Meet Author Jean E. Lane

Hello fans-  welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog. I'm your host Author Janet Beasley. This week we are featuring the JLB Creatives Executive Team member author Jean E. Lane. She has been serving with JLBC since January 2013.

Together with JLBC Executive Team member and author, Mark Miller, we have been keeping steadily. . .no wait, ridiculously. . .busy with Authors in the Park Events, exhibiting and book fairs and miscellaneous festivals throughout Florida, and teaching aspiring writers via Skype. And the best part is we have nothing short of fun!

If you'd like to keep up with the JLBC Executive Team stay tuned to the JLBC Blog, or visit their website at www.JLBCreatives.com You may also become a fan on Facebook by visiting http://www.Facebook.com/JLBCreatives

Jean E. was kind enough to take the time from her busy schedule and answer some questions for us. We hope you enjoy reading her interview as much as we did giving it.

Interview with JLB Creatives Executive Team member 

and author, Jean E. Lane

So you thought you’d be a writer – how’s that workin’ out for ya?

      I’ve always wanted to be a writer, at least since I remember about the age of ten.   The past three years I’ve been working on my series of science-faction books titled “Lill and Mewe” about Mars and beyond.  No doubt there’s effort involved and the years do pass, but like many writers we keep going; we keep writing.  In the hopes that someday, readers will notice our efforts and discover that new writer. 

Let’s say you’re thinking about going on once in a life time vacation…how exciting! What are some of the places you’d consider, and what would you do while you’re there?

            Do you want my list?  Cario, Prague, Vienna, Dublin, London and Sydney. Since I crossed the pyramids off my list, that left Prague, Czech Republic in the second place position.  I was fortunate to visit London in 2011 and participate in the London International Book Fair (guess being a writer isn’t that bad after all).  In May of this year I was able to cross off Prague when my sister, niece and I arrived in Prague’s Old Town.  I had to see the Astrological Clock, the Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, and of course shopping for Bohemian crystal and a garnet necklace. Prague is of special interest to me because it is the home of my ancestors. We also spend a few days in Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary. It’s like stepping back in time, about two thousand years, with the architecture and cobblestone streets I loved the food and the people of Europe…oh and there’s chocolate there and it’s really good.

The phone just rang – it’s a movie deal for your book! Holy cow – they’ve left it up to you as to where you want them to film on location, and who will play the starring role…we can’t stand the suspense. Where and who is it?

     Well, can we get the crew to Mars? (laugh) On Earth, the setting would need to be the desert and the Grand Canyon, oh and we’ll need some interesting caves. Perhaps Russell Crowe can play Vinnic, Nicole Kidman as Phina, and Sigourney  Weaver as M.A.R.S.A. Wonder if we can we get Buzz Aldrin in at Mars Mission Space Center that would complete my stellar cast. The role of Lill and Merak should go to an unknown child star and Mewe, may take some creativity. 

What book or books are you currently working on? Can we expect a new release soon?

     Book two of the series has just been released.  Currently, I’m working on book three with a release date of 2014. (Pictured left: Book 1 in the Lill and Mewe Series)

Time for dinner! No, no, no, we’re not cooking – we’re going out. So…where’s your favorite place to throw down some good food with friends and family? And even more so, what do you recommend from the menu?

     I like to head to Mount Dora. A traditional breakfast at the Lakeside Inn on the front porch is so relaxing. I can just watch the boats on Lake Dora. For lunch it would be a favorite little Café, One Flight Up for a harvest chicken salad sandwich. For dinner I would head to the Frog and Monkey for a flat bread pizza or maybe a nice steak filet. My husband and I meet friends at these places quite often. I have a writer’s meeting at One Flight Up with a couple of fellow JLBC authors (wink wink). Always a good time.

What kind of animals, birds, or fish do you like best? Do you have any pets - how many do you have – and what are their names?

     Although my first pet was a cat, I understand them, I now have a Toy Fox Terrier named Prancer and two adopted cats name Muffy and Abby.  I’ve taken traits from both Muffy and Abby and created the personality for Mewe from both of them

Time for adventure! Your friends are heading out to go skydiving for the first time…are you going to join them or suggest a different adventure? If you go skydiving please elaborate, or if you suggest something else what would your favorite adventure be?

     You would never get me to go skydiving. I’m a terra firma kind of person. But I may try white water rafting; at least I’m not dangling up there in the air. 

We all love stories – especially yours! Would you be willing to give the readers a synopsis of your current book?

     Just released – “Lill and Mewe Journey to the Ocean of Runa” takes place in the year 2456 MD (Mars Date). Mars Mission Space Center has established a cadet program. Both Lill and her brother, Merak, are accepted. Merak’s mission sets off with the science team to explore Neptune and one of its moons, Triton. Merak sees something very unusual on Neptune, but no one believes him.

