New Release: Lucid by L. E. Fred

Today’s highlight features author L. E. Fred and her brand new book Lucid. Currently, L. E. is beginning a new adventure as an English instructor in Shobara-shi, Hiratsuka, Japan. I am SO envious! L. E. holds a degree in psychology and tells us she “tends to get lost in the mind, the greatest adventure of all.”

L. E. answered a few questions for us:

PK:What inspired the creation of Lucid?

LEF: I started writing Lucid after experiencing my first lucid dream. It’s a very out-of-body and surreal experience. We’re used to dreaming every night, but being able to control your actions and fate in the dream world is almost a magical thing. After figuring out how to wake up (yes, you have to oftentimes find your way out of the dreams,) I started pondering the idea of a dream world actually existing, and before I knew it, I had Devon and the plot for Lucid.

 PK: You write from the P.O.V. of a 15 year-old boy. Is there anyone who shaped Devon’s character as the protagonist?

LEF: A wonderful counselor-in-training that I worked with actually inspired Devon’s character. Real-life Devon, who shall be nameless, was one of those campers that turned into a CIT when he outgrew the camp’s age groups. I never went to summer camp as a child, so working at one was a very interesting experience. I got to witness real-life Devon change from being a happy-go-lucky camper to a miserable CIT. As for Devon’s personality, that was shaped by my own sense of humor. I wrote Lucid through Devon’s eyes, and my own commentary sort of slipped through. It fit his sarcastic nature, though, and rereading some parts still makes me laugh.

PK: What about the villains? How did they come to be?

LEF: Ever since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by mythological monsters. There seems to be a common thread of villainous snakes and lions. A chimera combines these two deadly creatures, along with a goat, into one evil creature. I liked the idea of having three diverse villains; the more you get to know a villain, the scarier they can become for the reader and the heroes. As I wrote, Serpentine, Gruff, and Leona, seemed to appear out of nowhere to fit the evil villain’s roles. The Nightmares were a little trickier. I thought long and hard about how they should be portrayed, and I eventually started combining features of animals and creatures that people feared the most into one character. That’s why they have shark teeth and devil horns.

PK: Lucid is your first novel. Are you currently working on anything else?

LEF: Since Devon and his friends’ story didn’t want to finish at the end of Lucid, I’m currently working on the sequel. The story will continue our heroes’ adventure, but you’ll get to hear from other characters in it. It will also have much more of a fantasy element with an even crazier cast of characters. Aside from Lucid, I’m working on two more stories, both in the YA fiction genre.

PK: What inspired you to write YA fiction?

LEF: I’m a teacher, so I love working with young adults and teens. I’ve seen the power of books transform kids’ ways of thinking about the world and boost confidence. Never underestimate the power of reading. I know it played an important role in shaping my future, and I hope to reach out to as many young adults to inspire them to find their inner heroes and go change the world for the better.

Here’s the blurb for Lucid:

Devon Alexander is a 15 year-old teenager coping with the monotonous reality of his average life. His life receives an interesting reprieve as he has his first realistic dream of a spaceship. The strangest thing about the dream is that he seems to be the only one on board who isn’t in a dream-like trance. Before he can figure out anything about the dream or his strange shipmates, he manages to wake up. The next day, Devon catches a news story about inexplicable comas taking place all over the world. Devon’s life becomes increasingly interesting as he recognizes some of the victims from his spaceship trip.

Devon and an unlikely group of other teens start devising a plan to find out who is behind the strange dreams and the comas. Their plan is not only successful but immerses them in to the fantastical world that only resides in dreams. While in the dream world, the teens learn about the power of teamwork, a new world of culture, and their hidden potential to be heroes.

Suspenseful, funny at the worst times, and just a hint of teenage romance, Lucid takes a group of young adults and throws them into a fantasy world that they only thought could exist in their dreams. In a sense, they’re right.

And here’s a short excerpt:

I know that most adventure/fantasy/whatever-you-would-like-to–call-these-stories start with something magical, but my story starts with something ordinary, dreams. I’m talking about the “I’m taking a test and don’t realize I’m in my underwear” kind of dreams. We have them every night, whether we remember them or not. Sometimes they leave us waking up with excitement or inspiration. Sometimes they cause us to wake with a shriek and to look around our rooms. Sometimes they leave us waking up confused or ashamed. These experiences are probably commonplace for most people, but I doubt any of you could ever say your dreams caused you to stay asleep for a long period of time.

  What if your dreams made you disappear?

Lucid can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other ebook outlets.

