 
 
Where can readers find you?
Visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorsdgalloway/
Visit me on Twitter @GallowayBookws  https://twitter.com/GallowayBooks 
Check out my page with my publisher at http://www.5princebooks.com/sdgalloway.html
​
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The fate of their world will depend upon the courage of these few. 

Years ago, a young warlock released Emph, the Lord of Demons, from the depths of hell. Emph laid waste to the land as he consumed kingdoms, including Jelzicar. Now, as his own village is threatened, Drahvyn has been contacted by a Priestess to fulfill a prophecy. Together with his dagger wielding sister, an elven archer, a dwarven warrior, and a creature made of both good and evil, they will travel with a mysterious woman, believed to be the key to Emph’s undoing, to battle the demon lord once and for all. There will be many obstacles. Survival is not promised to them. The fate of their world will depend upon the courage of these few.

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