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Guest Trisha Wolfe & a Giveaway

I’d like to welcome a fabulous author with an amazing imagination (and one of my critique partners), Trisha Wolfe, to my blog today. Trisha released a novelette Unveiled in September 2011. She then followed Unveiled with her first full length novel, Destiny’s Fire, in January 2012.

Destiny’s Fire by Trisha Wolfe

It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she’s forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she’s feared her whole life.

Welcome Trisha!

P.T.: If you had a secret that you needed to keep from those you care about, do you think you could hide it for as long as Dez?

Trisha: Well, probably not lol. I’m bad about keeping secrets from my mom. She knows everything, and she’s also my best friend. So it would be extremely difficult to keep anything from her. But, Dez’s mom did know her secret, so if we’re talking about being in her shoes, I do think I could keep it from my friends. Especially if it protected them. I’m actually a really good secret keeper. Someone says, You can’t tell anyone…then goes on to tell me some juicy tidbit, I never say a word.

P.T.: If you could choose any one of your characters to have your back in a fight, who would you pick?

Trisha: Hmm. I’d have to go with Reese. He’s pretty badass when it comes to fighting skills, and he always protects those he cares for (of course he cares for me, he has to!) But if we’re talking about a cat fight, I’d go with Lana. She’s so loyal, and she always has your back no matter what. And she’s pretty scrappy when she gets down.

Trisha, you gave us a blurb for Destiny’s Fire above, why don’t you share an excerpt too!

DESTINY’S FIRE

Excerpt

Cogs

Lana and I made our way through the mist, and I sat down next to Jace at the bar. He looked me over, giving an appraising scan before furrowing his brow. He hadn’t spoken to me since we first got here.

The bartender checked my ID, and I ordered a Clockwork Tangerine. “Two actually,” I corrected, noticing Lana’s pouting lips.

“Rum?” Jace turned toward me, eyes wide. “Oh, hell no.” He shook his head. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Ordering a drink. What does it look like?” I slipped my ID between my inner thigh and boot. Jace’s hand trailed mine and confiscated the ID, causing my stomach to flip violently as his fingers brushed my skin. “Hey! What are you doing?”

“Taking your ID. You can’t drink.”

I scowled at him. “And you can?”

“Yes.”

I huffed. “That’s sexist! How come you get to drink when you’re all upset and I don’t?”

He stared into my eyes, a desperate look on his face. “You’re upset?”

“You’re not the only one who’s freaked about the Narco situation,” I said, accepting my drink from the bartender. “I don’t like it any more than you do. But I know whining about it won’t change a thing. I just want to try and have fun at my birthday celebration.” I took a sip and nearly choked.

Jace screwed up his face. “Give me that.” He attempted to snatch my drink. I turned, sloshing a bit from the glass but keeping it in my hands.

“No,” I drawled. “And you never answered me. How come you can drink and I can’t?”

He released a heavy sigh. I barely heard it over the music. “Because, no one tries to take advantage of me if I get drunk. I’m not a hot chick that has to worry about some guy trying to get into my pants.” He looked me up and down. “Or my bustle.”

I stretched my eyes wide, amused. “So, I’m a hot chick?” I smiled. “And you’d probably look pretty cute in a bustle.”

He opened his mouth, then shut it. “Did you miss the point of that sentence?”

~*~

About the author: Trisha Wolfe is the author of the YA Steampunk/Paranormal Romance DESTINY’S FIRE. Her published short stories have appeared in YA literary journals and Fantasy magazines. UNVEILED is her first novelette and part of a Dystopian series releasing TBA. She’s written four books in the past two years, and is currently working on the sequel to DF and a new project. She’s represented by Lauren Hammond of ADA Management.

Links: Website: www.TrishaWolfe.com
Blog: https://TrishaWolfe.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://Twitter.com/TrishWolfe
Facebook: https://Facebook.com/TrishaWolfeYA
Goodreads: https://Goodreads.com/twolfe

Thank you for visiting, Trisha!

Trisha was also kind enough to offer one lucky winner an eBook copy of Destiny’s Fire. The winner will be chosen on Saturday, 2/11/12!

Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter! Good luck!

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Amazing Reviews, a Contest & Coming soon!

Wow, I just had to share some AMAZING reviews I’ve recently received for BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS. I feel honored that readers are loving Ethan and Nara’s story!

