Monday, October 10, 2011

Author Splash - Judy Serrano

First and foremost I want to welcome and send out a huge thanks to all of the new followers over this past week, and another huge thanks to all of those who have been following since 
Week 1 and beyond!

This week is something very special - it is the debut of the new blog feature I've titled Author Splash. Author Splashes are more than just interviews. They are a solid week dedicated to select authors and their wonderful talents. They should be tons of fun, highly informative, and once in a while even surprises not only for the viewers, but the authors as well! 

With that said, grab a cup of coffee, a sugary piece of pound cake, and sit back to read and enjoy the new feature Author Splash.
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Introduction Video for:
Romantic Suspense author 
JUDY SERRANO

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About Judy:

Judy Serrano is the author of Easter's Lilly and Brother
Number Three. She is currently working on books three and four of the series and a young adult spin off featuring one of Lilly's children. Judy graduated from Texas A&M University, Commerce with a BA in English. She is a member of The Romance Writers of America and the Dallas Area Romance Authors.   She spends her days writing on her laptop and living in her imagination, when she can steal a private moment. Although originally from New York, she currently resides in Texas with her husband (who she says is her inspiration), four children (all boys) and five dogs. Judy is also a singer/songwriter in her spare time.
       

She was a singer/songwriter for many years but has turned that into a hobby these days due to time being a factor. Judy has been interviewed by Freda, from "Freda's Voice," Marilyn Shoemaker from "Romance Author Buzz," and Cathy B. Stucker of "Selling Books." For more information please visit http://www.JudySerrano.com. 


  
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Judy Serrano's Press Releases:


BLACK ROSE WRITING
Presents
Easter’s Lilly by Judy Serrano

VARIOUS LOCATIONS, USA AND INTERNATIONAL (Black Rose Writing) December 16th, 2010 release – Black Rose Writing is pleased to announce that Book Title by Author is now available for review request or purchase from www.blackrosewritingbooks.com or any online bookstores.

The book is also available for direct order via the Ingram Book Catalogue and/or Books in Print. ISBN # 978-1-935605-90-4


SYNOPSIS:
It was Easter Sunday; the day Lilly’s life went from safe and comfortable to dangerously unfamiliar. Her transformation takes her from a small town girl having an affair with a low ranked gangster in the Montiago crime syndicate, to a woman of grace and fortitude married to the head of the organization.

Lilly tells the story of her life -- and the lives of her children -- with childlike innocence, yet she's desperate for security and companionship. The hint of forbidden love and betrayal that ultimately puts brother against brother adds to the suspense and intrigue. The syndicate engulfs the Montiago family as they turn each other inside out over the love of a woman.Easter's Lilly is an inspired journey from the idyllic to the darker side of self-discovery. Read as the over-privileged brothers embark on their journey that twists and turns down the road of unbridled passion in the first book of the series.



BLACK ROSE WRITING
Presents
Brother Number Three
 by Judy Serrano

VARIOUS LOCATIONS, USA AND INTERNATIONAL (Black Rose Writing) June 16th, 2011 release – Black Rose Writing is pleased to announce that Brother Number Three by Judy Serrano is now available for review request or purchase from www.blackrosewritingbooks.com or any online bookstores.

The book is also available for direct order via the Ingram Book Catalogue and/or Books in Print. ISBN #978-1612960371


SYNOPSIS
Coming in third place was something that was all too familiar to Hector Montiago. As his strength and grounding personality pushes him into first place with the woman he loves, lines are crossed and sides are chosen.

In this second book of the series, Brother Number Three depicts family ties in a light unequal to any other. Lilly tells the story of how the brothers unite in the effort to recover her missing son, as blood becomes both the indestructible bond that holds them together and the opposing force that pushes them apart. Read on as they fight temptation while the enemies of the Montiago cartel unleash their wrath, only to discover that the true danger lies within.

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FUTURE JUDY SIGHTINGS!


