The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 2,100 times in 2015. If it were a cable car, it would take about 35 trips to carry that many people.
It is my privilege today to share with you writing from an associate, a wonderfully lovely lady Madison Granger. Madison is debuting with Eclectic Bard Books in 2016. She has given me the honors of sharing her cover reveal for Phoenix Rising.
Phoenix Rising– blurb:
Torie Masters is a curvy, middle-aged, divorcee with a normal job and family life. Her penchant for paranormal romances leaves her longing for the day she will meet the man who will sweep her off of her feet. She’s been dreaming a long time.
Quinn McGrath is Liege Lord to a centuries old clan of shapeshifters known as The Kindred. All have been promised a destined mate by the Goddess. He has all but given up finding his.
Sparks fly when Quinn meets Torie. Could his ‘Promised Soul’ finally be real? The eternal mates might not stand a chance as man and nature work against them. From assassination attempts to a devastating hurricane, their future is put to the test across the globe. Is their bond strong enough to see them through to forever?
Buy Links: Will be available April 2016
Here’s a brief excerpt. This is unedited, but I think you’ll get a good idea of Ms. Granger’s style.
Excerpt:
Gazing up into blue eyes filled with emotion, she reached up to caress the nape of his neck, pulling him closer for a kiss. She tentatively pressed her lips to his. Quinn sat quietly, letting her take the lead. Emboldened, she increased the pressure, sliding her tongue into his mouth. With a groan he tightened his hold on her. Returning her kisses, their tongues danced back and forth. His large hands roamed up and down her sides, cupping her breasts.
Breathing heavily, he growled huskily, “Mo cridhe, tell me you want me. For the love of all the gods, tell me.” His eyes darkened to the color of teal. Passion overtaking the warrior, he trembled with need for this captivating woman that could enflame his most ardent desires.
She could feel the hardness of him as he pulled her into his lap. Torie sat up, straddling him. She sensually ran her tongue along his bottom lip, nipping gently until he groaned against her mouth. She kissed Quinn deeply, demanding, her tongue savoring his very essence. Grinding her body against him seductively, wantonly, her clothing barring her from what she truly wanted. She wanted to feel his body against hers, wanted to know the pleasure of being skin to skin.
Quinn kissed her on her eyelids, her mouth, the side of her neck, lowering his mouth to her breasts. He cupped her, squeezing gently, kissing her through the fabric of her shirt.
“I need you, Torie. I love you so much, please say yes.”
With a throaty moan, she whispered, “Yes, Quinn. Make love to me. Make me yours.”
No other words were needed. He picked her up, striding to the bedroom. Putting her down gently, he stood before her, cupping her face, raining gentle kisses everywhere his lips could find soft flesh. Slowly, he removed her shirt and unclasped her bra, letting her breasts free. He replaced the cups with his hands, squeezing, gently pinching her nipples, lowering his head to suckle one breast, then the other. Torie threw her head back and moaned from the sheer pleasure of it all. She didn’t know what the future held, but as long as it held Quinn she was going to be there.
As he continued his gentle ministrations on her breasts, he reached down and unzipped her jeans, sliding them down. When they got to her knees, he sat her down on the edge of the bed and removed her shoes, jeans and panties. Picking her up, he pulled the covers back on the bed and laid her down gently.
“Not fair,” she complained in a sultry voice. “You’re still partially dressed.”
“Not for long,” slipping his pants off once more. This time when he turned to her he was fully aroused. And that part of him was as impressive as the rest of him. His erection stood out proudly, demanding attention.
She had always been self-conscious about her own body’s imperfections, now she had doubts flooding her mind. He was truly a beautiful man, what could he possibly see in her? Would she disappoint him? She grabbed the corner of the duvet as if to cover herself, but Quinn, always attuned to her wants and feelings, stopped her.
“No, leannan, do not cover yourself. You are beautiful, every delectable inch of you. Let me feast my eyes and my mouth on you. Let me make love to you and show you how desirable you are to me.”
