Magical Fantasy Worlds

At the conference I attended last week, someone asked me about my fantasy series. Was it romantic fantasy, urban fantasy or epic fantasy? The question got me thinking—what exactly defines Whispers of a Legend Saga?

I have always thought of Whispers of a Legend Saga as an epic fantasy. The definition of an epic fantasy is basically the following. Epic fantasy centers on one person's journey. Most times, this journey is developed through quests and hardships. The story relies on its setting and the whole of the world is affected by the storyline. Within this world, the author creates a magical place filled with action, adventure, and romance.

Romance. Yes...romance is key to any epic fantasy. It is usually the heart of the story. Think about any epic fantasy you have read. The first one that quickly comes to mind- Lord of the Rings- was not a love story at the heart of the story whether intentional or not? Aragon and Arwen. I contend it was and that is why I have always claimed Whispers of a Legend is an epic fantasy.

Whispers of a Legend is also written in the new genre- New Adult. There was a small debate over New Adult at the conference—whether it was needed or not. Was it young adult with sex? I believe the best answer was that New Adult is a transition from teen to adult. In literature there was a gap in between. I believe that New Adult fills this void.

From the beginning of Whispers of a Legend, I wrote it in a different manner than I did my other books. It's in first person. I have never written another book in first person, but I felt that Kela needed a strong voice. Also, the focus of my book dwells upon Kela. There aren't many epic fantasies that hold the heroine as the string that binds the story together.

I have followed Kela's journey from a child through the turbulent years where one questions who they are to the woman she will become. Did we not all go through a period in time that defines us as a person? The path to where we emerge as an adult isn't an easy one. It is my hope that in the midst of the adventure I have captured this essence of maturity.

I have a confession though...writing a fantasy is fun. You are in control of your worlds...your characters...it's yours to command! Flying hawkmen, portals from one world to another, Euchouns, magic, evil creatures...it's all there in Whispers of a Legend.

Whispers of a Legend, Part One- Shadows of the Past!

WHISPERS OF A LEGEND, Part One- SHADOWS OF THE  PAST
FREE eBOOK!

Whispers of a Legend saga: Kela Calledwdele was born with a destiny, a Euchoun with only one purpose in life...to protect. Torn between two worlds, Kela soon discovers she is the hope of both. Now she must find the courage to face the destiny fate has dictated to her.

Kela has always known what path in life she would follow. She was born a Euchoun. Half Witheleghean, a passive peaceful race where magic runs freely and the other half, Sordarin, a valiant warrior race of hawkmen who rule the sky, she knows well her parents gave the ultimate sacrifice to give her a chance to live. Yet, in so doing, they have left Kela unprepared to face the dangers that await her. Her instincts are to protect and in this she does, but in so doing it leads her into a world where she knows not whom to trust. In time her power matures and grows stronger when she bonds with a Sordarin warrior, Cono. She learns well why she holds the power. An evil as no other before, Asmeodai, has emerged but all is not what it seems as a dark cloak encompasses her family. Betrayal, distrust, treachery leaves Kela alone. She is torn by her desire for Cono and the purpose, the path, she has been given to follow. And when another emerges within her world, one who seemly wants only to help her along her path, she is pulled further away from her Sordarin.

Shadows of the Past, Book One of the Whispers of a Legend is the first in nine installments of the saga. It is a journey of a young woman’s battle to embrace her destiny. Whispers of a Legend follows Kela along this conflicting path, where as a young woman unsure of her ability and her confidence in facing the challenges before her to where she emerges as a strong leader who learns to lean upon her own strength, to stand not behind, but side by side with her warrior.

What do you think? Have a good one! Keep reading!

Recipe for Creating a Fantasy World

I've enjoyed reading all the blogs this month about food. I'm envious really. I love to eat...cooking not so much. Don't worry. I called my sister. She gave me a great recipe for an appetizer—wonderful for the holiday season. 

What I can do is create a fantasy world. My creative juices flowed with this series. Now this is something I enjoy. I love writing, but when you write a fantasy, rules that you follow writing other genres are thrown out the window. This world is yours.

