Monthly Archives: June 2012
Guest post with author Deidre Havrelock
Good morning! I am thrilled to have Deidre here today, with her fascinating book Saving Mary.
Here’s a little intro:
If you’re a fan of supernatural fiction then you will be captivated by this true story about a spiritually sensitive girl and the path that led to her possession. Part one of a two-part series, Saving Mary is the story of a modern-day Mary Magdalene—the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons.
What is Your View on Authority?
By Deidre Havrelock
I have a saying, “There’s nothing that terrifies women more than religion or marriage—everyone wants authority over us.” So those are my two events, marriage and religion. My first view of authority came from my nightmare where Satan forcibly married me. As I grew older, I felt the “marriage” was there to make me feel “bound by his authority.” I belonged to him. And, therefore, I would have to obey him. And since marriage to a little Catholic girl is “forever” … well, you can imagine how I felt.
But my view of authority changed because of the women in my life. My mom had full authority in our house mostly because my dad was an alcoholic and was unhealthy and unavailable to help out. My grandmother was just as authoritative, if not more. She fought for women’s rights in Canada and eventually changed a law—for the better. I saw her as a woman who wasn’t scared to stand against something that was wrong, even though most people accepted it. She was a great role model for me in terms of guts and courage.
But God also played a huge part in my life. God to me was never mean or a dictator. I believed he was working to get me out of my life’s circumstances and eventually he did (even though it took a long time). When I became a Christian, the Holy Spirit revealed her feminine nature to me and I was awestruck. God was male (Jesus) and also female (Spirit). One was not “over” the other—they just belonged together as one person. But when I began attending church religion kicked in, and that’s when things got weird. I was told my husband had authority over me (he was the “head” and I was more like a “neck”) and that a good wife submits to her husband’s leading. This all felt terribly wrong to us (after all, the Holy Spirit kept wanting to lead us both). I was also told (not by everyone mind you) that feminists were angry man haters who were bucking the natural order of submission. They were “rebellious.” I was never sure who these “rebellious feminists” were, but I didn’t want to get branded with the same title. So I stayed silent about my feelings, for a long while.
My husband and I, however, wanted to be a team and not a hierarchy. We wanted to share authority. Most churches we attended often seemed so confused over men/women relations (women could do this but not this). My husband and I just stayed close to the Holy Spirit, and God got us through the confusion of church. All and all, I would say I grew up with an extremely healthy view of authority. Evil always seeks authority, but submit yourself to the unity of God and you’ll be okay. I’m a Bible teacher now and I love to teach on the biblical view of authority: men and women standing side-by-side, sharing in Christ and the Spirit’s authority—as though they were all one person. Yes, that’s actually in the Bible. Who knew!
It is common for one’s view of authority to develop in their adolescent years. What is your view of authority, and what event most affected it?
Thank you, Deidre, for that insightful post - and for sharing so much of yourself with my readers. I look forward to the comments on this post!
Want to find out more about Deidre, or connect with her? You can find her here:
Thanks for stopping by, and thank you again, Deidre, for sharing your experiences. I look forward to reading your book.
Until next time – read on.
cheers,
~Cate
Most excellent giveaway
From June 15-30, Incredible Indie eBooks is hosting a fab giveaway, and I am proud to have donated my books to the prize packages.
3 lucky winners will expand their To Be Read list by quite a bit, just in time for lazy summer days.
Find out more here - or to go straight to the rafflecopter widget and enter, you can simply click here.
And for those of you who recognized the reference in the post title – *enthusiatic guitar riff*
Until next time – read on.
cheers,
~Cate
Interview with author Kay Dee Royal
I had the pleasure of meeting Kay Dee when she hosted me on two of her blogs during my tour. She was so generous, and we made an instant connection. I am thrilled to have her here today, talking about writing, and her novel, Staring Into the Eyes of Chance.
She is also giving away an ebook copy to one lucky reader! Just leave a comment for your chance to win.
Now, on to the interview!
Hi Kay Dee, and welcome. I’m thrilled to have you here today. How long have you been writing?
It’s always been something I did. Not sure when I first began, but I know I was in grade school when I first wrote my rendition of Lost in Space show *grins* I’ve been writing seriously the last twelve years.
We must be twins! I started writing then, as well. 
Great memories. So, what was the first thing you wrote that told you yes, I could be a writer?
My first book is a Sci-fi/mystery for tweens, The Secret in Wolf Lake (under a different name). I actually sent it out to about fifteen traditional publishers (thinking it was the best book ever written on Earth – LOL). Every one of those submissions came back with rejection letters…and what that did was make me try harder. I wanted published more than ever and did everything I could to learn the trade – correspondence courses, on-line classes & workshops, writers conferences, joining writer’s groups, critique groups and reading any book out there on the craft of writing.
