Friday, August 22, 2014

KAT GREEN: STRINGS

Kat Green’s Blog Tour info
Author Kat Green’s Bio –
Kat Green was born Nov 1979 into a military family, and moved around alot during her childhood. This shaped her into the person she is today. At ease with meeting new people and adapting to new surroundings. Her family roots are from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Kat now lives with her husband and son on the south coast of England, Portsmouth. She doesn't pretend to be the best, and is still growing as a writer and having fun along the way. She loves books and has a busy imagination. Her love for music plays a big part in her first nove, Strings, and she can be found mainly at gigs around the UK. In 2010 she lost her mother to blood cancer and it was time to put her words on a page and stop worrying about what people might say, 'Life is too short and precious to waste' is her motto. Writing is her passion and her escape. If you like what she does, she says 'Thank you!' For those who don't, she says 'Thanks for giving her a chance.'

Book Blurb –
The rise of the Black Eagles was meteoric, from band practice in the garage to global stars almost overnight.
And Melissa Webb, the beautiful girlfriend of the front man, appeared to have it all.
But when Luke Black disappears without a trace and Melissa wakes up in a hospital bed after a savage attack, her perfect world is shattered and their lives are plunged into a potentially deadly crisis.
Where is Luke, and can he be found before it is too late? 

Praises –
“I started reading this book yesterday morning and I could not put it down, it was that good.  ” - Stacie review on Amazon
“Looking forward to another book about the The Black Eagles and the Eagle girls.  ” - Teresa Jensen review on Amazon
“So well written! I couldn't put it down! I can't wait for the sequel!! ” - Kate Youngreview on Amazon
“I could not put this book down.” - Rubina Guerrero review on Amazon 
“It is quite a gripping story.” - Paula Esteban review on Amazon
I’m in love with Kat Greens writing skills. She knows how to show emotions and action and writes a good balance between it.” - Annika review on Goodreads
“…have a story with heart stopping moments, twists and turns that will keep you hooked to the end.
Can't wait for the next book.” - Emmie Kates on Goodreads

Character Interview: Luke Black –
 (You may use all or parts of the Character Bio in your post, if you only use parts please post this link to the author’s blog so readers can read all of it - http://insidethemindofkatgreen.wordpress.com/character-interview-luke-black/ )
Q1: How old were you when you started playing guitar?
LB: I was 12.  My mum gave me Chloe, my acoustic guitar on my twelve birthday.
Q2: What started your song writing?
LB: Losing my best friend at age 7 in a house fire. I wrote my first song Pink Ribbons for Chloe, who was also the reason I named my guitar. Her death impacted on me that much. I was 7 years old and it was the only way I could move on and accept it. But, without letting her go completely.
Q3: If Chloe was still alive, do you think she would be your girlfriend?
LB: I often ask myself that. I don’t know if she would have been in my life romantically but she would be my best friend. That I am very sure of. A part of me thinks she was removed to allow me to meet Melissa. She is my little Angel who I believe has always been with me. I’ve never forgotten her.
Q4: If you were not in a band or doing anything music related. What job would you be doing?
LB: I would still be working in a petrol station. Dying of boredom. I try not to think about it. I’m doing the only thing I want to do and have any skill in.
Q5: What was it like to go from playing to 20 people in a pub to what you’re doing now?
LB: Mind blowing, insane and I am still in shock. Everyone dreams of it but not everyone gets it. I am so thankful for every fan we have.
Q6: What song is your favourite to perform?
LB: Ooooh that’s easy ‘Weekend High’ I wrote that when I was twenty after a really bad relationship. It wasn’t really a relationship but at the time I didn’t see it,  it was just convenience and there was no love there. Also, the fans go nuts to it.
Q7: Which gig has been your favorite so far?
LB: Now, that is harder to answer because every gig is amazing for all kinds of reasons. I don’t think it would be fair to choose one. That is like saying to one set of fans ‘Oh you were great’ and make other fans feel like you are dissing them. But, for sentimental reasons our third gig at Ruby’s back home will always be special. I meet my Liss there and it was what changed everything for me, and us as a band.
Q8: It’s a Saturday night and you’re not on tour. What would you be doing? 
LB: I don’t see Liss much so we would either be catching up at home. (Luke winks and laughs) or we would be out with everyone getting drunk.
Q9: Who is your best friend?
LB: My band are my best mates but the ultimate title goes to Dale. He’s always there for me even when I’m a pain in the arse, we’ve know each other since we were 10.
Q10: What would you like to say to your fans about the gossip that surrounds you?
LB: That most of it is complete and utter rubbish. If you haven’t heard it from me the chances are it isn’t true. And, Just to clarify the latest story. The band are not splitting up. My girlfriend isn’t sleeping with my drummer, doesn’t have a drink problem and isn’t pregnant.
Q11: You have 48 hours to live. What would you do?
LB: I would put on the biggest show and say goodbye to my fans before spending whatever time I have left with the people I love. Hopefully write a song that will go down in history so I live on forever.
Character Bio: Luke Black –
(You may use all or parts of the Character Bio in your post, if you only use parts please post this link to the author’s blog so readers can read all of it - http://insidethemindofkatgreen.wordpress.com/2014/08/13/character-bio-luke-black/ )
CAREER: Front man for The Black Eagles.
Full name: Luke Black
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Birthday:  Sept 7th 1991
Nationality: English
Religion:  Music
City or town of birth: Portsmouth UK
Currently lives: London
Relationship Status: Taken