Whispers of a Legend saga is an epic fantasy series filled with romance, action, adventure, magic, scary monsters, flying heroes, and a strong female protagonist. Creating a fantasy world comes from an over active imagination flamed by my youth and reading too many fairy tales. My grandmother had a subscription to Reader Digest book club. Does anyone remember book clubs? Do they even still exist? But Grandmother had these condensed fairy tales. They weren't Cinderella, Snow White or Sleeping Beauty, although there was one story with Snow White. It wasn't Disney's Snow White. It was the Grimm Brother's tale of Snow White and Rose Red. I spent a great deal of time with my Grandmother growing up and slept overnights with her. I went to bed reading these stories. 

AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE

Whispers of a Legend detours a tad from the damsel in distress scenario. I've just released the next installment in the saga, Time of the Nuxvenom. In most of my other series, the books could stand alone. I'll be honest. You can't do that with Whispers. You need to start at the beginning...but the first book is free.

Whispers of a Legend saga began with

SHADOWS OF THE PAST, THE PATH NOW TURNED, VISION OF DESTINY
Kela Calledwdele was born with a destiny, a Euchoun with only one purpose in life...to protect. Torn between two worlds, Kela soon discovers she is the hope of both. Now she must find the courage to face the destiny fate has dictated to her. Half Witheleghean and half, Sordarin, she knows well her parents gave the ultimate sacrifice to give her a chance to live. Yet, in so doing, they have left Kela unprepared to face the dangers that await her. Her instincts are to protect and in this she does, but in so doing it leads her into a world where she knows not whom to trust. In time her power matures and grows stronger when she bonds with a Sordarin warrior, Cono. She learns well why she holds the power. An evil as no other before, Asmeodai, has emerged but all is not what it seems as a dark cloak encompasses her family. Betrayal, distrust, treachery leaves Kela alone. She is torn by her desire for Cono and the purpose, the path, she has been given to follow. And when another emerges within her world, one who seemly wants only to help her along her path, she is pulled further away from her Sordarin.

Part One- Shadows of the Past- FREE! 

Whispers begins Whispers of a Legend saga which follows Kela's battle to embrace her destiny, where as a young woman unsure of her ability and her confidence in facing the challenges before her to where she emerges as a strong leader who learns to lean upon her own strength, to stand not behind, but side by side with her warrior.

Part Two- The Path Now Turned. Having proven her ability during the Payelaga Desert battle, Kela believes herself ready to follow her destiny beside her warrior. Fate has another path for Kela. When she discovers all she has long believed is not as it seems, the betrayal leaves Kela torn by her desire for Cono and the path she has been given to follow. 

Part Three- Vision of Destiny. Trained for only one purpose, to protect the innocent from an evil that threatens to destroy her world, Kela has never questioned her destiny. The enemy has never been in doubt and her path laid clear before her. Now all is blurred. Left with only one choice, she escapes from Yucca in search of the one known as Seilda the Tvopac, the Guardian of the Past…but Kela learns quickly the Past holds its own dangers.

 

The Legend continues…

 

WHISPERS OF A LEGEND, PART FOUR- TIME OF THE NUXVENOM.

 

The Nuxvenom—the time declared by the Arachindaens for their ascension to power…the time of their rule…the time for the annihilation of all who do not submit to their authority. Over the years, the Sordarins have slept well secure in the knowledge that the Great One guards over them and protects them from this Nuxvenom. Now, though, our world has once more been targeted; Asmeodai’s evil looms on the horizon and fear lives in the hearts of the Sordarins for our very existence is threatened.

I, Kela Calledwdele, have been trained for one purpose—to protect my people from this evil threat of Asmeodai. I did not ask for this, but have embraced my destiny. The path before me has never been easy, nor do I expect my tribulations to lessen as I continue my journey, but I hold to this destiny for I hold to my faith in the Great One.

 

 

With the acknowledgement as King Edulf’s granddaughter, Kela is swept into a world strange to her. Moreover, Kela discovers the world she now walks harbors its own dangers. For not only does Kela face the looming threat of the evil Cyaika and Arachindaens, she is forced to confront deception and betrayal from within her own ranks. Never have the stakes been greater—never has her world faced a greater danger—never has more been asked of the Euchoun.  The time of the Nuxvenom is now!