October 15, 2011
Texas HOPE Literacy is sponsoring a book signing
for Judy at the Plano Barnes & Noble

October 29, 2011
has invited Judy to join them for book signings 
and to do a reading.


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Excerpts from author Judy Serrano:


Easter's Lilly is available as an 
ebook or paperback and may be 
purchased from the following links:


EASTER'S LILLY: Excerpt #1


“Why didn’t you get a different kind of job?”  I asked.  “You seem capable.”
            “I ask myself that every day,” he answered.  “But now I know why,” he smiled at me.  “Someone had to be here to take care of you.” He was still holding my hand and we were walking together like lovers through a meadow.  It felt good and safe.  He walked me to the back of the property by a creek. It was breathtaking.  We sat on a couple of large rocks by the water and he let go of my hand.  I felt a little sad when he did that.  “I come here a lot,” he told me.  “Sometimes just to talk to God and be with Him.” 
            “You believe in God?”  I asked.
            “Why so surprised?”  He gave me a boyish grin that tickled a little.
            “Aren’t you a hit-man?”  I asked.
            “Enforcer,” he said in a drawn out tone.  “I prefer enforcer.”
            We both laughed a little.  He put his arm over my shoulder and pulled me close.  “It’s going to be all right, Lilly.”  I put my head on his shoulder. 
            “Have you ever been a bodyguard before?”  I asked.
            “No,” he answered.  “But I do watch Diego’s back all the time.  So, I guess I’m his bodyguard.”  He picked up my chin with his fingers.  “He’s a very powerful man, you know.”  Actually, I didn’t know.  I had no idea what I had gotten myself into.  “So, be careful with him.”  I put my head back down on his shoulder and he held me for a while.
            “Are you going to keep me safe?”  I asked.  I was worried now, about his brother.
            “I will put my life down for you.”  He pulled me even closer and rocked me a little.  I never felt so secure before.  You could smell the water as it cascaded into the rocks and made a swishing sound.  It was heaven to me.
            “Does Diego ever come out here?”  I asked.
            “I don’t think he remembers it’s here,” he answered.  He gave me a knowing look.  It was like this was going to be our spot.



Author Judy Serrano
brings Romantic Suspense to
a whole new level! If you
weren't hooked on Easter's
Lilly from Excerpt #1,
you will be by the end of
Excerpt #2!
307834_2147625445103_1080316841_2414063_6217225_n.jpgEASTER'S LILLY: Excerpt #2

“I should just blow a hole through you and put you out of your misery.”
            “Max!”  I cried.  “Stop!”
            “I bet you want her too, don’t you?  But you’re going to hand her over to him, just like I did.”  Johnny was pretty smug for a man with a gun pointed at him.
            “She’s not mine to give,” Max replied.
            “But she could be, right Lilly?”  Johnny asked.  “You want her so bad…” he paused and smiled as though he knew what he was going to say would destroy Max.  “You can almost taste her.”  Max’s eyes changed when he said that.  “And I don’t mean just her lips,” he continued.  Max shot a hole through the wall inches from Johnny’s face.  “I think I hit a nerve,” he said.
            “Shut up, you idiot!”  I screamed.  “Max, is Diego on his way?”
            He put the gun away and grabbed my hand.  “Watch your mouth with my brother,” Max said to John.  “He’s on his way and he’s not in a good mood.”
            “You know, I’m right, Maxwell!”  he yelled after us.  Max opened the car door for me and we took off.
            “Is what he said true?”  I asked.
            “Lilly, you need to promise me that you will do everything I tell you until Diego has calmed down.”
            “Okay Max, whatever you say.”
            “I don’t care what Diego says to you, you can not leave my side.”
            “I can do that,” I said playfully.
            “I’m being serious, Lilly.  He’s going to think you slept with John and after he’s done with John, he’s probably going to think you slept with me.”  I began to panic.  “Baby girl,” he said.  I loved when he called me that.  “I will protect you.  Just don’t leave me.”  He grabbed my hand and squeezed it. 
            “You didn’t tell me if what Johnny said was true,” I reminded him.  He was quiet for a minute.  “Yes Lilly, every word.”  We pulled into the driveway of my father’s house.  Then he took my face into his hands and put his face close to mine. His breath on my face was warm. “Yes Lilly, sometimes I can almost taste you.”  He let me go and my stomach leapt through the air.  I never wanted him more.  “Come on,” he said.  “I need to see your dad.” 