L. E. Fred can be found at her blog and on Facebook and Goodreads.

Author Highlight: Mya O'Malley

          Today I’m delighted to introduce first time author Mya O’Malley. Mya was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with a very full house consisting of her husband, daughter and three stepdaughters, as well as two boxers and a ragdoll cat. She works as a special education teacher and spends her free time reading just about anything she can get her hands on. Mya likes to travel (like me!) and has visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica. Her first book, At First Sight, was released by Astraea Press this week.

PK: What do you do when you're not writing?
MO: I am a special education teacher, I love my job working with elementary age students. I keep busy at home with my beautiful daughter and three stepdaughters, as well as two dogs (both boxers) and a cat. I love to travel, read, go to the movies and enjoy a night out with my husband and friends.

PK: We have a lot in common – I enjoy teaching and traveling too! What life experiences helped you become an author?
MO: I’ve always loved to read and write since I was a small child. I remember writing short stories for my grandmother. Years later I found out that she had saved every single one. I enjoy sharing those stories with my students.

PK: That’s so sweet! How did you choose the genre you write in?
MO: I guess you could say that I’m a romantic at heart, so romance is something I really enjoy writing about. I get wrapped up in my characters and visualize the story as I’m writing. My characters stay with me long after my book is finished.

PK: It’s hard to let go of characters you’ve lived with, so to speak, for so long. What was your favorite chapter (or scene) to write and why?
MO: I don’t want to give away the ending, but I’d say the last scene in the book was one of my favorites to write. I have traveled to the location/setting of the last chapter so it brought back some great memories, plus it was pretty romantic.

PK: It’s always fun to write about places that had an impact on you. Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
MO: I would tell other writers to never give up on their dream. Somebody once said that a writer always writes, so if you don’t succeed with your first or second book, keep going. It’s also helpful to have a critique group, friends, family or others pre-read your work before submitting to give you some constructive criticism.

PK: Great advice. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
MO: Since I’m a teacher, it’s wonderful to have the summers off. I take full advantage of my time off, but it is difficult to carve out time to write during the school year.

PK: I can certainly relate to busy school year schedules, especially with kids in the house!

Here’s the BLURB for At First Sight:

          Modern love can be a headache. Just ask Annie Morgan, who, recently divorced, finds herself in the middle of the proverbial online dating jungle. Making a deal with her best friend, Annie agrees to go out on exactly five online dates out of seventy-six potential suitors.

          Shane Nicholls was jaded, he had his heart broken and never got over the hurt. Now, convinced that all women are trouble, he avoids drama at any cost. Funny thing is, drama seems to find Shane around every corner.
          Can Annie, a romantic at heart, find love online or will she find love at first sight the old-fashioned way, by awkward, chance meetings with Shane Nicholls? Through a number of obstacles and heartache, Annie and Shane find that love at first sight really does exist if you truly believe.

Here’s an EXCERPT:

          Johnny’s was packed. Standing on line to place her order, Annie took in her surroundings. Just as the owner, Johnny, was coming over to take her order, something caught Annie’s eye. The guy near the window, he seemed familiar somehow. Where had she seen him before? He was eating dinner with a pretty brunette. He lifted his head to look at Annie as their eyes locked. On no! It was the guy from the mall, the one she bumped into. She quickly spun around, knocking right into the waitress who was carrying a tray of soft drinks.
          Soda soaked her shirt and dripped onto the floor. The waitress was clearly annoyed and appeared like she would have loved to tell Annie off. Instead she rolled her eyes and ran to get a towel. If Annie thought she was embarrassed before, it was nothing compared to how she felt now. Every eye in the place was on her, including the guy from the mall. Helpless to do anything else, she grabbed some napkins and bent down to sop up some of the mess.
          “It seems you have a knack for causing a scene everywhere you go.” It was his voice. The voice that filled her head with inappropriate thoughts, with longing. What was she thinking? Did she dare look up? His gaze was a magnet, forcing her to meet his eyes.
          His eyes were a warmer brown than she had remembered, drawing her in.
          “I...uh...”
          “I’m joking. Here, let me help you with that.” He grabbed the napkins from her hand. The heat between them jolted her back. She moved quickly, surprised he could evoke such a reaction from her. Nobody had ever made her feel so exposed before. What was going on here? Annie felt foolish.
          “I’m Shane. Shane Nicholls.” He extended his hand to her. They must have appeared to be quite the sight, bending over to clean up the mess while shaking hands.
          “Annie.” Annie remembered her new rules of safety in the dating world. One of them was she would not reveal her last name or any other personal information until she was sure the guy wasn’t a stalker or anything.
          “Annie. It suits you, I like it.” Annie had almost forgot about the woman waiting for Shane at the table near the window. She glanced over and took in a tight-lipped woman. It hit Annie that this woman was not the same stunning woman from the mall. Hmm, she had met his type before. This guy had “player” written all over him. She quickly brushed herself off and excused herself.
          “Hey, Annie. Wait.” He reached for her hand. Annie forgot all about placing her order and made a beeline for the door. She didn’t look back. Well, Annie figured, it looked like it would be Chinese food tonight.