He lay down next to her on the bed, taking her in his arms. Quinn kissed her face and her lips with a passion unbridled. His hands were everywhere, leaving trails of flames across her body. She moaned into his mouth, running her hands up and down his strong arms, gently raking him with her nails. His kisses started going lower, over her breasts once again, down her rib cage and around her navel. Licking and laving her until she was squirming with need.
“Quinn, please, I want you.” she gasped.
“Not yet, a luaidh, not yet… I am just getting started.”
With a groan, Torie thought she just might explode.
Author Bio:
Madison Granger is a free spirited late bloomer that stubbornly believes dreams can come true, never giving up and you’re never too old to try new things.
At age 30, she got her first horse and went on to become a three time National Champion in the show ring.
While having a love for books all of her life, Madison had never tried her hand at writing. After having a story in her head for 3 years and with the encouragement of two dear friends, she wrote her first book, and is on her way to creating a series for her beloved Kindred warriors.
Madison lives in southern Louisiana, sharing her home with her daughter, son-in-law and precocious granddaughter. She was also adopted years ago by a Himalayan cat that insists on being fed regularly.
Madison works full time as a legal receptionist, but manages to find time to write. When not working or writing, Madison enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.
https://www.facebook.com/MadisonGrangerAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/Madison-Granger-173207016346305/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
https://twitter.com/MadisonGranger
https://www.pinterest.com/mgrangerauthor/
Coming Soon: MadisonGranger.com
Her release date will be April 6, 2016. Be sure to follow her and catch any new information!
Write on my friends, write on!
~~~~~
Ellie
THIS is how I feel this morning.
I was greeted this morning on Facebook to find out that I was reported for posting an offensive picture of Santa’s little helper.
Santa’s little helper – I do not own the rights to this image, I borrowed it from Cherry Adair!
I am over 21 – by a long shot. I sometimes have thoughts that are of a sexual nature. I appreciate the finer qualities of the human body. You know, like rippling abs and bulging biceps as opposed to gaseous emissions and under arm body odor. My apologies to those that are offended by such talk. I’m tempted to say ‘grow up’ but as I refuse to. . . . to each his or her own.
It’s obvious that there are many, many people in the world that need some good cheer during this Holiday Season – whether it’s Christmas, Chanukah, Yule, Kwanzaa or whatever else you celebrate.
For me it’s Christmas. I’m not going to preach, but give me just a second of your time. When the angels appeared to the shepherds in the field (found in the book of Luke in the Bible) their message was “Peace on Earth, good will to men.” With the announcement of the birth of Christ.
That’s my Christmas wish to everyone – PEACE AND GOOD WILL TO ALL!
I don’t expect you to have the same faith as me, the same opinions as me, or the same values as I do. Diversity is a many splendoured thing – our differences help us to make this wonderful recipe known as mankind. Now wouldn’t it be sad if everyone was just like me? Or just like you?
I think that there is room enough on this big green ball of terra firma that we can all exist with our differences without condemning someone else simply because they are different. If we are to be warmongers, existing on hatred towards everyone that is different from us then we would have to kill our loved ones as well because they are – different. Your spouse is different from you, your children are different with different personalities. Your parents are different from you!
Is that really how we want to be? So caught up in our own egocentric existence that we can’t extend a little grace and humanity towards others? Why not be agents for change? I personally would rather be known for being one that cares and helping instead of griping about how things are. I can’t help everyone, but I will help those that I can.
Years ago Rodney King said it: Why can’t we all just get along?
(Yes, my playlist this morning is retro 80’s but Annie Lennox is timeless!)
I realize that I am not everyone’s cup of tea. I get that and I am perfectly ok with that because some of you, you aren’t exactly my cup of tea either. Like for instance, there are some people out there that eat beets. There are even some people out there that eat liver – willingly! I know right?
During this time of year, more people are prone to warm wishes than any other time of year. I wish that it was the case throughout the year but it isn’t.
So, for a few moments I want you to think outside of yourself. Fill an old purse with a few snacks, some wet wipes, some tissues, perhaps a pair of gloves and give it to the next panhandling female you see. Fill an old backpack with similar items for a man. Stuff some peanut butter crackers in there, some beef jerky, perhaps a small package of cookies and a fresh apple. Bless that homeless man who hangs out around the intersection that you drive through.