Oh...before I forget. My sister's recipe for a holiday appetizer.

Laura's Party Dip

1/2 lb. butter                               Salt to taste

1 c. flour                                        2 cans crabmeat

2 c. sweet milk                             1 lb. cooked shrimp

1 can Pet Milk (small)                 1 large can mushrooms

1 tsp paprika                                1 bunch green onions

1 tsp pepper                                 2 c parsley or 1/2 jar dried

                                                             parsley flakes

Cut up fine the crabmeat, shrimp, mushroom, onion and parsely. In double boiler, melt butter; add flour gradually, Pet milk and sweet milk slowly, then seasonings. Add remaining ingredients. Serve from chafing dish.

 

   I won't be back until January. Enjoy the Roses stories coming up for December! Have a happy and safe holiday season. See you in January! Keep reading!

A Phenomenal Woman's Graduation

Yesterday my youngest graduated from high school. A milestone in her life. My baby has graduated! So much of life in front of her. So much of life in front of her. I hope so much for my daughter as I do for all my children. Graduation is the mark of a new beginning. It made me think of a poem by Maya Angelou, Phenomenal Woman.

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It's the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can't see.

I say,

It's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It's in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

the palm of my hand,

The need of my care,

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me. 

It's what I wish for my daughter to become the woman she desires to become...anything that's before her I want her to strive to do if its her wish. I want the sky to be the limit.

AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE

I wrote Whispers of a Legend because of my daughters. I wanted both of them to understand that the road before them winds but to live...really live...you will persevere and hold to your dreams.   

KISS ME I'M IRISH!

May the sun always shine on your windowpane, May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain, May the hand of a friend always be near you, May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you!     Irish Blessing.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! A day when the whole world is Irish! Have you ever wondered why everyone wants to be Irish…even for a day? Oh…there will always be the stereotype of a typical Irishman, probably best known for their ability to out-drink most other races. Or do you think it is the Luck of the Irish that everyone is seeking? Seen any little Leprechauns lately or chased any pots of gold?

I believe there is a romance to the thought of being Irish. Perhaps I’m bias because I married myself an Irish Lad…twenty-five years ago. I’m excited because to celebrate the family is traveling to Ireland this summer. I’ve never been. Looking forward to the adventure and it will be an adventure!

So today everyone is Irish. What does that mean to you? Here are a few tips on being Irish that I have learned over the years.

The Irish never know how to tell a short story.

The Irish may not know the words to a song, but it doesn’t stop them from singing it.

If you’re Irish you can't wait for the other guy to stop talking so you can start talking.

Matter of fact, why wait? Without question, the Irish like to talk.

I hear the Irish like their beer.

Being Irish means you have this need to know everything about everyone.

Being Irish means you have a big heart.

One more thing, St. Patrick’s Day is St. Paddy’s Day.

Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever met an Irishman I didn’t like. Have a great day. May you always have the luck of the Irish on your side.

May you live a long life Full of gladness and health, With a pocket full of gold As the least of you wealth. May the dreams you hold dearest, Be those which come true, The kindness you spread, Keep returning to you. Irish Blessing.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

This coming week, Patriot Secrets with Wild Child Publishing is going FREE on Kindle Select. I'm so excited because I love this book. It's my mother's favorite book of mine. So if you want a copy, wait until Wednesday, March 21st. It will be free until the 25th. Tell your friends and join me over on my blog for a contest!

PATRIOT SECRETS


Today Dreamscape is free! Don't miss out on your free copy!

DREAMSCAPE

Translation of Success

Dexter

Honestly, I almost forgot about my blog. I have blogged nonstop for the last two weeks and here I am almost forgetting to blog at my own space. I've been busy. In the real world outside of my cave, I work overnights at a major hospital. I like my job. I need it. I have three children- one that just got out of college, one in college, and one that has just been accepted into college. I live in New England where the mortgages are high and the weather cold. I love my family and my animals. Well, yesterday one of my dogs did irritate me, but then again I was in a bad mood. And today, I'm going to get my taxes done. I cringe at the thought.