Reviews of Easter's Lilly may be found by following this link:

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Excerpts from Judy's next novel in the series: 
Brother Number 3

You may purchase 
Brother Number 3 in 
ebook or paperback form
from the following links:

BROTHER NUMBER 3: Excerpt #1

     
     I lay in Little DiegEo’s bed all night hugging his teddy bear.  Diego Sr. and Maxwell stayed with me for a while but eventually went off to bed.  Max hired Mia right away to watch the baby.  Mia was an FBI operative who was fluent in the martial arts and Spanish.  I was afraid of her Mexican heritage at first but Max assured me that she had no history with his brother Jorge, or as we referred to him as, The Beast.
            When I woke up, Mia was rocking the baby in the rocking chair and I heard the boys in the kitchen speaking in Spanish.  Obviously they were up to no good or they would have been speaking in English.  “Good morning ma’am,” Mia said to me.  She was feeding Christian a bottle.
“Where is my husband?” I asked.
            “They are all in the kitchen, ma’am.”
            “Thanks,” I said.  I never did shower or change last night.  I was sure I looked a mess. I followed the voices into the kitchen.  When they saw me they all got quiet.  “Oh Lilly,” Max said.  He walked over to me and hugged me.  I think I looked worse than I realized at that point. “Why don’t you go take a shower while we head over to John’s house.”
            “I am going with you,” I insisted.
            “Absolutely not,” Diego inappropriately added. “He’s dangerous, Lilly.  Haven’t you learned your lesson about him?”
            “I will be the only one who can tell if he’s lying.  I’m coming with you.”
            “You might want to shower first,” Hector said trying to add some levity.
            “If you’re going now, I’m going now.  So… let’s go.”  They all stood there, motionless.
            “We’ll wait for you,” Max assured me.  “Go clean up. You’ll scare him looking like that.”
            I went into the bathroom to shower and got a good look at myself.  My make-up was all down my face and my eyes were swollen from all the crying.  How could someone just come into my house and steal my son?  The desperation was written in blood all through my unidentifiable eyes.  I took a shower and headed down the stairs.  They were in the living room in silence waiting for me.  We all got up and headed out.  Max drove up in his shiny, nice new Beamer and we landed in front of John’s old house. It gave me the creeps, remembering the last time I was there. John was trying to convince me that I was still in love with him until Max busted in with his gun drawn, warning me that my psychopath husband was on his way.  I shivered a little at first; but then I remembered what was at stake here. It was all carefully planned. Diego and I were to ring the bell while Hector and Max presented the danger.  Same old, same old.
            We rang the bell and a blond headed Irishman answered the door. He instantly recognized Diego.  He put out his hand and said, “Diego, it’s been a long time.” 
            “Sean,” he said.  “Where’s Rory?”  Max slipped in at that moment and put his arm around Sean’s neck and put a gun to his temple. 
            “JOHN!”  Sean screamed.  Rory came down the hall and pointed the gun at Max.  Hector walked in and said, “You obviously don’t know who we are.”
            “Put the gun down!” Sean shouted in an urgent, anxious voice.  “It’s Max Montiago, put it down!”
            “I’m hurt,” Hector said putting his hand to his heart.  He picked up his gun and pointed it at Rory.
            “Which one?”  Rory asked in confusion.  “Which one is Max?”
            Max and Hector both started to laugh.  “It doesn’t matter who is who,” Diego stated.  “They’ll drop you both in a heart beat if you don’t hand over the boy.”
             Rory put the gun down on the floor and put his hands in the air.  “We don’t have a boy.  What are you talking about?”  Then he yelled out, “JOHN!” 
            John came sauntering out of his bedroom and a girl in a bathrobe followed.  “Some things never change,” Diego snickered.
            “You mean like you and Max sharing Lilly,” John shot back.  Diego picked his gun up from his waistband and pointed it at John.  “Where is my son?”