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Height:  Short but has presence bigger than Goliath
Hair colour: Jet Black
Hairstyle: Short with a lightening strike fringe
Eye colour: Sapphire Blue
Tattoos: Eagles on Left side and both arms
Piercings:  None
Preferred style of clothing: Jeans and Hoody
Frequently worn jewellery: Leather wristband given to him by his Girlfriend

HEALTH
Smoker? Too much
Drinker? Too much
Any physical ailments/illnesses/disabilities: Travel sickness

PERSONALITY
Personality:  Perfectionist, Loving but fierce if messed with.
Likes: Guitars, Eagles and his girlfriend
Dislikes: Vanity and Liars
Fears/phobias: Losing his arms so he can’t play guitar
Favourite colour: Black
Hobbies: Music, Music and Music

SKILLS
Talents/skills: Guitarist, Lyricist, Singer and Leader.
Ability to drive a car?  Yes

EATING HABITS
Favourite food(s): Homemade
Favourite drink(s):  Beer, Whiskey and Coffee
Disliked food: Nothing, eats anything.
Disliked drinks: Water

HOUSE AND HOME
Describe the character’s house/home: Top floor Apartment in London
Significant/special belongings: Chloe, his acoustic Guitar
Parents names: Debbie and Stuart Black
Siblings? Only Child
Other Important Relatives: Ray his manager is like a tour dad to him.
Partner/Spouse: Melissa Webb (Girlfriend. Soul mate)
Best Friend: Dale Baxter (Band member)
Other Important Friends: Toby Maxwell and Tom Lawton (Band members

 

 


Vote for Kat Greens cover on the monthly Masquerade Crew - August Cover Wars Part 3: Vote DAILY for your favorite 1 or 2 covers. http://masqueradecrew.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/august-cover-wars-part-3-vote-daily-for.html




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Thursday, August 21, 2014

BirthWorks Blog: Becoming Home: A Memoir of Birth in Bali

BirthWorks Blog: Becoming Home: A Memoir of Birth in Bali: by Melinda Chickering When I tell friends from the USA, my home country, how we chose to give birth, they always say, “You’re so brave!...

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Self-Publishing Vs. Traditional Stories, Keep on Believing! - S.M. Bjarnson



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3yzGlrmoxQ

Please read the below text, I am a far better writer than speaker. So, here is a quick 5min video (okay, so not quick) about my thoughts on the Self-Publishing world, Vs. Traditional books and keeping the belief in yourself alive! Hope you all enjoy and have a great day! By the way, I left a passage if you can't formally understand what I am trying to get across! -S.M.B.