Colbie

When you get to be my age, some people begin to question what they have done and want to do in the future. I haven't, not since I began writing. Oh, I get frustrated at times with the venture. I love writing. It consumes me. I also have my fanpage, Novel Works, which I truly enjoy. I love meeting other authors and readers alike. I'm an avid reader and a big fan myself.

The Judas Kiss

I have been extremely busy the last few months. I have a series, Tides of Charleston with WCP. The first, The Judas Kiss, was released in January. 

Shadows of the Past

I also began venturing outside the traditional publishing arena. I tried Indie publishing. My first attempt was my fantasy series, Whispers of a Legend. I got such a positive response to my series that I released a historical romance, Daughter of Deceit. 

I went with Amazon Select with Daughter of Deceit trying to break through a barrier on Amazon that Whispers did for me on Barnes and Noble. Amazon Select allows a few free days. The last three have been Daughter of Deceit's free days. Never in my wildest dreams did I foresee what Daughter of Deceit would do. At it's highest point it reached #3 on Free Kindle- #2 on Romance- #1 Historical Romance- #1 on Romantic Suspense. I was thrilled. Did a happy dance all day yesterday until the reviews from readers started coming in on Daughter of Deceit. 

Now I do my own editing on my self-published books. I have made no bones about missing an editor, but I never saw some of the reviews coming at me- angry reviews about my editing-not my story-but my editing. Oh, I've had really good reviews too, but I never experience this with Whispers. These readers are mad at me! 

So what have I learned. I learned that I'm going out to get an editor. One of my Indie friends has suggested someone. I'm going to have Daughter of Deceit edited than go into print. It will take about a month I suppose to get it corrected. 

Daughter of Deceit

Success translates that there are certain expectations placed upon you. When I was looking around at the covers of the books around Daughter of Deceit they all have been professionally done. I got a professional to do Whispers of a Legend (love him, too), but its more expensive than doing it yourself. I love my cover to Daughter of Deceit. I did it myself with a little help from one of the Roses, Laura (she did our cover for A Holiday to Remember).

I think the expectations concerning Indies have been raised to a new level. I say this looking around the other books beside mine. Each book looks extremely professional. There are a couple of reasons for that. Bestselling authors have been bursting on the Indie scene with their backlist. Indies also have raised their skills. All good things.

I have been so fortunate also. I have gained some great friendships. People I can’t thank enough but in time I hope to return their kindness. I won't forget. I also wanted to mention that during my free run, I was on several blogs. Check them out if you get a chance.

Ghostly Regency Romance (Beth Trissel’s blog), Oh, What a Tangled Web (S. G. Rogers’ blog) or over on Lindsay’s Romantics.

For my first experience with a semblance of success comes a lesson- never stop. I love my books. I think Daughter of Deceit is a wonderful read. I’m so excited about Whispers of a Legend series and the potential of where it could go. It’s a little taste. I will learn from it. Kept family, friends and my doggies close at hand. And above of else…get an editor.

A Love That Takes Your Breath Away!

February…Valentine's Day…a great time for Romance, especially if you're a romance writer. Love. What's better than a great love story?

Taking a quote from Pablo Neruda

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straight forwardly, without complexities
Or pride; so I love you because I knew no other
Way than this, where 'I' does not exist, not 'you'.
So close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so
Close that your eyes close as I fall asleep…

Isn't that what we all dream of? A love that takes your breath away.

When asked recently what was my favorite romance novel, I answered Ashes in the Wind by Kathleen Woodiwiss, a beautiful tale of love persevering. Then I began to wonder who influenced me to write romance. It was bigger than the love of one book. I considered all my favorite authors which would include Kathleen Woodiwiss and Margaret Mead, but the one author that influenced me the most would have to be Victoria Holt.

THE JUDAS KISS

Victoria Holt…the dame of romantic suspense! I grew up reading all her works even those under her pen names, Philippa Carr and Jean Plaidly. I suppose she is even responsible for my inability at times to follow the standard romance formula. She didn’t. She seemed to let the story write itself. I love the twist in Kirkland Revels with the threat of the asylum looming large for Catherine. Couldn’t have a more touching love story than On the Night of the Seventh Moon—poor Helena’s long suffering with questions on whether what she experienced was real or fantasy. Or Harriet not knowing if her husband whom she loved since she was child was trying to kill her in Menfreya in the Morning.