REVIEWS

Original in a Sea of YA Paranormal “… I’m incredibly selective with the self-published books I choose to review these days, and it must be said that I’ve been entirely certain as of late that I’ve heard every spin on the paranormal young adult genre that there could possibly be. Brightest Kind of Darkness proved me wrong in the best possible way. The story was solid and strong, alive with fast-paced action, heart-pounding suspense and a plot that grips you from start to finish…”  Click here to read the entire review at I Swim for Oceans

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Absolutely loved it. Sucked me right in!! “… This story was so addicting. It was one of those books where you keep telling yourself you will stop after one more chapter, but you just can’t. I was so wrapped up in it that I didn’t even realize how late (or early) it was. I needed to finish it, but now that I am done I wish I still had more to read. I am definitely looking forward to the next one. This is a must read.  5 out of 5 stars!”  Click here to read the entire review at Book Loving Mom

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” …With personable characters and an engaging plot, this story captivated me from the moment I read the first page. Miz Michelle’s writing is charming and lovely, and Brightest Kind of Darkness is a creative and unique story that will capture and hold the attention of any paranormal romance fans! I can’t wait until the next Nara and Ethan book!”  Click here to read the entire review at Fuzzy. Coffee. Books.

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“I think any fan of Final Destination will love this book. It’s a refreshing find among numerous YA paranormals, and I was surprised just how much I enjoyed this book…” Click here to read the entire review at Nocturnal Book Reviews

CONTEST

YA Author Tori Scott did a fun mini-interview with me on her blog. I hope you’ll hop over and check it out. Also, don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a download of BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS! Contest ends 11/30!

COMING SOON!

CHARACTER interview with Ethan Harris from BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS hosted by Stuck in Books!

Writing Tips ~ Understanding Your Voice/ New reviews/Contest

WRITING TIPS

For a writer first staring out, I think understanding one’s own voice is kind of a strange concept to grasp. You’re trying so hard to wade your way through the mechanics of writing, your focus isn’t on what the heck your voice IS at that point in time. :) The reality of your voice is…it becomes more defined and distinctive the more you write.

I’ve read authors’ books where I really appreciated their writing style, it was so lyrical. But “voice” is more than just style of writing. It’s the whole package. The best way I can describe “voice” in all its intangible glory is as follows; Voice is what gives your dialogue its unique rhythm, your characters their distinctive pop, and your plot its layered depth.

Does having a specific “voice” mean you can only have one type of writing? I hope not! I’ve written serious tear-jerkers, humorous romps, and intense action-adventures. But I’ll bet one thing is true in all of these stories…my voice comes through, regardless. In other words, no matter the genre or focus of your story, your voice will circle back to that “unique rhythm, distinctive pop and layered depth” thing every time. At least, that’s how I see it.

NEW REVIEWS

Not just the same ole, same ole! “Have you ever picked up book after book after book (I could keep going on) and none of them were holding your attention because it was just the same ole same ole? Brightest Kind of Darkness, love the title by the way, was a book I picked up after becoming bored with reading and *hoping* it would fix the my lack of good reads…it did just that! Click here to read the entire review at The Reading Housewives of Indiana

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Unique storyline and beautifully written “…Brightest Kind of Darkness is a wonderful start for a new series which isn’t easy to forget. Its unique storyline and the beautiful and easily flowing writing makes it possible to be sucked into a new world and I can’t wait to find out more about this.” Click here to read the entire review at Fictional Distraction.

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“…Brightest Kind of Darkness was a really entertaining read full of original ideas. It wasn’t perfect, but it was certainly somewhere in my top reads of 2011. The reasons for this are many: the unique plot, the chemistry between Inara and Ethan, the solid characterizations and the writing itself…” Click here to read the entire review at Great Imaginations.

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Definitely going on my list of FAVORITE kindle books! “…This story was scary, suspenseful and extremely romantic. I loved the growing relationship between Nara and Ethan and they way their gifts worked together. I did not put this book down until I was finished with it and wanted to start it all over again from the beginning. I highly recommend this author and I will be diligently looking out for the sequel.” Click here to read the entire review by The Book Runner

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AMAZING BOOK!! “This book was so good on so many levels. The idea of it was so intriguing and even now I have so many questions! When I first started reading I was excited because even though Nara had some kind of supernatural ability there wasn’t any of that usual instant attraction stuff between her and Ethan. I loved how naturally their relationship progressed. They spent time together and built up a trusting friendship first, eventually leading to love. The love I felt as a reader from both of them was so obvious, and I adored how the author used such a natural evolution from friendship to what they now have. I can’t wait to read more about Nara and Ethan… together they make one heck of a pair and I’m so excited to find out what happens with Ethan!…” Click here to read the entire review by Sara Hulce

CONTEST

Tomorrow is the last day to enter the BOOK LOVERS INC contest to win an eBook copy of BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS. 🙂