Cherished by Belinda Boring - - guest post!

Welcome back to The Wormhole!

I am pleased to feature a guest post from Belinda Boring!

How Has My Life Changed Since Publishing?

Since releasing Without Mercy a few months ago, it’s interesting and exciting to see just how much my

life has changed. It was already in a state of movement but the results of publishing have definitely had

a lasting effect.

First and foremost, I’m happy. Simple enough but there’s great pleasure that comes when you follow a

dream through to its completion. I was always so adamant I wouldn’t write and share with others but

once I made the decision, it was goal I worked towards. You’re always inching towards it as a writer.

You’re constantly plotting and thinking about your characters, waiting for that moment when you can

finally say “Here it is. It’s ready.” There’s a lot that goes into publishing a book – whether it’s a short

story or full length but the satisfaction is the same. I’m glad I took the risk because it’s brought so many

experiences into my life I would’ve missed out on.

I asked my husband what he thought and the first thing he said was my confidence. It’s scary creating

something, investing pieces of yourself and then sending it out into the world to be judged. Publishing

makes a writer vulnerable and you definitely need to have a thick skin sometimes. But again, there’s the

satisfaction you’ve contributed something to the world and you’ve entertained someone. Not everyone

will love your work but knowing you’ve done your best is enough. I’m so grateful for the positive

response I’ve received for the Mystic Wolves series. It’s built my confidence as an author and helps

move me forward.

With publishing, another major change is I’ve had to reevaluate my time because I love writing. I have

so many story ideas and plans but not enough time in the day. It’s taught me to prioritize and realize

that I can’t be Super Woman anymore. There’s a time and season for everything, what worked before

might not be best for me and my career now. It’s helped me look at myself and realize what’s important.

At this point in my life, I enjoy writing and it’s where I want my focus so I’ve learned to be flexible and

adapt. Definitely some great life lessons and all while I’m following my passion.

And of course, I’m constantly thinking now. Plotting and planning my next move, my next character,

my next book. Writing forces you to become disciplined, something I still struggle with. It helps though

when I read reviews from readers who have loved Without Mercy and Cherished. Or I get messages

begging for the next installment. It feels good and you can never have too many of those moments.

So, to answer your question? Everything changed. I changed but I’m so glad I did it. Never be afraid to

reach for your dreams and follow your passion. Don’t ever let fear or naysayers hold you back. Surround

yourself with the best of people, those who love and support you and go for it. Because even though

change is hard, the results make it all worth it!

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!

Be sure to go get this one!

Blog Tour: The Hunter by Theresa Meyers

This virtual book tour is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.

You can see the entire tour schedule by clicking HERE.

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour.

I am pleased to feature:

Theresa Meyers and The Hunter!

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

That’s really a loaded question, because I was a writer before I realized I wanted to be one. Let me correct that. I was a story-teller before I could write. I’m dyslexic so it took me until third grade to be able to read, and it wasn’t until sixth grade that I could express myself in writing. I realized after working on the school newspaper in 8^th grade that I wanted to write for a living. I just didn’t know if it was going to be in journalism or fiction or public relations, I just knew I loved writing.

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

None. I started writing my first novel at 17 when I was still a senior in high school. Three friends and I got our English teacher to let us have writing time as an elective. As long as we produced pages, we got an A. Now if you count the jobs I had before I got published in fiction, then we’re talking something else, since it took me nearly 20 years to become published. I was a florist, worked as a hotel props and décor specialist, a journalist at a daily newspaper, a public relations executive, a gift basket specialist, a freelance magazine writer, and owned a public relations agency prior to having my first book published.

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

It depends on the deadline. I’ve written a full length book in as little as a month, but normally it takes closer to three months.

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

I like to have a specific scent of candle lit when I write on a particular book. Scent is a powerful memory trigger, so by using a scent only when working on that particular book, it helps me get into the story faster.

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

I need my cup of hot tea with milk and splenda, my soundtrack for that book and my candle, then I’m pretty good to go.

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

All over the place! Sometimes I’ll hear snippets of conversation in the grocery line or see a picture of someone and start spinning a story. Some of my best ideas for who a character is comes from “running the numbers” on his or her name. From that I can get a quick snapshot of exactly what their internal motivations are, how they see themselves and how others treat them.

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

A lot of it has to do with which publisher I’m writing for. Nearly all my books feature some sort of paranormal element, but they all have slightly different flavors to them depending on whether they are steampunk, urban fantasy or paranormal romance. Most of my stories start with a premise and then I start asking What If?

? What books have most influenced your life?

Probably the books I read when I was young. My mother used to read out loud to us using different voices for each character, something I’ve continued as a tradition with my own children. I remember her reading different character voices for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as well as A Wrinkle in Time. That captured my imagination.