I had two books released in January. The first The Judas Kiss, Tides of Charleston Series, follows in the footsteps of Victoria Holt. Cathryn is caught in circumstances she has no control. When her life is endangered she believes the man she loves deserted her; he believes she has betrayed him with his best friend. The ultimate betrayal?  The Promise coming out in May will conclude the story between the two lovers following Cathryn back to Charles Town.

DAUGHTER OF DECEIT

Daughter of Deceit wrapped in mystery and intrigue with a touch of paranormal. Julian Casvelyn, who has long lived with the guilt brought on by the death of his brother, a brother killed by George Hythe, England’s most notorious spy. For years, Alyce Hythe, daughter of the infamous traitor, has been hidden away from the prying eyes of London Society, given a new identity and told to forget who she was. Thrown together by fate, the two search for answers long denied them and along the way discover a love that can free them both.

A love that takes your breath away.

The connection between my two releases? Both have titles once used by Victoria Holt. Coincidence. No. It’s my way of honoring a writer I greatly admired.

Have a great romantic month! Happy Valentine’s Day! You can find my books on the links below!

The Judas Kiss- Whiskey Creek Press

 Daughter of Deceit- Amazon Select

ORGANIZING...Blog...Blog...Blog....

by Jerri Hines

Happy New Year! May 2012 hold all yours dreams! I like the sound of 20-12. 

So...this blog is supposed to be about organization. I have a confession. I haven't been organized since I had children. My files are kept in such a fashion only I could ever make heads or tails about them. My husband calls it Jerri's World. Oh, don't get me wrong. I understand the method to my madness, but I doubt many others would.

What can I help you with? How about thoughts? Reflecting on 2011. I believe it's important to remember the year we have left behind. So many things happen over the course of a year. Many things we will forget or it goes into the far reaches of our mind. Little things. It's one of the reasons I love writing on my blog. A little history in the making.

Looking back over my blog I remembered...

THE JUDAS KISS

Last January, I signed the contract on The Judas Kiss with Whiskey Creek Press.  Also, my middle daughter who plays hockey at her college suffered a major concussion. Today, thankfully she has recovered; still not back fully playing since in April she had ACL surgery.

In February, I wrote a prayer for my mother who didn't consider ebooks real books...

Lord help me, please! I pray I don't need a national best seller. I can live with the fact and accept it even though I will continue to strive to do so. Just please help my mother to understand that my books are real...  I solved that problem. I gave her a kindle for her birthday.

In March, my husband went with his father and brothers down to Red Sox's spring training. My doggies were getting itchy to get outside more. In April I went to NEC Romance Writer's Conference. For some unknown reason, I let my daughter spend $200 dollars on tanning for her prom. In May my daughter went to her prom (she looked beautiful), but went through some scares with people I love. My husband's aunt, who I lived with before I got married, had a stroke and a friend of mine at work suffered a major infection. Both almost died, but thank the Good Lord, lived.

In June, we vacationed in Charleston. I have written about Charleston but had never visited. Loved it! More than I imagined. July brought on a new look to the Roses of Prose blog. Laura began the process of enlarging our blog to include 14 authors. August brought the first look at the new format. A great decision on Laura's part.

THE PATH NOW TURNED

September was the for Alzheimer's Walk. Octoberfest With Books was next. Books, books, and more books. Then a major decision on my part...after Ruth Cardello's guest blog on Roses of Prose I decided to take a leap into Indie under my pen name, Carrie James Haynes. Whispers of a Legend,Part One- Shadows of the Past was published in October. Followed by Whispers of a Legend, Part Two- The Path Now Turned at the end of November. December held our progressive story here on Roses of Prose, A Holiday to Remember.

Reflections. Times that need not to be forgotten. A year in review. Good and bad. Mostly good. A reminder to be thankful for all that I have. A reminder of what was lost also... I lost my doggie, Max, a few weeks ago. Fourteen and a half years old, but it broke my heart. So much so, I haven't been able to write about him, but in time I will. He was my little writing partner.