Extend a little compassion to the elderly man who walks with a painful limp as he enters the grocery store. He could have been a World War II vet that fought for your freedom but he’ll never demand your respect.
That elderly woman who can’t see over the dashboard, that nearly plows into your car may have recently been widowed.
The young man at the checkout counter that has been railed on for not being fast enough could have just lost his dad.
You don’t know what the other person is going through, is it really too difficult for us as part of the human race to extend a little compassion to those around us? Is it too much to be kind to the people who you meet on the street and in the stores? Is it so difficult to smile at someone? anyone?
I wish that every person would get the gift of love this season. Not just romantic love, but the love for your fellow man. The love of a brother, a sister, a child, a parent, that comforts your soul to the very depths of your being. I wish that love fills you to overflowing so that it spills out onto those around you! I wish that laughter and joy are part of your holiday and the coming year. I wish that love becomes not just a word to you but that it becomes a reality in your innermost being.
Put a little love in your heart today and let it infect those around you! For the person that reported me – I hope a humongous bolt of love and compassion wallops you upside the head and infectious laughter overtakes you to the point that you embarrass yourself in public!
NO, seriously – a good healthy dose of joy and laughter to them so maybe they won’t be so uptight.
Warmest wishes to everyone!
Write on my friends, write on!
With lots of love and laughter ~
Ellie
OK, so for those of you that are last-minute shoppers that have writers in your life – you lucky devils!
Writers have got to be the easiest bunch to shop for. Here are a few ideas for stocking stuffers or gifts in general.
Post its come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes – ALL OF THEM! Just sweep the whole mess in the cart!
*Whatever genre they write in or have expressed interest in – books are WIN for writers*
Coffee – whether it’s Kureg, or other single cup makers, or the traditional coffee pot. CAVEAT: Don’t assume that each person likes flavored coffees. Don’t just grab whatever on the shelf. Find out if they drink dark roast, or breakfast blend, or Kona blend – trust me it makes a difference. Someone once got me Breakfast Blend. I spewed it all over my computer screen. It. Was. Not. Funny. A friend of mine shared some of my Black Silk, and nearly went into caffeine overdose. Ask questions or search their cupboard – whatever works.
Or tea– because there are those strange individuals who don’t drink coffee.
Gift cards for food because writers need to get out and be around real people instead of becoming the closet recluse that hasn’t changed out of their pajamas for days.
Gift cards for other things – clothing, massages, manicures, pedicures, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, toilet bowl cleaner – you know . . . those things that are forgotten when they are in the zone! (No you can’t buy a gift card specifically for personal hygiene products but you can get them one for your local discount store and pray that they wander down that aisle!)
Real food – You know like fruit and veggies. Do you have any idea how many writers exist on coffee, chocolate, frozen dinners, chips, and other junk food?
A Day Out – Take them out of the house. You may have to explain the glowing orb in the sky, calm their nerves while in traffic, and remind them that writer discussions are not necessarily appropriate in the checkout line to discuss the merits of how to kill their character with various items they saw in the store.You may also have to calm down the woman in front of you who is certain that your writer friend is a serial killer.
Love the writer in your life and I guarantee that if you bless them with one or more of these items – you are their bestest best friend ever. especially when you defend them in that line with the woman clutching her cellphone ready to call 911 for the escaped patient.
Bless you all this holiday season! Merry Christmas!
Now I must fly to the store and finish my shopping.
Till next time
Ellie
This past weekend was the online event for Eclectic Bard Books anniversary. What a blast!
I want to give a shout out to everyone who attended online for myself as well as the other authors – you are the ones that made this event a success!
OK, I know why y’all are here it’s to find out who won what!
‘Red Wine & Roses’ Charm Earrings -Lynn Antley
Infinity scarf
Red Infinity Scarf – Vicki King-Paydur
Fashion Diva Ornaments – Angie Stanton
Custom made ‘Red Wine & Roses’ theme charm Bracelet – Chelo Felice Biggerstaff
Signed Book
Signed Print copy of Red Wine & Roses and a pair of wine charms!