At First Sight is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Kobo, and other ebook outlets.

Mya can be found at her website and on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Here's the trailer for At First Sight:

Author Highlight: Mary Cope

Today we have brand-new author Mary Cope visiting us. Mary’s novel, Beautiful One, is the first of a planned trilogy published by Astraea Press. Her official bio says she enjoys baking gourmet cookies and listening to music. Let’s find out some more about her:

What do you do when you're not writing?

When I am not writing I am usually spending time with family, out with friends, riding my bike or walking my dog, Maggie.

What would your fans be surprised to know about you?

That I am an avid fan of the group, Parachute. I see them perform whenever they are playing locally, have met the band members several times, and even mention one of their songs in my book.

​What's your idea of an ideal vacation?

In my book, Beautiful One, the story takes place in the beach community of Dana Point. Readers may assume I would choose a tropical location but truly, my ideal vacation would be spending time in a mountain cabin.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I became interested in writing New Adult Romance because I enjoy reading New Adult Romance. Also, I felt a connection to this genre because it is the same age range of my children.

What was your favorite chapter (or scene) to write and why?

Chapter 7 is by far my favorite chapter. It was at that point I realized I was going to finish my story. Up until then, I was still unsure if I would continue writing or toss my story in the trash.

I don't want to give anything away, but Chapter 7 begins the turning point for Elizabeth.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

When I begin writing, I have a beginning and an ending in mind. Then I write towards the end point. I'll jot ideas down as they come to me.

Blurb for Beautiful One:

Elizabeth Ryan is a beautiful, shy, naïve high school senior. Having never dated, she meets the boy of her dreams, Aidan Mitchell. Despite his history of womanizing Liz is drawn to him. Soon Liz becomes the envy of all the girls on campus, when they become a couple and her dream boyfriend sweeps her off her feet and into the dating world that is all too new and strange for her. When other guys start to take notice of Liz, Aidan is troubled with fits of jealousy.

Elizabeth then meets the ruggedly handsome Spencer Hayes and they quickly bond over their passion for music. Liz begins to struggle with the feelings that spark between them. In the end Elizabeth finds herself torn between helping Aidan overcome his jealousy and anger and giving into what her heart truly wants.

Excerpt:

The faint sounds of a guitar drifted through the walls of my bathroom as I savored the last of the hot water before it became lukewarm. Stepping away from the spray, I turned the shower knob and watched the droplets trickle down the drain. Inhaling a deep breath my mind focused on one thing. Aidan Mitchell.

Hearing Mason’s band practicing meant he would be here. I was ninety-nine percent sure Aidan wouldn’t blow off their practice. He knew how serious my brother was about the band, but he also had been avoiding me for days.

The past week had been awful. I was determined to talk to him. All I wanted was a few answers. My emotions had run the gamut from confusion, frustration, regret, and sadness… sadness consumed me most of all, at night usually, and I was exhausted from it. But at this moment all I felt was anger. Anger was good. It was certainly better than pain.

As I rushed down the hallway, the floorboards creaked beneath my feet and the walls began to vibrate with the beat of Derek pounding on the drums. When I entered my room the music was deafening, but today I didn’t mind. I untwisted the blue-and-white-polka-dot towel from my head and tossed it to the floor.

The deep conditioner I used helped my fingers glide through my long damp curls. If I was going to confront Aidan, I wanted to look my best. No Frizzy Lizzie for me. That nickname, coupled with my big butt, had tormented me, growing up in a beach town surrounded by beautiful people. I had longed to look like a typical California girl: tall, blond, perfect. But, with dark hair and bordering on five feet three inches, that was never going to be me.