So looking to 2012 I have so much planned. With the Whiskey Creek Press, I have The Judas Kiss being released January 15th, the first in the Tides of Charleston series. The Promise is set to be released in May; followed by Another Night Falls in September. 

My Indie venture will see the third installment, Vision of Destiny. I'm also pulling the first three together for an anthology, Whispers of a Legend, Volume I. I'm also releasing a historical/paranormal romance, Daughter of Deceit,  under Carrie James Haynes. On a personal note, my twenty-fifth wedding anniversary is coming up in July. So much to look forward to this year.

How on earth will I keep up with it all? I'm not certain yet, but I know I'll be blogging about it.

Happy 2012!

MISS SWEET POTATO QUEEN by Jerri Hines

My Mississippi Home

I love Facebook. Great for networking and staying connected to friends which is awesome for me.  I’m a Southern girl far from home. But at times I have to laugh. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for life to be as great as we project it on Facebook. You never see post like  Looks like Suzie’s heading for summer school this year! or  Had to go down and bail out Uncle Martin again. And certainly not  Check out the awful review on my latest release!

No, you hear everything is wonderful, great, couldn’t be better. That’s what we do on Facebook. So when I checked on an old acquaintance status I wasn’t surprise to see, “So proud of my Miss Sweet Potato Queen!” Okay, I laughed. Lovely girl, but I had to laugh. Really? Someone entered a contest to become Miss Sweet Potato Queen?

I can laugh though. I’m from the South, the deep, deep South. We’re like family. You can laugh at your own family, but no one else can. Right? One of my favorite comedians, Jeff Foxworthy, has done it for years. Everyone has heard of ‘You’re a Redneck if…”

Yes, I have family that would fall under that category (proud of it too, mind you).  Yes, I know someone who has cut down one of his shrubs outside his front door to use for a Christmas tree. Who from down South doesn't have family that deer hunts? Where my Momma lives is rural country. Miles and miles of farm land. Hardly a person to be seen until...someone kills a deer. And then its like ants swarming around a picnic basket as was evident the last time I was home during deer hunting season. I looked up from the kitchen table to see the whole of my small community outside in my Momma's shed. In a matter of minutes trucks drove in, one right after another. I had no doubt my brother had killed a deer. 

Living in the Boston area, the cultures between here and home...well they couldn't be more different than night and day. When I first moved up here, everyone asked me what nationality I was. Everyone up here seems to know exactly where they come from- Irish, Italian, German, Scottish, Portuguese ...except what could I say but Southern. Southern is a nationality. I have always contended that it is. How am I suppose to know what nationality to claim? I basically have everything you can imagine- English, Irish, Scottish, French, and Native American. Those are the ones I know about.  Then you have the culture barrier. When I first ordered tea in a restaurant up here, I was served a cup of hot tea. I didn't know what to do with that. What happened to my ice tea? Then for the longest time I kept getting looks when I asked for a Coke. I wasn't talking about a Coke. I drink Diet Coke, but down South we call all soda Coke, certainly not a pop. Not to mention when I used the word fixin'. And nobody...I mean nobody knew how to fry chicken. Now, I'm not a cook, but I know if I ever have a doubt how to cook something...just fry it up. Don't matter what.

So to say I was a little ecstatic to see one of my friends the other day post on Facebook about what Jeff Foxworthy had to say about New Englanders would have been an understatement. Just had to smile. I'll share a few with you that I enjoyed.  

 If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you live in New England .

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again, you live in New England.

If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England.

If you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you live in New England .

If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph you're going 80 and everybody is passing you, you live in New England .

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow,you live in New England.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you live in New England.

If you find 10 degrees 'a little chilly', you live in New England.

If there's a Dunkin Donuts on every corner, you live in New England.

If you think everyone else has a funny accent, you live in New England .

Now, I feel right at home. I can laugh with my adopted home, too. Can't I? Laughing is a good thing.

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

The Path Now Turned
Coming Soon!

For anyone who wants a chance to win a copy of my upcoming release under my pen name-Carrie James Haynes, The Path Now Turned, the second installment of Whispers of a Legend, leave a comment below. For the winner, I'll send a PDF copy on the day of its release, November 28th. Don't forget to get your free copy of Whispers of a Legend, Part One, Shadows of the Past!