Two winners – one from each day –Tina Donnelly & Iris Moon Ensley
BONUS PRIZE – Infinity Scarf goes to Jenn Hazen (she gets to select the color)
Thank you to everyone that participated and congratulations to the winners!
~~~
Ellie
This weekend is the anniversary takeover celebration for Eclectic Bard Books. In honor of that, my snippet today will be from Red Wine & Roses.
Courtesy of VL Locey
“What do you see in her Derek?” Ashleigh took another bite of the chicken.
“The future.” He cleared his plate and added it to the stack of dishes piled in the sink.
Her fork stopped halfway to her mouth. Was he serious? A future with Julia? She was nothing. She was less than nothing and by the time she was finished with her plan, he would see it as well.
Derek wasn’t about to make it any easier on her end of the bargain. He reached under the sink for the detergent and the scrubber, and then set out the drainer. “Oh, did I forget to mention that my apartment doesn’t come with a dishwasher?”
“You mean I have to wash all of those by hand?”
“Afraid so princess.” He grabbed a beer and headed to the living room.
She took another couple of bites then scraped the rest into the trash. With a big showy sigh, she stepped out of her platform heels. “I did agree to clean in exchange for the place to sleep.
“That you did.” He clicked through the channels. She was already annoying him. He had forgotten the little things that Ashleigh did that got on his nerves. The constant sighing over anything that took a little effort on her part, the way she would flip her hair over her shoulder in an exaggerated movement to draw attention to whatever it was that she did, the running dialog when he wanted peace and quiet, they were still there and annoying as ever. Nothing about Ashleigh had changed in their time apart. It was apparent in the contrast of how he felt around her and the way he felt around Julia. When he was with Ashleigh, he couldn’t wait to get time away from her with his friends. With Julia, he lost track of time and often wanted to forego time with his friends to stay with her.
“You know, I don’t mind doing this. I was prepared to do this with you.” Ashleigh slowly transferred the dirty dishes from the sink to the counter, holding them delicately in her hands as if they were poisoned with a disgusted expression. “Does she know what a slob you are? Or that you are afraid of long term commitments?” She turned towards him as she filled the sink with water and began with the glasses.
“I’m not a slob. It’s been a long hectic week and I have barely had time to eat and shower. You asked for a place to crash and offered to clean so have at it. As to the scared of commitment, I’m not. Never have been. It was you that accused me of it because I didn’t want to rush things.”
“This is disgusting, I’d call it being a slob. you worked all the time and never had time for me.” She turned towards him, her best doe eyes and added. “I still love you Derek. I was frustrated that I was never at the top of your priorities.”
“Yeah, I know. You’ve told me, repeatedly. Right before you ripped my heart out. Oh, and moved to New York with that photographer.”
“How many times do I need to say I’m sorry? How many times do I have to admit I was wrong? You and I were great together Derek. We can be again.”
He slammed the rest of his beer down. “You don’t need to apologize anymore. You have said it enough. I’m going to run out and get some wine. You want anything while I’m out?” He grabbed his keys and stuffed his wallet into his jeans.
“Wine? Could you get white zinfandel?” She reached for the towel to dry her hands but he was already out the door.
Ashleigh walked to the door, opening it to catch him before he got on the elevator.
“White zinfandel, I heard you. Anything else?” He glanced sideways at her, his hand on the elevator door.
“No that’s all. Thanks.” She ducked back into the apartment and retrieved her phone.
“Hey it’s me. I’m in. He is going down the street to get some wine for us for the evening. Score!” Ashleigh made a fist pump with her free hand. “OK, well I have to get back to the dishes. I think he dirtied everything up just so that I would have to clean them. No, it was part of the deal of him letting me stay. Hey, if it works then it will be worth the dishpan hands. Keep your fingers crossed. Talk later.” She smiled moving back to the kitchen, tossing the towel in the air and catching it.
“Yes, indeed. If this works, it will be worth every dirty dish that he can throw at me.”