Find Judy on the following sites:
261870_1953060541102_1080316841_2190777_6474848_n.jpg
BROTHER NUMBER 3: Excerpt #2

We waited until we heard the cars drive off and Hector motioned for me to come to him.  He held me close.  “You know how Max has his thing?” he whispered.
            “You mean how he shoots people without any reaction time?”
            “Yeah that,” he agreed. “Well, you are forgetting, little girl, that I have mine.”
            “The bug thing?” I asked.
            “The bug thing?” he laughed. “That’s what I am to you, the bug guy?” 
    “Of course not,” I blurted. “You’re way more than that to me, you know that.” 
            “That’s good to know,” he laughed. But I’m also the bomb guy,” he smiled.  “I make and break bombs, remember?”
            “You’re going to blow us up?” I asked in surprise.
            “Lilly, Lilly, Lilly…” he sighed.  “No silly, I’m going to blow a hole through the wall.  But we’re not going anywhere until we’ve had lunch and made a little love first.  Then we’ll go.”
            “Oh for goodness sakes Hector, would you get serious.”  I shook my head in disbelief. “Are you seriously thinking about taking your time?”
            “We need our strength,” he winked and started going through what appeared to be a fully stocked fridge.  “But I will make the bomb after lunch. We can leave the loving for tonight.” I laughed at his continued optimism. “We can’t leave until morning anyway.  We drove for about an hour. The walk back will take us a bit and I want to make sure we have enough day light.”
            “I’m sure everyone is worried sick by now,” I reminded him.  “Max sent FBI to John’s and when they couldn’t find us…what do you think he did?”
            “I don’t know,” he said.  “But we need to get out tomorrow.  I don’t want Max blowing the case just to get you back. I need to get you home.”
            “What do you honestly think you can make an explosive from?  Don’t you think they were careful not to leave anything like that lying around?”
            “I am the MacGyver of bombs,” he replied.  “I can make anything explode.” He smiled. “Isn’t that right, mi cielo?” I could feel all the blood rush to my face when he said that.
            “I don’t remember,” I answered trying not to look at him. “It’s been a few years.”
            “You remember,” he said with confidence. “You’re just in denial.”
            “I don’t know how I ever put up with your enormous ego,” I told him.
            “Tonight will probably be our last night, you know.”  He put a sandwich in front of me.  “We need to make it count.”
            “I know,” I said.  “So behave yourself.”
            “You know you want me.”
            “We were kidnapped and my husband is knocking himself out right now trying to find us.” I was trying to sober him up a little. “What you are asking me is wrong on so many levels?”
            He sat down beside me with his own sandwich and put a glass of water in front of me.  “Yes, it’s wrong.”
            “Don’t you feel guilty?” I asked. “What if I had said yes?”
            “Look,” he answered. “I will always love you.  Any time I can have with you, I am going to take.  So, if you want me to be the will power for the both of us…it won’t happen.”
            We sat together and ate our lunch.  “I’m sorry,” I said.  “You know I still care for you.”
            “I know,” he answered. “So, let’s just be happy we’re together right now.  It is the high point of this whole experience.”
            “Why are you always so cheerful?” I asked. “I should be terrified and crying but instead, I’m feeling hopeful and positive.”
            “I am really not worried, Lilly. I’m glad they moved us. It will be much easier to get out of here.”  He paused for a moment.  “I just hope I can get the door open before they come back to get you.”
            He got up and started cleaning the dishes.  “Please,” I said. “I’ll clean, you get moving on that MacGyver thing you do.” He turned and kissed me gently on the lips.  Then without further delay he began searching the kitchen for materials. I looked out the window and a wave of panic ran through my body.  My adrenalin rushed as my heart began to accelerate. “Hector!”  He turned and looked at me.
            “Don’t worry, it won’t take me long,” he continued. 
            “How fast can you make a bomb?”
            “Why?” He looked outside and saw what I saw.  The forest was on fire.