"When I started out nobody thought I was worth it. Being a self-published author you receive that reputation of not being worth much. But, I feel my words meant something, at least to me and I knew there were individuals out there that could and would be transformed by what I had spoken in my books. Lastly, I wanted to reach people I normally wouldn't be able to if I there were to be big named somebodies printed on the jacket of my book cover. 
First thought to start off the trial topic, is there books from the big time publishers that you find somewhat revolting and almost question to yourself what the flipping HELL? How did this ever get published? 

Many large publishing companies nowadays often wonder why there is a decrease in submitter's, while the self-publishing world grows daily and transforms limits into something respectable. Why? I will give you insight on why, is it the control or the royalties? The affirmation that we have the power over our books and where they go and who in choice are getting read by. 

The Publishers do not hear our tiny voices screaming and saying give me a chance, vote on me, I can be that best seller! They take risks, when you show that you are accountable for the consequences. They eagerly give recognition to Palo Alto Stories, by James Franco & Jay Asher's 13 Reasons Why. First off Franco, I thought college degrees emphasized knowledge and catered to in-depth and intellectual conversions as an author. All I found myself doing was squinting, (a lot more than usual) and having authentic commentary going on in my head along the lines of is this actually getting worse?

Is it the names or the faces that are getting published in the 21st century?

When did it become acceptable to demoralize women, not even adult women, but young adolescent girls in such a way? The characters who are being violated in such a way do not even get retribution. At least in the ACCLAIMED & NOTEWORTHY NOVEL THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, inflicts the type of revenge and punishment that is deserving to the predator.

Jay Asher, what were you thinking? I ask this because you wrote a novel not only condoning a depressed girl's antedote to release previous pain, but you wrote a book that teenage girls will read and feel that it is acceptable to place blame where blame does not mandate!

So for all you self-published authors, keep on keeping on, because one day we will rise as the majority of book publishing. Because we have the power and belief to become and evolve into more. 

Marianne Williamson quotes, "and no one will listen to us unless we listen to ourselves." 

Are we listening? Does anyone ever sit in the silence and listen to what needs to be heard anymore? Have our ambitions if not instincts gone mute in this day and age from society's white noise have we become followers instead of leaders? The mass majority is just that a mass. Have we been living a tremendous lie for all the wrong reasons? 

Be the change you wish to see in the world! -SO I WILL BE

All you need is some person to be on your side, believe in your tactic. I'll be that person. I will believe in your dreams, appreciate your goals and support your projects. Just make sure to return the favor and believe in someone else! Complete the circle and the wishful whims of authors everywhere!

Will you stand by my side? -S.M. Bjarnson

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Writer's Block a good thing for me!

Check out @smbjarnson's Tweet: https://twitter.com/smbjarnson/status/497252033804922881

What's Wrong with You? by, S.M. Bjarnson

There was a random but infinite thought that slowly drifted across my mind the other day, as I sat and sputtered off about the desperate attempt to write and fail every word spoken. So then I figured and questioned, what was wrong? With me, the story line, the characters, why wasn't it all fitting in like it usuall
y did? And then there came over me a great silence...for weeks, for days, hours, minutes, until a couple days ago I had found myself on the verge of (quitting) doubting my abilities as a writer to surpass those fictional phobias of mine. SO what do you do when the story you start to write turns around to be a misshaped lie almost? Well, Here I have found the cure, if not the solution to the noneducational problem we as authors are faced with. 
Firstly, take a break and look at your potential story, book from a new angle, whether it be from the readers perspective or those opinions of your most trusted colleagues. 
Second, Revision, re-edit, rewrite. 
Thirdly, and probably most importantly accept that changing crucial if not major things in the timeline of your outline, is necessary and for the better and bigger picture. 
No wonder it wasn't working and you kept struggling because there was something that needed taken out, before the finale was written. -S.M. Bjarnson