     The rumors about “Runa,” the guardian of Mars, become more of a reality to Lill as she has to make the journey to the Ocean of Runa alone. Lill learns that Runa means ‘That which is hidden.” Meanwhile Mewe, a water cat, with webbed feet, is concerned for Lill’s safety and follows her to the ocean. While swimming out too far and too deep, they encounter the dreaded Wicky fish, coming right at them! This can’t be good.

Lill’s mission encounters a major problem that the Martians must resolve before they can start their trek to planet Zanda in the Andromeda Galaxy. The trip will take them too long to get there, so they must find a solution. Who will help them? What happens next in this galactic fantasy?

Love and romance, paranormal, epic fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, thriller, drama, and the list goes on. Where do your books fall as far as genre and reading audience?

     My books are Children’s (8-12) science-fiction with some facts woven into the story.  I like to start with some factual key elements tell the story with my twist from that point. I like to call it science-faction. Adults are reading my books as much as children.

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SPEED ROUND!

Soup or stew? Soup

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate (anything vanilla would need chocolate on it).

Dogs or cats? Both. I want one of each.

Horses or cows?  Horses

Insects or reptiles? Reptiles. Had an iguana once, and got to hold a baby gator just this year at our Silver Springs! 

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BONUS QUESTIONS: 

What is your favorite part about being a part of the JLB Creatives Executive Team?

     We all have different personalities, so we all bring something different to our meetings but we find it easy to discuss ideas about what works for authors. We may not all agree on an idea but everyone listens to what we have to say. In the past, we have all participated with book fairs and events so we know what works and what doesn’t. We can sit down together with just an idea and by the time we’re ready to leave, we have a solid plan in place. To think we accomplish this in downtown Mount Dora, over food, in a quiet corner of a café. 

How does JLB Creatives benefit the literary world?

     JLB Creatives and Authors in the Park are introducing Central Florida Authors of merit to the public. I feel that we create our events with the best interest of the author in mind. We don’t charge a fee to the author to participate in our events. We promote and market them on our Author in the Park facebook page as well as the JLBCreatives Blog and other social media sites. There aren’t many places, none that I can think of, that invite authors to sell their books without any costs involved.  All we ask is that they support and promote our events and posses a team-spirit attitude. We like to think of ourselves as a launching pad for new authors. Like that comedy group that says they “aren’t ready for prime time,” we give authors an opportunity to shine and highlight any success they have had in the past and henceforth. 

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Jean E.'s Social Media Presence, and where you will find her books.

WEBSITE: http://sbpra.com/jeanelane  website

                                                                

BLOG: http://jeanelanesimaginethis.blogspot,.com  blog

FACEBOOK PAGE:  http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJeanELane          

TWITTER HANDLE: @AuthorJeanELane

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Until next week - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me!

Your blog host:

Best Selling Author

Meet Author Deborah Valentine

Welcome fans and followers! For those in the USA we hope you celebrated your wonderful gift of freedom and independence in style, and enjoyed the day doing what you love to do - like swimming, fishing, or gathering with family and filling yourselves with all the tasty picnic style food one could stand.

July 6th, as you know, held our latest Authors in the Park Event ~ Picnic with an Author. We had great fun, met some wonderful folks and enjoyed the day. We are now ready to dawn our exhibitor hats and begin making preparations for the Saint Augustine Heritage Book Festival in September. Also in September we will be co-hosting a Business After Hours with Lakeside Inn to promote our October 5th Authors in the Park Event ~ Book-tober Fest! Stay tuned to the #AIP website on Facebook for all our updates: FB.com/AuthorsInThePark

This week we have a treat for you. Author Deborah Valentine is joining us for an interview. So grab a nice cold drink, sit back, relax, and get to know this fabulous author!

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Hi Deborah - it's so kind of you to take the time to stop by and have an interview with us.

I'm glad to be here, and can't tell you how excited I am to have to opportunity to be featured on the JLB Creatives Blog. 

Fantastic! Ready to start?

You bet!

Then here we go. But before we get to the questions, would you mind if I shared a bit about you first?

Not at all. I'd be honored.

Great! OK readers, here you have it: Deborah Valentine is a British author, editor and screenwriter who once lived in California but far preferred the British weather and fled to London, where she has resided for many years. She is the author of three books published by Victor Gollancz Ltd in the UK, and Bantam and Avon in the US. Unorthodox Methods was the first in the series, followed by A Collector of Photographs and the Ireland-based Fine Distinctions. A Collector of Photographs was short-listed for an Edgar Allan Poe, a Shamus, a Macavity and an Anthony Boucher award. Fine Distinctions was also short-listed for an Edgar. They featured the characters of former California sheriff Kevin Bryce and artist Katharine Craig, charting their turbulent romance amid murder and mayhem. They are soon to be available as eBooks on the Orion imprint The Murder Room. With the publication of The Knightmare she has embarked on a new series of books with a supernatural edge. For more visit her website http://www.deborahvalentine.co.uk/ or The Knightmare Facebook page. She is a Goodreads author. I'm so glad to have the chance to meet you, and I'll be our readers feel the same. OK, let's start the questions. . .

