Blog Tour: Carry on the Flame: Destiny Calls by Jodine Turner (Giveaway)

The blog tour is presented by The Bookish Snob Tours.

You can get to the entire tour schedule by clicking HERE.

You can get to my review by clicking HERE.

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour!

I am pleased to present: Jodine Turner!

Jodine Turner is an author of YA/adult fantasy, paranormal romance, and magical realism. She is also a therapist, and a consecrated priestess. While living in Glastonbury, England, the ancient Isle of Avalon, Jodine began writing the Goddess of the Stars and the Sea series about priestesses who had lived in Avalon throughout the ages and today.

Jodine’s series is a dark and edgy saga of a young priestess who's reborn during three different critical junctions in history in order to help humankind move through fearful and bleak times - the demise of Atlantis, the Dark Age's suppression of the feminine, and today's turbulent world. 

Each novel in the series is a standalone read. First in the series is the highly acclaimed The Awakening: Rebirth of Atlantis. The second novel is the award winning The Keys to Remember. The third novel, Carry on the Flame: Book One Destiny’s Call, is already award winning. The story of Carry on the Flame concludes in Book Two, Carry on the Flame: Ultimate Magic, which comes out October 31, 2011.

And now - - - on to the interview!

? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve been writing since I was in elementary school and my teachers encouraged me to write. Writing has always been my passion. When I became ill in the mid-1990’s I took the opportunity to begin writing my novels. I moved to Glastonbury, England for a year, one of my favorite spots on the planet, in order to do research and immerse myself in the energy, as many of my novels take place there. My first novel was published by Glastonbury Press.

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

I’m trained in a number of areas in the health care field. Ph.D. nurse, therapist, and health educator. I worked in those areas before I began to write. My experience working in a psychiatric hospital gave me insight and material for Sharay’s commitment to a psychiatric ward. Working with people as a therapist has lent a different depth to my character’s pain and struggles.

? How long does it take you to write a book?

The Awakening: Rebirth of Atlantis took and the Keys to Remember both took about two years. Carry on the Flame, Book One and Two, was a totally different experience. It took over five years, and I felt like I was initiated to personally experience many parts of the novel before I could write them.

? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

I often light a candle and set my intentions for my writing session – like connecting to my Muse, my writing inspiration. I usually tune in to get into my body and my heart, and out of my logical thinking. This helps my inspiration and creative flow. I’ve been known to have a special rock, or sea shell, or some such thing close by. A sort of good luck charm!

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

A lot of inspiration came in meditations or through visiting Glastonbury’s sacred sites. And I can’t count the times that inspiration flowed just as I was falling asleep. I’ve learned to keep a pen and paper at my bedside. I create collages that help me learn about my characters in a right-brain sort of way. I draw a map with all the major plot points and character transformational arcs written down. But, often, I simply surrender to creativity, keep writing and writing, and I am often surprised where things end up. I love that freedom and the gems that pop up when I write like that. Sometimes characters who I thought were minor, like Sharay’s wimpy Uncle Larry or the addled old women Sharay encounters in Scotland, ended up showing me they have a lot more to do with the story than I anticipated.

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

I can honestly say that in my experience with my Goddess of the Stars and the Sea series, the story chose me. I do receive inspirations through watching people, watching TV/movies, watching life, while other ideas pop up as I do mundane house-hold tasks, or especially right before I fell asleep. Most story ideas came while I visited the sites in the novel. I have visited the locations readers will find in Carry on the Flame  - the coast of Wales and some of its quaint villages like Betws-y-coed, the Orkney Isles of Scotland, and of course Glastonbury. Each locale I visited informed my scene descriptions with firsthand knowledge. And each location imbued my story with its own brand of magic.

? What books have most influenced your life?

Marion Zimmer Bradley’s The Mists of Avalon. She captured my imagination and changed my life. Her character, the priestess Morgaine, sparked a passion in me to learn about and eventually become a priestess. And Marion’s novel changed my life in a literal way in that I moved to Glastonbury for a period of time, began writing, and met my husband there

? What is the first book you remember reading by yourself?

Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat. I drew a picture of me, a stick figure of course, on the front page to mark the book as ‘mine’.

? What are you reading right now?

 Sepulcher by Kate Mosse

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Read. Dance. Play with my cats. Talk with my husband. Be with friends. Walk in a park.

? What is your favorite comfort food?

Dark chocolate and potato chips. Together. Then a salad so I feel better about my food choices.