Derek jammed his hands into his pockets and walked down the sidewalk. Not sure where the sudden animosity came from towards Ashleigh, he figured it was best if he got out of there before he started a big fight. He didn’t want to fight with her, he didn’t even want her to suffer for the pain that she had caused him. Perhaps it wasn’t too late for him to give her the cash and send her to the hotel. He kicked a rock out into the street. It seemed strange that he resented her presence.
What was he afraid of anyway? If he didn’t have any desires for Ashleigh, then her staying there shouldn’t be a big deal. Jogging across the street to the bench that sat facing the water, he sat down. His feelings were for Julia, not for Ashleigh. It wasn’t even a matter of testing his resolve. He dialed Julia.
The phone rang several times before connecting to her voice mail. “Hun it’s me. I was thinking about you, about that picture you sent me, and thinking how much I miss your kisses. I can’t wait to have you in my arms again. Missing you Jules.”
It wasn’t a test of his character; there wasn’t a desire for Ashleigh. He was simply helping a friend. That was all.
Derek rose and walked the next block to the corner market. He grabbed a bottle of the red moscato that was Julia’s favorite and a bottle of the white zinfandel for Ashleigh. He grabbed a bunch of bananas, a couple of apples and a package of brownies from the bakery, wishing that they were some of Julia’s. “You’ve released my inner fat man Julia. It’s your fault. I’m probably going to need to buy bigger suits when we get married.” He grabbed the package of apple strudel for in the morning as well. Moving toward the front check out, the weight of what he had absentmindedly said registered. “Married.” He turned down the next aisle, glancing over the shelves as he thought.
When had he mentally made the decision to marry instead of move in together? He grabbed a box of snack crackers. The words that Kevin shared from his father’s advice had made an impact to be certain, but how did that translate to marriage? He knew his parents wouldn’t be in favor of moving in together, they were of the old-fashioned sort.
~~~~~
Do you have an elderly man in your life that has given you sage advice?
Go check out my friends links for Snippet Sunday as well!
Write on my Friends, write on!
Ellie
Who doesn’t like Holiday goodies? Anyone?
Part of the “feel goods” of Holiday gatherings are from the comfort foods, and treats that we would otherwise not indulge in. Food has always been a big part of my family gatherings whether it’s a summer barbecue or Thanksgiving or Christmas, or whatever other get together we had.
I miss those days. I miss the summer barbecues with my dad basting pork steaks in Maul’s/beer combo until it was melt in your mouth good. I miss the Thanksgiving feast and mom’s stuffing along with 8 different kinds of pie – because not everyone liked pumpkin. But most of all I miss the Christmas traditions that were long-established since I was a small child.
On Christmas eve we used to go to my grandparents. It was the one time of year when you got to see everyone – the aunts, uncles, cousins – and sample some of my Grandpa’s homemade wine. Sometimes his wine was more akin to moonshine but there were other times when it was like nectar of the Gods. I remember distinctly his banana wine, watermelon rind wine, and Missouri grape wine. He never entered any competitions for it, it was reserved for family and friends. Sampling Grandpa’s wine was an honor and something that we looked forward to.
Then sadly Grandpa passed away, because eventually we all pass. Then the baton was passed to my parents, and the gatherings grew. I have four siblings who are all married. Three of them have kids, and their kids have kids. The Christmas before my mother passed had a full house! Five siblings and spouses, (10) the grandkids and spouses, (+19) the great grandkids – plus there are more now (+18) plus my mother. 48 people crowded into the house, but it was a joyous occasion and we never considered it crowded.
We always had finger foods, never a full-blown meal. There were the traditional, Mom would buy a ham and have a variety of bread for sandwiches. There were always numerous sides to choose from, chips, dip, cookies cakes – so much to choose from and we often overindulged.
Now the torch has passed to us, we no longer have the big family gatherings. I feel sad that my kids have been short-changed by missing out on our traditional family gatherings. As most of the parents out there will understand, I tend to overcompensate and overindulge my kids.
It is a difficult thing when the traditions are taken from you and you have to come up with your own.