. . .So you thought you’d be a writer – how’s that workin’ out for ya?

Perilous, but good.

* A zealous fan approaches your book signing table and wants to know everything there is to know about writing a book…right now! There’s a long line of fans waiting, and you only have a few seconds…what one thing would tell them to encourage them to become a writer?

Read voraciously. Write obsessively. Get a job somewhere within the industry for awhile so you’ll know a bit about the business itself and approach it with discipline and intelligence. Cherish your childish enthusiasm for stories.

Okay, that may be more than one – but I’d say it really, really fast!

* What book or books are you currently working on? Can we expect a new release soon?

I don’t know about ‘soon’, but there is a sequel to The Knightmare. I’m about two-thirds through the first draft – but I do a lot of drafts, and a lot of editing! Editing is essential and I’m obsessive about it. I really enjoy the process, getting right down to the nitty-gritty of the story.

* What kind of animals, birds, or fish do you like best? Do you have any pets - how many do you have – and what are their names?

I love animals – I even rescue the spiders in my bath. I’ve had a lot of animals in my life. Right now I have a tortoiseshell tabby rescue cat, Miss Garbo, and I leave food for the wildlife in the garden – my outdoor pets. I find animals essential for writing, something about connecting with creatures that are so instinctive. I don’t think pets are a substitute for children, or partners, or anything else. Having a relationship with an animal is a primal human need, a connection with the earth. Whenever I hear someone say they don’t like animals, my highbrow shoots straight up. I wonder what pieces are missing from that person.

* We all love stories – especially yours! Would you be willing to give the readers a synopsis of your current book?

The Knightmare is about a career-obsessed Formula 1 driver, Conor. All his life he’s had the same horrifying nightmare that – to him – feels more like a memory than a dream, even though it’s quite an unrealistic nightmare. Soon after he’s injured in a terrible racing accident he’s informed a woman, Mercedes, with whom he had a one-night-stand has died and left him as her heir. Now, as fantastic as that night was, he isn’t best pleased. But his sister goads him into going to Amsterdam to identify the body – really, she gets all the best lines! Quite an earthy young woman, his sister.

At Mercedes’ house he finds an illuminated book that transports him back in time to a past life as a Knight Templar. In reliving that time – of magic, crusades, sword fighting, massacres, love and betrayal – he discovers the reasons for his issues in this life. Let’s call it incredible hindsight! And when he gets back, finds all the people from back then are in his present – the gang’s all here! And well, there’s things to be sorted…

* What are your favorite genres of books to read, and what are your favorite genres of books to write?

I like well-written books with a fantastical element to them and, also, a bit of love and romance in there. For example, The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey and anything by Neil Gaiman. I also like historical fiction, like the books written by Sarah Dunant.

That’s also what I like to write – books with a fantastical element, a historical element, that are character-driven and illustrate a human truth. Also, with a bit of love and romance...

* Time to go to the movies! Out of all the ones you’ve seen, what’s your fav? And be sure to tell us why in case we haven’t seen it and would like to check it out.

Two immediately spring to mind. La Belle and La Bete by Jean Cocteau. It was made in 1947, just after World War II and they created the most magical special effects on no budget! It’s a great feat of imagination and childish enthusiasm.

The other is The Kingdom of Heaven by Ridley Scott. A fantastic medieval story about a man seeking forgiveness. I can quote whole swatches of the dialogue back from memory – wonderful dialogue by screenwriter William Monahan! It’s also a film full of interesting intelligent men in chainmail. Truly a kingdom of heaven.

* Did you ever study writing? Feel free to elaborate – we’d love to hear about your education.

I ain’t got no education – I mean, not really. I finished secondary school, got my diploma. I’ve taken the occasional writing course, ‘occasional’ being the operative word! I’m wary of formal education. I believe in reading and I believe in living, in taking chances, in exercising your curiosity. The combination of reading and life itself is the best educator, in my opinion.

* If you could personally thank one person, or several (living or not) for giving you the strength, determination, and perseverance to continue in your writing who would you thank?

First of all, I’d like to thank all the people who discouraged me (they shall remain nameless). It made me realise how necessary it was for me to do it; that I HAD to persevere despite so many remarks that made me want to bat my head against a wall was a good measure of my need. It hardened my resolve.

As for those who encouraged me – and there have been many – I’d like to thank the first, Janet Linville. My second book, A Collector of Photographs, is dedicated to her. She’s a psychologist and got me started by saying: “What are you going to do with your life? You think like a writer – have you ever tried it…” And then, in so many words, told me to just get on with it!