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

I love to goof around in the garden and have a lot of different flowering plants and herbs in my yard. I like to sew and bake. I can my own fruits and veggies out of the garden and jams. When I can get my husband to help, we’ll make homemade blackberry wine too. Once a week I try to get together with my other non-writing mommy friends for tea. It’s cheap therapy and usually we all chip in by bringing something for lunch so it’s always yummy.

? What is your favorite comfort food?

Chocolate. Anything chocolate.

? What do you think makes a good story?

Conflict, tension, interesting characters and a happy ending. Real life has so much difficulty and sadness to it, that I really feel fiction and film are best when there’s a positive ending where the good guys win, or get the girl in the end of the story.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

Huh. Hard to pick. I like to read so I enjoy James Rollins, Yasmine Galenorn, Cherry Adair, Julia Quinn, J.K. Rowling, Kim Harrison, Arnette Lamb and many, many others.

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

The dictionary! Seriously, it’s the most worn out book in my office because I truly can’t spell. As a writer if I didn’t have the dictionary I’d have a really difficult time doing my job.

Fun random questions: 

• dogs or cats? Cats. I have four. One all black, one black and white “cow” cat, one black and white tuxedo cat who’s HUGE, and one fluffy calico who thinks my tea cup is always warm just for her.
• Coffee or tea? Tea! I don’t even like the taste of coffee, not even coffee ice cream.
• Dark or milk chocolate? Oooo. Tough. I love ALL chocolate. Um, let’s go with dark just for the health benefits. Heh.
• Rocks or flowers? Oooo. Another tough one. I used to be a florist so I adore flowers, but I love moonstones and tanzanite too.
• Night or day? Day. I’m too tired by the time night rolls around!
• Favorite color? Tanzanite blue (aka periwinkle)
• Crayons or markers? Crayons. They are much more fun to melt.
• Pens or pencils? Pens. Pencils get to messy when I’m doodling.

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!

Happy reading.

Blog Tour: Cherished by Belinda Boring

This blog tour is presented by The Bookish Snob Tours.

You can see the entire tour schedule by clicking HERE.

You can read my review by clicking HERE.

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour!

It is with great pleasure that I present:

Belinda Boring and Cherished!

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for book on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn't long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can't help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn't be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.

Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

(From Amazon.com)

Editorial Reviews

Review

#1 on Smashwords Urban Fantasy Best Sellers list
#2 on Smashwords Paranormal Romance Best Sellers list

"When I wasn't fighting back tears from the sheer raw intensity of emotions that Belinda Boring poured into this story, I was laughing and smiling. The love felt between the characters is pure and strong just as their desire for one another is so hot it could melt steel."  - Nonis_Mommy

"The connection between the Alpha and his Mate is the stuff of dreams. Can't wait to see how Mason and Darcy's relationship continues and what will happen after their mating ritual I'm sure it will be.....swoonworthy." - Sarah Kappelmann

Product Description

For a moment, Darcy almost convinced herself the last twelve hours didn't happen. As image after image hits her, the sinking realization of all she's lost overwhelms her and all she can think of is to run. Run far away where her shame can't find her, and most of all, where she'll never have to see the look of blame in Mason's eyes. Feeling like a complete failure, she scrambles to make plans. But the voice of her mate-to-be penetrates her frantic thoughts, asking for the chance to show her just how much she is loved.

It hurts Mason deeply to hear Darcy's thoughts, knowing the events of the previous night have completely rattled her. Grieving over the death of his beloved sister Jasmine, Mason knows he has to act fast. Darcy is all he's ever wanted and the idea of life without her is unacceptable. Armed with his unswerving love and wolfish charm, he sets out to remind her just how valuable she is and why there is no one else for him but her.

Can Darcy let go of the shame of failure consuming her or will Mason convince her that after all is said and done, she truly is... cherished?

Click HERE to go to Belinda's Blog.

Click here to see an interview with Belinda Boring! 

Click here to see a review of Without Mercy (Mystic Wolves Book 1).

Click HERE to buy a copy of Cherished.

Click HERE to buy a copy of Without Mercy.
The next stop on the tour is: Nov 1 – The Caffeinated Diva
Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!
Happy Reading!

Blog Tour: Halloween Fantasies by Katie Salidas

This virtual book tour is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.

You can see the entire tour schedule by clicking HERE.

You can read my review by clicking HERE.

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour!

I am pleased to feature Katie Salidas!

Author Bio:

Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkin off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons.  She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime… And, She still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write.

And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale…

Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment.

Katie has graciously agreed to be my guest 

at The Wormhole with this post!

I love Halloween

Halloween is probably one of the most fun holidays of the year. It’s my favorite holiday of the year. I get a kick out of playing around in the costume shops picking out things, not just for my daughter, but for me as well!