I think that is one thing that separates a writer from someone just wanting to write – that absolute drive to get your work out there. Let’s talk about your latest – what was your inspiration for Staring Into the Eyes of Chance?
There were many things that culminated and then came together – a dear friend of fifty-five losing her husband, my doing a piece on an animal rescue and preserve, my love for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and of course my big time favorite being paranormal…shifters.
I was born in Michigan! What a small world. And the Upper Peninsula is just gorgeous. I am a huge paranormal fan, have been since I was little. Okay - now, in 5 words or less, describe the type of writer you are.
Paranormal, Contemporary, Erotica, Romance writer.
Now there’s a great list! What do you want everyone out there to know about you?
That I love the pay-it-forward concept…and practice it as much as possible with other authors. I enjoy introducing romance authors and their work/books on my blog site. It’s a great energy exchange…all positive:)
I can vouch for that. Your kindness and generosity, and getting to know you, was one of the best side benefits of my blog tour. If you could have one do-over, what would it be?
Gosh…at this moment I can’t think of a one. I’m of the belief all things happen in its time, and without one thing unfolding as it should, you don’t get the next…you know what I mean? If I would have begun my writing career without all of my life experiences…would it be the same? AND, would I appreciate it the same?
I’m right there with you. I believe, absolutely, that we step on this path when it is the right time for us. Even five years ago, when I thought I was ready – I wasn’t. Thank you for sharing that with us. Any final thoughts?
Yes, Cate, thank you for inviting me to your lovely place. I’m grateful to have met you and to be able to spend time with you. I appreciate all of the time you spent putting this interview and post together. Big hugs!
Thank you for stopping by, Kay Dee! It was a pleasure and a privilege to have you here today.
Now, here’s a sneak peek of Staring Into the Eyes of Chance for you all – and remember to leave a comment for your chance to win your own copy!
Staring Into the Eyes of Chance
By: Kay Dee Royal
A LIIA (Lycan International Investigation Agency) Book (Series ~ Book One)
Genre:
Paranormal Erotica Romance ~ Must be 18 or older, Explicit Love Scenes Rated Sizzling Hot
Tagline:
Olivia swears off men until she meets Chance, a Lycan alpha. He ignites an undeniable hunger they can only sate together.
Blurb:
Olivia endures a thirty-four year passionless marriage, discovering her dead husband’s philandering history at his funeral. She devotes her energy and life-long sensitivity with animals to her wildlife refuge and preserve.
Chance, a Lycan alpha and leader of the Lycan International Investigation Agency (LIIA) throws himself into his investigations. He chooses to neglect his duty of finding a primal-mate after watching his father become an empty shell over the loss of his.
A murderous rogue pack draws Chance onto Olivia’s wildlife preserve, sending Olivia’s animal sensitivities into overdrive. Chance and Olivia discover a sizzling force driving them together.
Will they succumb to its enticing tether, or fight to resume their loveless lives apart?
Excerpt:
Where the hell is it?
Sharp prickles raced up Olivia’s spine as the deepest, longest, eeriest wolf howl she ever heard echoed through the forest. Her body froze and her fingers clung white-knuckled around the tranq rifle. A longer ominous howl answered. It came from the back side of the barn. She took a deep breath, stood up with gun ready, rounded the corner, and ran the length of the barn. Olivia paused for another breath before dashing around to the backside of the structure.
Nothing.
She stepped away from the building, intent on walking her yard perimeter, head pivoting in all directions, scanning the short grass and fallen leaves. Movement to her right alerted her too late as she pivoted toward the motion.
“Oomph!” She took a hit, like a truck slammed into her front side. A flurry of black and silver fur, claws, and teeth. She fell flat on her back, her head bouncing off the ground. The rifle flew from her grasp. No footfalls, no heavy breathing, but a pungent scent of musty dog fur lingered in the air. Olivia lay there, afraid to move, afraid the wolf had just called in his pack.
Buy your copy here:
And find Kay Dee here:
Thank you again, Kay Dee – it was great fun having you here today! *hugs*
Until next time – read on.
cheers,
~Cate
Free free free! Yep – it’s free
I finished book 2 of my series *whew*, and it is off to its first beta. I’m relieved, and terrified. Just the usual.
And to celebrate, I have my novella When Walls Can Talk free for the next 3 days!
You can click on the book cover in the sidebar, or right here. This will be the last time you can get it free, so go grab your copy.
And watch for the next adventure with Rosamond and Dan, Danel of Black Mountain, coming in November.
Happy Tuesday, and until next time – read on.
cheers,
~Cate