* What is your favorite make-believe place you’ve ever created in a story? Is it a town? A hide-out? A futuristic city? The possibilities are endless! Please tell us all about your fav as we’d all love to escape with you!

Mercedes’ medieval castle in The Knightmare. It’s my dream home. The castle kind of merges with the forest – rather like the way my house plants are taking over, but more wild and dramatic! Animals roam free, there’s timbered rooms painted as if you’re deep in the forest, actual ivy grows through cracks in the stone; then there’s a bed chamber that has a cupola-style ceiling with stars and a moon that move (even though they are, ahem, paint), candles go on and off as you pass by as if on an automatic dimmer switch, honeysuckle vines climb all over the outbuildings, the kitchen is a hanging forest of dried herbs, there’s an exuberant garden to grow all those herbs – oh, and this amazing table made of hardened ivy… I mean, the list goes on… it has turrets!

And it’s in France (sigh)…

* How do you deal with rejection when you submit an MS?

Just file it. I used to kick furniture but after I broke my toe I decided filing was a healthier option.

* If you could cure something in this world, what would it be?

Stupidity and ignorance, particularly within myself!

* Of all the professions in this world you opted to be a writer. What brought you to it?

Desperation! I never felt I communicated verbally very well. I said things that made sense, but not the sense I meant (if that makes sense). So I wanted to say things better. Tell a good story! I don’t know how many times I’ve walked away from a conversation and wished I could write down an edited version, hand it back and say, “This isn’t what we said, but I think it’s what we meant – and now it’s more entertaining!” Obviously, that wouldn’t be a good way to win friends and influence people, unless you can do so as a totally invented story. Hence, writing fiction…

* Where can we find your book(s)?

The Knightmare can be found on: http://www.amazon.com/The-Knightmare-ebook/dp/B00BI1CWOC

The first crime series, featuring Kevin Bryce and Katharine Craig, will be digitally published through Orion’s The Murder Room imprint in July 2013. The old physical copies published by Victor Gollancz Ltd, Avon and Bantam can be found on Amazon, Abe Books and a number of other online book dealers.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Knightmare-ebook/dp/B00BI1CWOC

http://www.deborahvalentine.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/TheKnightmarebook

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17405699-the-knightmare

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Was that fun or what? Deborah is truly an author worth discovery. And that's what we're all about here at the JLB Creatives Blog. 

If you are someone who serves in the literary world and would like to be featured on the JLB Creatives Blog like Deborah, check out the box in the top of the right hand column. >   >   >  

Until next time. . .stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me. 

Your Blog Host

Author Janet Beasley

www.HiddenEarthSeries.com

Meet Author Mark Miller

Welcome fans and followers! We're so glad you stopped by this week to check out our featured guest.

There is TONS going on this weekend - so be sure to check out all of the information available here on the post.

First up, an online event: This weekend be sure to join us for The Virtual Ebook Fair online July 5 - 7 to interact with authors, enter our contest, and discover new books!

Virtual Ebook Fair Click Here

You may join the event early, but authors will not be posting until the weekend gets here.

Join early and begin inviting your friends!

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As you probably already know, JLB Creatives is on full tilt preparing and tying up all of the loose ends for our upcoming Authors in the Park Picnic with an Author Event taking place July 6 in Mount Dora, Florida. Visit the link and invite your friends.

Our featured guest this week is JLB Creatives Team member and author, Mark Miller. You will catch the enthusiasm of how Authors in the Park came to be, and catch a glimpse of how JLB Creatives is making a difference in the literary world.

Gilbert Park, Mount Dora Florida ~ 11:00A - 1:00P

Visit the event page

Take it away, Mark!

JLB Creatives Executive Team
Member, author Mark Miller

Sometimes, unexpected things turn out to be surprising, life changing events full of joy and opportunity.

For me, Authors in the Park was one of those unexpected things. Independent authors struggle. Without a workplace to go to, they struggle to find time to write. Without a major international publisher and marketing firm, they struggle to promote. In some cases, they are true starving artists. As an independent author, I was constantly seeking new outlets to present my work. Normally, this is a solitary profession, so, like many authors, I enjoy the opportunity to do a book signing. It is a chance to get out and meet the public, talk to readers and fans and, of course, sell books. Without the support of a huge corporate engine behind me, I had to make those opportunities on my own.

That’s where JLB Creatives comes into this story. JLB Creatives, an energetic company that was already making inroads on Facebook and other social media, was in a similar situation. Owner/founder, author Janet Beasley, was working to promote herself. We met at a local library event and emailed a few times after that. Then we met for a writer’s meeting at One Flight Up Café in downtown Mount Dora. Two things of note: 1) One Flight Up has since become one of our biggest sponsors and has an excellent menu. 2) a writer’s meeting is a fancy way of saying food and talk. At that meeting, a third party entered the story. Jean E. Lane had met with Janet once or twice before for writer’s meetings. One of us said, “We should do our own author event.” Someone else said, “Let’s hold it at one of Mount Dora’s beautiful parks. We could call it Authors in the Park.”