? What do you think makes a good story?

Two major factors. One is how an author engages a reader through characters that they can relate to and care about. Characters that are real, characters that have strengths, weaknesses, and depth. A character has to undergo some sort of learning, transformation, and growth. Change mirrors the reality of life. And we all relate to that.

The second thing that makes a good story is the X factor that is hard to describe. It is the factor that reflects the collective imagination at the time. The story may not be well written but the idea is relevant and captivating. Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code is an example of an idea that caught people’s imagination and spread like wildfire. It was as if Dan tapped into the collective archetype of our times and wrote about it with heart.

? What book, if any, do you read over and over again?

I’ve reread Moonheart by Charles deLint. I love his sense of urban magic, and how in one short paragraph he can develop a character I immediately care about.

Fun random questions: 

• dogs or cats? Cats. We took in an abandoned cat and the five kittens she birthed in our backyard.
• Coffee or tea? Tea
• Dark or milk chocolate? Dark, darker, darkest.
• Rocks or flowers? Flowers.
• Night or day? Night. With a full moon and stars.
• Favorite color? Turquoise, the color of the ocean.
• Crayons or markers? Markers
• Pens or pencils? Pens

Website  http://www.jodineturner.com

Blog  http://.www.visionaryfiction.blogspot.com

Twitter   http://www.twitter.com/JodineTurner

Facebook Author page    http://www.facebook.com/JodineTurner.Author

Amazon.com Author page            http://amzn.to/kzfNA7          

Goodreads    http://bit.ly/k1PPbJ

You can enter to win a copy of Carry on the Flame:Destiny Calls by filling out the form below.

The next stop on the blog tour: Sept 3 – Donna’s Blog Home

You can buy your own copy HERE.

Want one more chance to win? Check this out!

Carry on the Flame: Destiny’s Call Book One is a YA/adult magical urban fantasy, paranormal romance novel.  Carry on the Flame: Ultimate Magic Book Two releases October 31, 2011.

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!

Happy Reading!

Blog Tour: The Willows: Haven by Hope Collier (Giveaway too!)

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour!
(one commenter will win an ecopy of this great story!)

Please welcome Hope Collier!

? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I don’t know that I ever had a moment of, “Wow, this is what I want to do with my life.” I started writing at the age of six and just never stopped. I’ve always enjoyed it.

? How long does it take you to write a book?

A lot less time than it takes to revise one! The Willows: Haven is my first novel, and it developed in an odd way. I started it when I was fourteen, wrote forty pages longhand, and then laid it down for twelve or so years. In 2009, I found it in a drawer and began working again. Hopefully, the sequel comes about a little more quickly.

? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

I have two, small kidlets at home, so my routine typically revolves around their schedules. The one thing I can always count on is music! Music is more important and influential than anything else when it comes to writing. Depending on the story, scene, or character, I have to find the right song or genre to set the mood.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

My characters pretty much like to write themselves. Their favorite place to assault me is while I shower. I think it’s because that’s the only time of the day when I don’t have little tykes demanding my attention. Typically, a story setting comes into play first followed by the people who would naturally fit into it.

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

I love writing about things that haven’t been covered before or finding new ways to tweak already existing stories or beings. Oftentimes something random will come on the radio or the TV, and my mind automatically goes to, “How can I work this into a novel?”

  

? What books have most influenced your life?

I’m going to say the single most influential book I’ve ever read is The Light of Asteria by Elizabeth Isaacs. I’ve never experienced a character like I did with her female lead. Where some novels invite you to watch the story unfold, few invite you to be a part of it.

? What is the first book you remember reading by yourself?

Song of Fire by Joseph Bentz.

? What are you reading right now?

I’m currently writing, but I recently finished The Hathaway series by Lisa Kleypas.

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I love spending time with my family, doing anything outdoors, and trying to relax. Reading typically fills much of that time as well.

? What do you think makes a good story?

A good story for me is a balance of relatable characters, an intriguing plotline, and good writing, though characters are the big selling point.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

The more I read, the more difficult this question becomes. I would say overall, my favorite author is Janet Evanovich. Her novels (the Plum series in particular) are so hilarious and true to life. The characters are real and distinct. Evanovich makes you feel like you’re not the only one with crazy relatives! Not that my family isn’t amazing, of course. ;-)

? What book, if any, do you read over and over again?

I almost never read a book only once. If I find it remotely interesting, I’ll read it till the spine falls apart. Again, Evanovich’s Plum series springs to mind for the most reads. I like to laugh.