Shadows of the Past

Like to thank Jeff Foxworthy for the things he said about New England and all his  redneck jokes.

·                                

THE CASE OF THE NEW IDENTITY...

Have you ever wondered why Halloween is so popular? Could it be that maybe for one day we all can dress up in costumes and pretend to be someone were not? Children love pretending to be characters from Batman, Ninja Turtles, Pirates, princesses, ballerinas, to super star diva. I know my children when they were little wanted to wear their costume around the house before, during and after Halloween. It wasn't only Halloween when they loved to pretend to be something they weren't. I had a whole trunk full of costumes they would dive into all year round.

As adults, are we all that different? When given the opportunity, would you like to pretend to be someone else for a day? I confess I do. I suppose that's why I'm so excited to use my pen name.  I feel like I have two different lives. One where I'm a wife, mother, medical professional with one identity; the other where I have this obession to be an author. So do I peel off my scrubs when I get home and adorn my costume to become this super writer... (It's not really a costume, just my pajamas). Yes, I do! Well...probably not really a super writer...not yet...working on that. But I do enter another world, a world I create. For a few hours each day, I do become a different person. I live inside this different world. Can I leap tall buildings on a single bound? No, but I can do mutiple things at one time, write, promote, answer emails, update Novel Works... If I'm needed back in the real world I have a couple of safeguards, my phone and my dogs. If I'm needed, I know. Well, most of the times. I have been accused of ignoring my phone. My dogs, though, I can't ignore.  

Now I have a name to go along with this personna of mine. Carrie James Haynes. I have always wanted to use a pen name. Besides, I've had this name ready since before my first book was published. Carrie James Haynes. A nice ring, don't you think? I think it sounds like an author. Does my pen name mean anything? I'm not sure, probably not to anyone else. Out of all the names I could have created, why Carrie James Haynes? Mainly, I like it. The issue really isn't the name, but that I'm getting to use it. It's like donning a costume- this new identity of mine. One of my friends asked me if I was going to let anyone know that Carrie Jame Haynes was really me. I laughed. I'm not keeping it a secret. If you google Carrie James Haynes, my name pops up. So it's not a secret identity. But what a pen name means to me is freedom. Kinda a license to create. Hiding behind a name. So in essence Carrie James Haynes is a character that I have created. And, yes, I have begun to talk about her in third person. 

So what prompted this pen name after all this time? I decided to publish a manuscript myself and perhaps it gives me the courage to try this new adventure. Will it succeed? Only time will tell, but I'm having fun with it. Could it be I like the control? Could be. I haven't felt I've had any control on my writing since I began trying to get published. Ah, but, I do miss an editor!!! I thank my FB friends for finding me someone to do my cover. I hadn't a clue what I was doing making a cover. So happy with Graphicx Z. Love my cover. Love my story. 

Whispers of a Legend, Part One- Shadows of the Past is only the beginning of the legend. It's not what I normally write. I've had it stuck back in my closet for years. One of the first pieces I attempted. I didn't even try to do too much with it. So this is perfect for me to try out. And the best part for everyone, Shadows of the Past is FREE. Hopefully by the end of the week, it will be on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, etc... Right now it's only on Smashwords. 

Still, don't forget about OCTOBERFEST WITH BOOKS. The contest is still going on. If you're here, so easy to enter. Follow out blog. Love to have you. I promise you the least you can get is a copy of Shadows of the Past.

Also, this week on Novel Works, I have Crescent Moon Press coming in. Great week ahead. So much to do, so much going on. All good! 

You will find Jerri Hines' next release, The Judas Kiss, out this coming January with Whiskey Creek Press. A historical romance. She's excited because it’s the first in the Tides of Charleston series. You will find her other books, Dream Walker and Patriot Secrets, at most ebook stores. Follow her on Facebook- Novel Works is her fan page where I recommend books, authors, blogs… She's also on Twitter @jhines340. Don't forget the contest rules on her blog. Don't pass up the chance to win! You can also find her first release under her pen name, Whispers of a Legend, Part One-Shadows of the Past. Coming soon to Amazon and Barnes and Nobles.