From humble beginnings, now onto our third event, Authors in the Park seems to have been guided by a higher power. Here, I will pause to give my thanks, both to the higher power and to Janet and Jean E. The three of us now make up the JLBC Executive Team and we have developed Authors in the Park into an annual series of four themed events. We feel that these events, one for each season, are quite unique and give readers a new way to meet and interact with authors.
 

Our goal with these events is to continuously present new authors to the public. (Pictured left: the authors from Spring Into Art - The Gallery Walk 2013. Authors pictured are C. Kevin Thompson, Gary Larson, Mark Miller, Jeanne Selander Miller, Elise Van Cise ( and her aspiring author son), Janet Beasley, Theresa Oliver, Jean E. Lane, De Miller) Many of the authors we work with have never done a book signing before. Others are seasoned pros, but they have never done a book signing like an Authors in the Park event. The JLBC Executive Team has been blessed to work with so many gracious, talented authors and enjoy the support of an artistic community. The business owners and government agencies are some of the most supportive people. The best part is that the list of names keeps growing and the events keep getting bigger.

Because we are Authors in the Park, our July 6th event, Picnic with an Author, seemed like a natural progression. We will be taking over Gilbert Park in Mount Dora, near the lakefront lighthouse from 11 AM to 1 PM on that Saturday. One of our local churches, Round Lake Christian Church, will be cooking hot dogs for a small donation. However, we have a deal with them that anybody who buys a book from any of the authors will receive a free hot dog. In addition to the food, there will also be face painting, live music and a playground nearby.

Look for our flyers posted in numerous, supportive, downtown Mount Dora businesses.

What will the authors be doing? Eating, of course. Authors seem to be especially good at that. They will also be waiting for readers to join them at the picnic tables, sit down and talk about their books or writing in general. This group of authors has been specially selected and represent a positive, inspiring segment of independents. And yes, they will have books for sale, ready to autograph.

I, for one, hope that you will join us for our picnic! Even if you can’t make it in person, have a look at our Facebook page. There are always links about past and future Authors in the Park participants.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Please follow Authors in the Park on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorsInThePark

July 6th Picnic with an Author event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/173765459456494/

Learn more about Mark Miller at www.FB.com/MarkMillerAuthor

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Also - be sure to check out Mark's wide scope of talent when it comes to writing. He is the author of The Empyrical Tales. He also excels at Amish stories, and more! 

Visit Mark's author page on Amazon 

Thanks so much for visiting JLB Creatives - we hope to see you at the picnic!

Until next week...stay casual~live life to the fullest~and have a piece of chocolate for me!
Your Blog Host:
Author Janet Beasley

Meet Author Carol Wyer

Welcome fans! It's great to have you here. This week there are so many cool things going on! Summer deals and fun are just beginning!!!

First off - If you hadn't been introduced, allow me to introduce myself. . .I'm author Janet Beasley. Owner/Founder of JLB Creatives. I am an MG inspirational epic fairy tale author. 

Did you know you can get the MG sensation, Hidden Earth Series Volume 1 Maycly the Trilogy Part 1 Two Altered Worlds FREE? Enter this coupon code on Smashwords: LT27E Just CLICK HERE    ===ALSO you can download the ebooks of Part 2 The Battle of Trust and Treachery, and Part 3 The Queen for only 99 cents each on AMAZON.  All deals are good through June 30. So if you're a DEAL kind of person - don't delay as these awesome deals will be going away and fast!

Secondly - Mark your calendars now for the upcoming Authors in the Park Event = Picnic with an Author on July 6, 2013 from 11:00a - 1:00p. For more details on the Authors in the Park event series CLICK HERE

And thirdly....we are proud to present this week's featured author

Carol Wyer

Who am I? I am a desperate housewife who enjoys drinking wine and lives with a grumpy old retired man.  Well, not entirely true. To be slightly more serious, I am someone who loves to laugh, and more importantly, to make others laugh. Laughter really is a tonic and if I can make a few people chuckle each day, then I am a very happy, desperate housewife.

I think deep down I’m a frustrated comedienne. I really should have taken the plunge and become a stand up comic.  I did the next best thing though and became a teacher. Life threw me a couple of curve balls and I changed direction, becoming a personal trainer in my forties. Those were the hedonistic days when I could touch my toes. Nowadays, even if I placed M& M’s between them, I haven’t the enthusiasm to reach them.