Fun random questions: 

·        Dogs or cats? Love the devotion of dogs. Have the personality of a cat.

·        Coffee or tea? Sweet tea, extra sugar.

·        Dark or milk chocolate? Prefer the taste of milk chocolate, but I’ll eat less of dark.

·        Rocks or flowers? Trees!

·        Night or day? I love the moon and the stars, so night.

·        Favorite color? Purple.

·        Crayons or markers? Sharpies all the way.

·        Pens or pencils? Pens with funky-colored ink.

You can read my review by clicking HERE.

You can buy a copy of this wonderful story by clicking HERE.

The next stop on the tour is: Me My Shelf and I

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!
Giveaway!!! One commenter will win an ecopy - random.org chooses the winner on 9/10/11 - must be 13 or older and a follower! Good luck!

Happy Reading!

Review: The Willows: Haven by Hope Collier

The Willows: Haven by Hope Collier

***I received this (digital copy) book in exchange for an honest review and participation in the blog tour.

Goodreads description:
When tragedy strikes, seventeen year-old Ashton Blake sets out on a cross-country road trip, leaving the comforts of Malibu for the mountains of Kentucky. Along the way, she encounters Gabe Willoughby—the mysterious drifter with eyes like the sea and a knowing smile. Getting to know Gabe raises questions about her past. But no secret can be buried forever, and Ashton soon finders herself in a world where water is air and myth becomes reality.

Just as Ashton comes to accept her newfound heritage, she’s summoned to fulfill a treaty laid down centuries before — a treaty that will divide her love and test her loyalty. In the end, her future isn’t her biggest concern, her humanity is. To run may mean war, but is she strong enough to stay?


My thoughts:
This was a marvelous read!  Sat down to read a couple pages and then suddenly the book was ending!  Read cover to cover in one sitting.
Fabulous characters!  
     Ashton - spoiled, selfish and rich.  She is forced to rethink a great many things about her family, her life and herself.  I was thrilled to watch as she grew tremendously throughout the course of the book.  With the insight of some of the other wonderfully created characters, she was able to make great strides in an attempt to be the person she decided she wanted to be.  
       Gabe - mysterious, confident, caring and of course perfect! He has a job to do - you must read the book to get more about that - and my heart went out to him as he struggled to do the "right" thing.  
     Kevin - (Ashton's boyfriend) - obviously entitled, wealthy, and not used to having things NOT go his way.  He is easy to dislike from the go.   
     Kyle - Ashton's best friend and Kevin's brother - he is the guy we all want to know!  
The rest of the supporting characters are all just as well made and easy to invest in.


There is a little bit of love triangle going on as well as a little bit of the "it's all about what you want because everyone loves you" kind of thing - but none of it is over the top!  I usually get unhappy about all the men in a book being willing to die for the main female character, but this is pretty well done and vital to the story as a whole.


Hope has created a world I haven't seen before.  Fantasy is my favorite genre and I was thrilled with her creative, original world building.


The plot is thick with mystery, secrets, and twists.  Who is really who and what they say they are was a phrase I found myself contemplating throughout the story.


This story is well written, smoothly paced, and action packed with a little adventure, a little romance, a little mystery, a little fear, and a bit of mythology all mixed together!  I can't wait for the sequel!

Read-a-thon Wrap up post!

Hosted by On a Book Bender Bout of Books read-a-thon has ended!

Here is what I read:

True Believer by Nicholas Sparks

Vampire Curse by S.J. Wright

Burden of Blood by Wenona Hulsey

The Raie Chaelia by Melisaa Douthit

Hidden by Blood by Laurie London

Picture Perfect by Deena Remiel

The Willows: Haven by Hope Collier

Coming soon....from Ami Blackwelder!

Paranormal and SciFi Author Ami Blackwelder will have new books out soon! 

The Invasion of 2020, the first book in the Shifter Evolutions series is scheduled to be released Sept 1st 2011, (Books 1-5 are out now) The Invasion of 2020 is the prequel to Shifters of 2040. The Shifter Evolutions begins with the middle book, The Shifters of 2040, and gives the reader the choice for the past or future. This release of the first book in the series, The Invasion of 2020, will allow readers to engage the series chronologically also.  Readers will enjoying finding out more about Uri Petrov and Dr. Samantha Croon as they discover what exactly brought the shifters to Earth and what sparked human fears. Who was the young Marn and young Raul and what molded them into who they became?