As a kid, it was the one night a year that your parents let you eat candy until you felt you would be sick. To get the candy, you got to dress up as whatever crazy character you wanted.  Double the fun right?

Beyond the candy and the crazy costumes, the weeks surrounding Halloween were always full of fun things to do. There were pumpkin patches, Haunted houses (I used to perform in them), and various parties. There was always a great vibe surrounding this holiday.

As I got older, the holiday didn’t lose its charm. Growing up, we lose that playful spirit and it is no longer the norm to play dress-up and use our imaginations. That’s part of what makes Halloween night all that much more special.

No other holiday lets you step out of your own life like Halloween does. It’s the one night of the year where it is ok… and even expected of you, to be something you aren’t. There is a certain magic in Halloween. It allows you to be silly, serious, or even scary. The point is, it makes you shed your boring skin and be something fun.

Our costumes may have changed. We might don a full-sized chicken suit or something skimpy like that sexy princess Leia outfit, but the bottom line is still the same.  Halloween lets us reconnect with our youth.

You are never too old to enjoy Halloween!

I feel like I have found a kindred spirit as Halloween is my favorite holiday!

Thanks so stopping by The Wormhole!

Happy reading.

Review: Cherished by Belinda Boring

Cherished: Mystic Wolves: Book 2 by Belinda Boring

***I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review and participation in the blog tour being presented by The Bookish Snob Tours.

Amazon Product Description:
For a moment, Darcy almost convinced herself the last twelve hours didn't happen. As image after image hits her, the sinking realization of all she's lost overwhelms her and all she can think of is to run. Run far away where her shame can't find her, and most of all, where she'll never have to see the look of blame in Mason's eyes. Feeling like a complete failure, she scrambles to make plans. But the voice of her mate-to-be penetrates her frantic thoughts, asking for the chance to show her just how much she is loved.

It hurts Mason deeply to hear Darcy's thoughts, knowing the events of the previous night have completely rattled her. Grieving over the death of his beloved sister Jasmine, Mason knows he has to act fast. Darcy is all he's ever wanted and the idea of life without her is unacceptable. Armed with his unswerving love and wolfish charm, he sets out to remind her just how valuable she is and why there is no one else for him but her. 

Can Darcy let go of the shame of failure consuming her or will Mason convince her that after all is said and done, she truly is... cherished?

My thoughts:
This is the ultimate love story!  
     Belinda has again brought us Darcy, the incredible heroine from book one.  In Cherished, she is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her friend and soon-to-be mate's sister and her feelings of responsibility for that loss.  Mason is magnificent!  He is the man that all men (should) strive to be.  Compassionate, responsible, fair, honest, passionate, loyal, and honorable, of course it doesn't hurt that he is gorgeous!  
     Belinda has created characters that you can relate to, and I found myself searching the people in my own life looking for that kind of love and support.  
     Her writing is so detailed that the imagery brings the story to your brain like a movie.
The emotions are so real and raw that I found myself in tears, holding my breath, on the edge of my seat, and still wanting more.
     I am thrilled to have the opportunity to review this book!  I LOVED the first Mystic Wolves book - Without Mercy - and was waiting for another.  I am fortunate to be able to call Belinda Boring a friend and I am so excited about her publishing another fabulous story!
    I can't wait for book 3, 4, and more!!!!

You can buy an ecopy of this book HERE.

Review: Halloween Fantasies by Katie Salidas

Halloween Fantasies by Katie Salidas

***I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review and participation in the virtual book tour being presented by Bewitching Book Tours.

Amazon Product Description:
    Touted as the sexiest party of the year, the annual Halloween Fantasy Ball is the one place a girl can let loose and succumb to her wildest fantasies. 
    Disguised as a sexy vampire huntress, Sasha captures the attention of Dante, a real life creature of the night. For Sasha, meeting bona fide vampire is enough to fulfill one of her life long fantasies. She's ready to go home a happy woman. 
     But Dante has other plans. It is after all, a night of fantasies, and he has a few of his own to share.
     This Erotic Paranormal novella is approximately 20k words (80 printed pages). It contains consensual M/F/M sexual situations. Adult readers only.
My thoughts:
Wow - this is a hot one!  Not your typical Halloween read - vampires...yes, drinking blood...yes, but horror and fear...no.  
This is a novella, so it's short.  You don't get a lot of background on the characters, or a load of character development, but the characters are charming, passionate, and entertaining!  
The Fantasy Ball is the Halloween party every girl has always wanted to get to go to, and of course Dante is the man that EVERY girl has fantasied about meeting at that party.  You get a little glimpse of Dante and his world - just enough to leave you hoping that there is another story on its way!
If you are looking for a hot, hot, hot Halloween vampire read - this is it!