Life hasn’t been straightforward. But is it for any of us? Serious health issues got in the way. At one point I found myself paralysed after a procedure didn’t go as planned. Fortunately, I made a good recovery. Following that episode, I decided to take ‘life by the horns’. Determined to get as much out of it as possible, I became involved in all sorts of activities.  I took up flying helicopters, quad biking, had a go at track racing, camel riding, scuba diving, kick boxing, clay pigeon shooting, pole dancing and a few sensible activities too like painting.

Being a linguist, I can speak a few languages and am obsessed by travel. I have spent many years living abroad. I travelled all over Europe, and to many other destinations, but there are so many more places I would like to visit. I am tempted to take up a grown-up gap year and go somewhere special, maybe to some slum part of India where I could help teach underprivileged children, or to the Seychelles and help rescue turtles. We are never too old for adventure, are we? Even my 80-year-old mother hotfoots it to Cyprus regularly, where she hosts all night parties and Karaoke sing-songs.

Although I travel frequently, you’ll still often find me at home in rural Staffordshire where I spend my time now with my husband who moans about the weather and complains when we have to put the heating back on in July! Cheers!

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Please be sure to share this post with your friends who can't get enough to read, or need to smile! And we'd love nothing more here at JLB Creatives than if you visited Carol's links below - and better yet, bought some of her awesome books! 

Website: http://www.carolewyer.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carol-E-Wyer/221149241263847

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carolewyer

Until next week - 

Stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me!

Your blog host:

Author Janet Beasley

Meet Author Lance Umenhofer

Welcome everyone to the JLB Creatives Blog. We certainly hope you're ready to face summer with tons of fun and family time!

First up - This just in! Every weekend, Friday - Sunday, you can visit the latest online event for readers: Virtual Ebook Fair! You'll find excerpts, giveaways, reviews, be able to enjoy interacting with the authors, and so much more...check it out ;-)

Visit Virtual Ebook Fair to discover more!

We're gearing up for our Authors in the Park Event ~ Picnic with and Author. Check out the poster below for details. . .

You'll find more information about Authors in the Park Event Series by visiting the Authors in the Park page here on the JLBC Blog. Or visit Authors in the Park on Facebook and become a fan to keep up with the latest! http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorsInThePark

We're ready to dive right in, and get to know more about our awesome featured author. . .

Lance Umenhofer 

It’s funny how little is planned when I sit down to write.  I imagine most authors having notebooks, maybe multiple, of ideas and plot points and character sheets for their novels, and when they sit down to write, they compile all of their ideas into paragraph form, having every intention to make their ways to the final climaxes planned out months, maybe years before.

But, through the years, it’s seemed that the more and more I plan out a piece or have a vivid picture of where the story is going or who the characters are, the more and more I stray from it.  I do not like to write within constrictions, even if the constrictions are made by myself.  For instance, in And the Soft Wind Blows, I wanted Roxie to be Timmy’s saving grace.  Without giving too much away, I wanted Timmy to take Roxie in his arms, swing her back, and tell her it would all be O.K., to run away with him to California and start a new life, fresh, with unlimited potential, but it does not turn out to be so.

There’s something about the infinite opportunity of the blinking, black cursor that totally enthralls me.  I stare at it and consider my options, though most times the words take over, and I am left without a say as to which direction the story goes.  My words come out of me as if I were only but an intermediary between their will and their lives on the page.  As I type away, my notebook lies untouched to my side, and I find myself going through it and crossing out things and rewriting other things to make them fit into the parameters I’ve set through the fervent onset of words filling up my screen.  This onset, combatting the enveloping shroud of infinity, continues until I feel with every ounce of me to stop, and let it sit, and let the story be complete.

You can buy my new book, And the Soft Wind Blows, at: http://www.lanceumenhofer.com/buy-the-book.html

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Thanks so much for stopping by Lance. It was a pleasure to feature here on the JLBC Blog. 

If you would like to be featured on the JLBC Blog or know someone who might be interested, check out the top of the right hand column for the easy-to-follow instructions to get started. Best of all, it's FREE! 

Until next time - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me!

Your blog host. . .

Author Janet Beasely

www.HiddenEarthSeries.com

Meet Author Christine Meunier

Welcome back faithful fans, and a very special welcome to all who are visiting the JLB Creatives Blog for the first time. If our featured guest has brought you here, we'd like to extend our sincere gratitude to you for visiting. 

If you are an author, poet, blogger, photographer, or illustrator who would like to be featured on the JLB Creatives Blog, check out the top box in the right hand column >   >   >   There you'll find the easy instructions on how to get started. Also, if you know of someone you think would appreciate being featured we encourage you to let them know, and invite them too. 

In the news of JLB Creatives, we're gearing up for our July 6, 2013 Authors in the Park Event ~ Picnic with an Author. You'll be able to purchase hot dogs, chips, and drinks provided by our sponsor, Round Lake Christian Church, then take your seat at the picnic table hosting the author of your choice. While you picnic away the author will be happy to read from their books, talk to you about the writing world, and much more! All authors will have their books for sale at the event, and will be happy to autograph any books you purchase. 