Ami Blackwelder is a forbidden romance writer in the paranormal and historical romance genre. Growing up in Florida, she went to UCf and in 1997 received her BA in English and teaching credentials. She travelled overseas to teach in Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, China and Korea. Thailand is considered her second home now. She has always loved writing and wrote poems and short stores since childhood; however, her novels began when she was in Thailand.

Having won the Best Fiction Award from the University of Central Florida (Yes, The Blair Witch Project University;), her fiction From Joy We Come, Unto Joy We Return was published in the on campus literary magazine: Cypress Dome and remains to this day in University libraries around the country. Later, she achieved the Semi-Finals in a Laurel Hemingway contest and published a few poems in the Thailand’s Expat magazine, and an article in the Thailand’s People newspaper. Additionally, she has published poetry in the Korea’s AIM magazine, the American Poetic Monthly magazine and Twisted Dreams Magazine.

Find out more about her and her books at http://amiblackwelder.blogspot.com 

You can read my review of  Shifters 2040 if you click HERE.

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Blog Tour: Picture Perfect by Deena Remiel (Giveaway too!)

This blog tour is presented by The Bookish Snob Tours.

You can get to the entire tour schedule by clicking HERE.

You can get to my review by clicking HERE.

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour!

I am pleased to present  Deena Remiel!

It was the mystique of Arizona’s history and landscape that called to Deena and catapulted her career as an author. When she’s not writing novels and poetry in the wee, small hours of the morning or in the deep, dark of night, Deena teaches language arts to middle school students. She currently lives in Gilbert with her husband and two children, but New Jersey will always tug at her heartstrings.

Now - on to the interview:

? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always loved writing, but the first time I realized I wanted to do this as a career was a few years ago. I’d submitted a poem to a greeting card company. While waiting to hear, a story came to me, and when I sat in front of the computer to write it, I just knew this was what I had to do the rest of my life.

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

I’ve had two jobs. One put me through graduate school to become a teacher. I was a fishmonger! Yup. I worked at a fish market. It was so much hard work and fun. I always reflect fondly on that time. Then I became an educator and have been so for over 20 years, teaching reading  and writing.

? How long does it take you to write a book?

It really depends on what’s pulling me at the time. I wrote Trinity and Relic in 6 months a piece. But my third novel, Elixxir is taking much longer because of the time I spend promoting the first two novels. I’ve also written a couple of shorts, so that took time away.

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I must have peanut M&M’s next to me while I write. I don’t know what it is, but those are essential to my writing well-being. J

? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

Yes, I get my chocolate and drink ready. I go hide in my office. It must be quiet. I can’t write fiction with noise or music around me. Then, I close my eyes and let the movie in my mind begin. What I see I write down.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

Sometimes my characters’ traits are based on real life people I know. Other times, their appearance and personality speak for themselves and I have no choice but to listen.

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

Stories just come to me, and I prioritize which to write first. I consider my editing schedule and the timeline from writing to hearing back on a submission.

? What books have most influenced your life?

The Tao of Piglet, The Te of Poo, The Great Good Thing, Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

? What is the first book you remember reading by yourself?

Ohh, that would have been a LONG time ago. I’m thinking Frog and Toad? Or Dick and Jane?

? What are you reading right now?

I’m just about to start Wet Dream by Jm Madden. I just finished Tempting the Cowboy by Clarissa Yip. I love supporting my fellow Decadent Publishing authors.

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I love photography, scrapbooking, listening to music, and watching musicals.

? What is your favorite comfort food?

Chicken soup and matzo balls, OR grilled cheese and tomato soup, OR soft pretzels with mustard.

? What do you think makes a good story?

Strong characters with flaws, intriguing plotline with twists, and lots of romance!

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

Sherrilyn Kenyon is a favorite author because I consider her the master of world-building.

? What book, if any, do you read over and over again?

I read Nora Roberts’ Born in Ice. I just find a connection to her female lead and adore the ending.

Fun random questions: 

• dogs or cats? Dogs
• Coffee or tea? Coffee
• Dark or milk chocolate? Milk chocolate
• Rocks or flowers? Rocks
• Night or day? Night
• Favorite color? Orange
• Crayons or markers? Crayons
• Pens or pencils? Pens

The last stop on the blog tour is: Aug 31 – Deena Remiels' Site

You can buy your own copy by clicking HERE or HERE.
You can enter to win a copy by filling out this form:

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!

Happy Reading!