After I blow-dried and flat-ironed my hair, I took off my purple robe and draped it over my desk chair. I slipped on a pair of jeans… yes, slipped them on. I didn’t have to tug, pull, or jiggle my butt to get in my pants anymore. When I easily pushed the button through the top of my jeans, it still made me smile. I couldn’t even count how many times I had to lie on my bed and suck in my stomach so I could zip up a pair of pants. Every time I slipped them on, I never took it for granted. I had worked my butt off… literally. I put on my bra and a green sweater before I pulled on my boots.

I rushed downstairs to the door that led to the garage. Thinking about confronting Aidan and having to stare into those piercing blue eyes started to intimidate me. But this was my chance. I knew he was a few feet behind the door, and I needed to deal with him. Before I completely lost my nerve, I inhaled a deep breath and exhaled then pushed open the door.

Beautiful One is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other ebook outlets.

You can find Mary at her website, on Twitter, and on Facebook.

New Book Release: Drown, by Jennifer Rae Gravely

Today I am honored to host fellow author Jennifer Rae Gravely! Jennifer has two sweet romances published at Astraea Press, but recently she spread her wings a bit and ventured into the hot new genre called New Adult. These books are written for and about people in their 20s and early 30s, with edgier topics and situations. Jennifer’s newest book, Drown, is the first of three novels about a young lady named Andie and her struggles as she reaches adulthood. First, let’s learn a bit about Jennifer:

Born in Ohio but raised in Pickens, SC, Jennifer Rae Gravely graduated from Converse College with a triple major in History, Politics, and English before earning a master’s degree in education. Returning to her high school alma mater to teach English and coach volleyball, Gravely’s teams won five state championships and seven upper state titles in eleven years. Moreover, the SCACA named her coach of the year for the 2013 season.

Jennifer writes about the fictional Southern town of Keowee. The Astraea Press novels, Knight of the Dead and Set to Love, in addition to the short story, “Love and Diamonds,” deal with present day Keowee and are contemporary romances. The edgier Drown, published by Blue Tulip Publishing, takes place in the eighties and nineties and is best classified as new adult fiction.

She lives with her husband, daughter, seven beagles, and one rescued barn cat.

Now let’s learn a little about the book Drown:

Like a soldier at attention, the air stood motionless awaiting the orders of the sky. Drown, a Southern girl’s story of self.

When Andie Drown’s mother suddenly leaves them, Andie sees her athletic scholarship as the only escape from small town life. Then the local hero Stone Harrison finally notices her. Their torrid relationship, punctuated by booze, brawls, and betrayal, causes her to question what she wants for her future.

Will Andie follow in her mother’s footsteps and give up her dream, or will she make her own path and lose the soldier she loves?

Here's an excerpt:

I eased away from Katie and swam with long, lazy strokes. Muted by the humidity and the alcohol, the voices coming from the shallow area drifted away like the memories of childhood. After a time, I flipped over on my back and gazed at the sky. Clouds suddenly obscured the silver glow of the moon; the water and air merged. I lost my sense of direction and fear seized my body. I treaded water in a circle, unsure.

Finally a voice carried out to me. “Over here. Swim this way. You’re out too far.”

With renewed strength and direction, I swam toward the voice. At last I touched the muddy ground. After I waded out of the water, I collapsed on the shore.

“Are you all right?” He climbed out of the shallow water and lit the cigarette he had tucked behind his ear. “You were in the middle of the lake.”

“I’m a little winded.” I put my hand to my chest.

“And you call yourself an athlete.”

I opened my mouth.

“You’re Andie Drown, right?” His gaze raked over my body.

I nodded.

“I’m Stone.” He offered his hand and lifted me to my feet. “Stone Harrison.”

I swayed from dizziness and gripped his hand to steady myself. “Yes, I know.”

His smile bespoke the arrogance of reputation. The pinpoint of light from the tip of his cigarette sizzled.

“My friend Janet, her brother is Jon.” I sounded like an idiot.

His grin widened. “Aren’t you going to that liberal girls’ school to play volleyball?”

I dropped his hand and squared my shoulders. “Yes, I am. Then I’m going to law school.” He looked more impressed with my breasts than with my career aspirations. Despite an acute awareness of the cool air against my wet skin, I wasn’t anxious to join the others at the fire. “I leave for school in mid-August.”

“I’ll be home through the fourth of July. Let’s get—”

“Stone.” A shrill voice interrupted. “There you are.”

“Dry,” he said, as a petite brunette in a green bikini shimmied between us. “Let’s get dry.”

Drown is available at Smashwords.

Jennifer loves to talk beagles, balls, and books! Find her at her blog, on Twitter, Facebook, and her Amazon author page.