Now, let's get down to it - our featured guest! This week we are proud to bring you an Excerpt Extravaganza from. . . 

. . .the fabulous Christine Meunier

Book title: Horse Country

Synopsis:

Horse Country follows the lives of four young women working and studying in the horse industry.  Two are pursuing careers in the world of breeding thoroughbreds whilst the other pair teaches horse riding at their parent’s metropolitan riding school.

Horse Country is written to open people’s eyes to potential careers with horses and how much fun it can be to work, study and travel around the world because of horses.

Excerpt:

Hunter pulled up to the side of the stable, a large grin directed at Kaye as he said hello.  She paused from raking with a smile, stepping closer to his Ute to peer into the cab.

“Hello to you both.  Cute pup.  What’s his name?”

“Please.”

“Seriously?  Ok, what’s his name please.”

Hunter grinned, barely holding back a laugh, Dave sitting beside him with a large smile also.

“Oh, I’m going to have so much fun with this.”

“With what?” Kaye asked with a frown.

“The name of my kelpie,” Hunter replied smoothly.

“You mean with not telling people the name of your kelpie?”

“But he did,” Dave replied with a chuckle.

“No he didn’t.”

“Sure I did!  His name is Please!” Hunter clarified, stepping out of the car.

“Excuse me?”

“That probably would have worked just as well,” he chuckled, patting the young canine that moved to his seat, peering down at the ground and then up at the farrier as if asking permission to get out of the car.

“Now I am completely lost.”

“I’ve named the dog Please.  It just sounds so polite.  Hop out of the car, Please.  Drop, Please.  Roll, Please.  See?” Hunter finished with a broad grin, rewarding his pup with a pat for being obedient to his requests.

Kaye rolled her eyes, turning her focus back to raking up stray bits of hay out the front of the stables.

“You’re both insane.”

“Me?  What’d I do?” Dave asked, incredulous.

“You encourage him.  Trevor and Declan are in the stables ready when you want to do some work,” Kaye stated gruffly.

Hunter winked at Dave, stepping past the fiery red head and into the darker stables; the pup following at his heels.  The pair found the two men in one of the stalls, looking at the front foot of a yearling.

“Our first victim?” Dave queried, peering through the bars of the stall wall.

“Reckon so,” Declan muttered as he stood up from being bent over the leg Trevor was holding up.

“He’s got a decent crack and is a little sore.”

“Sure we can fix that up with a trim and some shoes.  Is it alright to bring the Ute in here?  Park it in the middle of the breezeway?”

“That should be fine.  We can start on the colt next door, Dave,” Trevor directed, getting out of the box.

He paused to kneel down and say hello to Hunter’s latest acquisition.

“Cute pup, what’s his name?”

Hunter smiled, finding it hard to ignore Dave’s pained look.

“I’ve named him Please,” he stated, winking at his coworker who looked relieved to not have to repeat the conversation they’d had not two minutes ago with Kaye.

Declan laughed from inside the box, keeping a hold of the horse with the cracked hoof.

“That’s great craic!  I love it!”

“Very clever,” Trevor replied with a smile, heading into the box next door while the pair of farriers headed back to the car to relocate it inside the stables.

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Please be sure to visit Christine on the web at the following links, and better yet, why not purchase a copy of her book? They also make great gifts for the horse lovers in your life.

 

Website: http://www.horsecountrybook.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HorseCountryBook

Horse Country - A World of Horses available for sale July 1st!

http://www.horsecountrybook.com/

http://www.facebook.com/HorseCountry

Interested in a horse related career?  Check out

http://www.facebook.com/EquusEducation

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Until next week - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me!

Your blog host. . .

Author and animal lover, Janet Beasley

www.HiddenEarthSeries.com

Meet Author Marianne Spitzer

Welcome one and all! You've landed on the JLB Creatives Blog - whether intentional or not ;-)  If not we hope you find what you've come across to be fun, informative, and uplifting. For those of you who are new fans here's a bit about the blog. We feature authors, illustrators, bloggers, photographers, and other artists who are worthy of discovery. Each Monday there will be a new post for you to enjoy. While you're here, why not check out all the goodies in the right hand column as well. You'll find more pages on the blog, free anthologies, videos, and more!

We want to send out HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who came to visit us at Long & Scott's Farm corn festival celebration. We hope you had as much fun, if not more, than we did. We appreciate your shared enthusiasm and continued support.

This week we are proud to feature author Marianne Spitzer. She was kind enough to sit down with us and do an interview. We're certain you'll find her amazing, just like we did! So, without any further ado, we introduce to you . . .

Author Marianne Spitzer

Thank you so much for taking the time to do an interview with JLB Creatives. It's wonderful to have you here.