Baking sugar cookies and decorating them, making my Grandma’s snickerdoodles, and of course the Gingerbread men – these are things that have bonded me with my girls in the kitchen for the holidays. I think we had the most fun the year we made Gingerbread cookies as characters from Louise Rennison’s Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging. That book was hilarious, and the gingerbread people definitely had character! We had Mark Big gob, Slaggy Lindsey, Dave the Laugh, Jaz, and of course Robby and Tom.
I tried a couple of different things over the years, but the only thing that has really stuck has been baking treats. So, in honor of our traditions, here are a few recipes to share:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
This is the traditional cookie from my ancient Betty Crocker cookbook. We decorate some with frosting, some with sprinkles and colored sugars. These are great blank canvases for your own creation!
(I have never ever had this fail) Grease 9 X 13 pan with butter.
Ingredients:
3 cups granulated sugar
3/4 c margarine or butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 (12 oz) package of chocolate chips
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow creme
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp vanilla.
Combine in large heavy saucepan sugar, margarine and evaporated milk. Stirring over medium heat bring to boil for 5 minutes. Boil until in soft ball stage.
Remove from heat, stir in chocolate chips, until melted thoroughly. Beat in marshmallow creme, walnuts, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.
Transfer to pan and let cool before cutting into 1 inch squares.
What are your holiday traditions?
Write on my friends and enjoy those holiday goodies!
Till next time ~~~~
Ellie
P.S. You can check out my other post over on Eclectic Bard Books today as well!
What’s not to love about this quote? I think this one has been quoted so many times that people aren’t aware that it is actually Shakespeare.
Like I said, that was almost too easy considering that mot of my posts range between 500 and 1000 words, this was short and sweet. So what now?
I have a few ideas, directions that I am considering going in the coming year. Here’s your chance to give me feedback on why you come here. What posts do you enjoy the most?
I would appreciate any feedback you care to give. Because if you don’t, then I will be left to my own means and who knows what may appear here. That’s why my original category was random madness.
I am considering a couple blog challenges for 2016, also considering joining a tour company to help promote authors, and contemplating doing some video logs. OK, well I think about that and then I see myself on camera and cringe and think ” The world isn’t ready for that yet.”
I have a few things up my sleeve that I will leave here over the next few weeks as we near the holiday. Cant share yet because . . . that would be telling.
I wanted to say a huge
to all of my followers! You guys totally rock!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been down and considered quitting writing all together, but then I get an email notification that I got a like or a a new follower and I am on cloud 9!!
On December 19th and 20th, Eclectic Bard Books is hosting an online anniversary party on Facebook. I wil be giving away several prizes including a signed print copy of Red Wine & Roses.
If I can get
on Quotidiandose I will give away a prize package to include my book.
This will be for my December 16th post and I will share a picture of the prize package. That date is my daughter’s birthday and she will be drawing the prize from an oversized glass. I couldn’t find a wine glass but this martini glass will have to suffice.
Anyone interested in a giveaway? Anyone? Beuller?
Write on my friends, write on!
Till next time,
~~~~~
Ellie
You know how yesterday I said I needed to find a term, that term in epigraph.
I had quotes to start each chapter of the next story. I didn’t know there was a name for it – but there it is, it’s a thing!
By the way, a bit of information just for my blog readers: my character’s name was lifted from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Tune in tomorrow for your third installment of this mini series of literary gold.
Write on my friends, write on.
Till next time ~~~~~
Ellie
Now I have to go look up a term, one that a fellow writer posted in a thread in a writing group. I didn’t know the term for what I had used these for, but I’ll go find out and share that tomorrow.
I’m not sure if there is a format for tagging people for this post, but I am going to challenge a few of my friends to share from THEIR book, or their favorite book.
VL Locey
Karen Docter
Aya Walksfar
Aedan Byrnes
Joshua Cejka
Short, simple and to the point. That shouldn’t be too hard right guys? Guys? Why are they running away?
Tune in tomorrow for your daily dose of literary gold. Write on my friends, write on.
Till next time ~~~~~
Ellie
quotidiandose 
You must be logged in to post a comment.