It's great to be here, Janet. The pleasure is all mine. 

Super! Then let's get right to it. Here's your first question. . .Let’s say you’re thinking about going on once in a life time vacation…how exciting! What are some of the places you’d consider, and what would you do while you’re there?

A vacation to the Cayman Islands to walk and swim in the crystal clear water would be ideal. I’d also love to visit the Fiji Islands for the same reason.

What book or books are you currently working on? Can we expect a new release soon?

I am currently working on the edits for the sequel to THE LETTER.  It’s called OLD MAN MALONE RETURNS and it should be out late spring or early summer.

Time for dinner! No, no, no, we’re not cooking – we’re going out. So…where’s your favorite place to throw down some good food with friends and family? And even more so, what do you recommend from the menu?

Italian food is my favorite. We have a local restaurant that makes the best pepperoni and sausage pizza, but for a meal I love going to the Olive Garden. I prefer their Minestrone soup over the salad. For my main course I have the Chicken Parmigiana with spaghetti.

Time for adventure! Your friends are heading out to go skydiving for the first time…are you going to join them or suggest a different adventure? If you go skydiving please elaborate, or if you suggest something else what would your favorite adventure be?

I am not adventuresome nor do I care for outdoor activities. I’m a city girl and prefer to sit on the back deck to catch the sun and fresh air. I hate bugs. If I go on a picnic, I need a table. I don’t just toss a blanket on the ground and sit. I also prefer pool water over the lake. I love clear water and loved the ocean when I lived in San Diego.  

Forget about make-believe super powers…we’ll never have them – bummer, I know right? But good news…TRUE super powers come in different forms such as a great attitude, a wonderful personality, loving kindness, and other cool traits like those. Who’s the one super hero in your life, and what is their TRUE super power?

My super hero would have to be my son, Lance. His super power is his understanding and helpful nature. He has a kind heart and never says no if someone needs help. He’s been there for me through some rough times, and I thank God for him every day.

  

We all love stories – especially yours! Would you be willing to give the readers a synopsis of your current book?

Absolutely. 

“Old Man Malone Returns” is the sequel to “The Letter.” Life has been quiet at the Malone mansion. Kellie and Drew have settled into a happy married life. Their housemates, Taylor, Hunter, and Cole are also enjoying the peace and quiet. The betrayal of their longtime friend, Emma, is becoming just a bad memory. Their peace is shattered one quiet fall morning when Kellie’s grandfather’s body is stolen from his grave in Malone Springs Cemetery. Kellie is faced with another mystery, but that is only the beginning. Frightening events begin to happen at the mansion. Could it be possible that Old Man Malone walks the earth again? Was his body ever in that grave? Did he really die in a tragic accident? Is he dead and his ghost roams the mansion? Kellie has many mysteries to solve, but the biggest is did her grandfather’s evil live on after his death? Her questions are soon answered, and she must find a way to save herself and her friends from the figure in black that moves through the mansion at will. The book is due out in late spring 2013.

Love and romance, paranormal, epic fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, thriller, drama, and the list goes on. Where do your books fall as far as genre and reading audience?

They are all mystery and/or thrillers. It is what I enjoy reading and writing.

Social media has become a part of being an author. What are your 3 best tips of the trade for upcoming authors when it comes to building their social media platform?

Set up a Twitter account and follow people who you would want following you, many of them will. Use the account to let people know about your website, blog or Face Book page. Have a Face Book writer’s page. You will be able to post info about yourself and your books as often as needed. Start a blog or website, whichever you prefer to use to promote your books. You can list a synopsis, book tours, list your books and sell them.  

How much time do you devote to writing? Daily – weekly – monthly – whenever the urge strikes?

I write every day. I may not work on my current novel, but I write short stories, work on edits, or write a blog post. I keep my social media sites current. I am writing something each day, but most work is done on my novel.

  

Who is your favorite character that you have created? Tell us about him or her and why you are so fond of them.

My favorite character is Magdalena, the spirit in Gypsy Spirits and Annamarie and Magdalena. She is the great-grandmother of my main character, Annamarie, and has come back with other spirits to protect Annamarie and her family from the evil surrounding her. I love her because she is very protective and loving. When Annamarie has a child, Magdalena teaches her to protect herself while watching over the entire family. She also takes part in the battle of the spirits in Annamarie and Magdalena. She is a well-rounded character with magical powers.

This has been a delightful interview. Again, our sincerest appreciation for being with us. 

You are very welcome, and thank you for having me. 

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If you'd like to find out more about Marianne, buy her books, and/or follower her on Twitter please visit the following links. Let her know you discovered her on the JLB Creatives Blog. 

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER HANDLE: @MarianneSpitzer

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Until next time - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me.

Your blog host. . .

 

...and adventurer, Author Janet Beasley