Judy Gets Rave Reviews:

Fantastic read!

The name Judy Serrano strikes fear in the hearts of my husband and teenaged son, for they know now if I pick up one of her books, they will have to fend for themselves on cooking and cleaning. I become so absorbed in the Montiago's world that I cannot put the book down until finished! Judy paints her characters on the pages of her books like a master artist. They literally come alive, jumping off the pages to grab me and not let go! Her cliffhanger endings guarantee I will wait anxiously for the next book release! Hurry up, judy, and relieve this torture!



More Reviews of may be found by following this link:

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Follow Judy's Blog: WRITER's BLOG

Judy writes an interesting blog for writers dealing with the many issues authors deal with day in and day out. You will admire her welcoming personality as well as her extensive knowledge when it comes to the writing world. She has an knack of getting other authors to think about certain situations, keeping them from making hasty decisions. Even if you're not an author and you would like to discover some of the reality of the writing world, Judy's blog will not disappoint.
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Pic of the Week, Link of the Week
and Novel News, all from Janet,
will return to future posts so as
not to take away from the appearing
author on the new feature
AUTHOR SPLASH.

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SUMMARY:
     I certainly hope you've found Judy to be an upcoming author you will consider when it comes to romantic suspense.

     I cannot stress enough how important you, the JLB Creatives Blog Followers and Readers are when it comes to introducing upcoming artists who are worthy of discovery. 

     The best thing you can do to help Judy alongside buying her books, joining her blog, liking her Facebook Page, etc. is by sharing this post on the JLB Creatives Blog with your friends and family.

     You may use the buttons either at the top of the page or below the post to Tweet, share on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. about this great romantic suspense author, Judy Serrano.



To all of my fans. 
Those from the beginning 
to the newest ones... 
Thank you.

Until next week-
Stay casual - live life to the fullest - and have a piece of chocolate for me!
~Janet~




Monday, September 26, 2011

Interview of Sci-Fi Author Daniel Carter

Hello and welcome both veteran and new followers! We're so glad you've decided to be a part of JLB Creatives imagination. 

Have we ever got a treat for you this week!
Get ready all you sci-fi buffs because I had the privilege of
interviewing Sci-Fi/Fantasy author
Daniel Carter.

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WEEKLY VIDEO
Introduction to Author Daniel Carter






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WEEKLY TOPIC POST: 
Interview with Author Daniel Carter


(Please excuse the inconsistency of spacing, fonts, coloration, and the likes...it's technology - were you expecting something more?)

ENJOY!

DANIEL: Let me start by saying thank you so much for asking me to do this interview.
JANET: I'll be honest, it took guts to ask a great author such as yourself to appear on this blog. I'm normally not "star struck" (in fact the only other one who has "star struck" me is Mel Brooks) but through the madness I found the courage, and I’m so glad I did! You seem like a truly dedicated author with a great sense of humor. Why don’t you share with the readers what you’ve told me, about yourself. You know, like where were you born, raised, live now. And anything else you'd like people to know right off the bat.
DANIEL: I've been a New Yorker (New Yawker) all my life. I was born in Po Town (Poughkeepsie) NY at Saint Luke's hospital and grew up all over the Empire State. We moved a lot when I was a kid. I think my mother told me we had moved 22 times in the first 19 years of my life. So it's kind of hard to say any one particular place. I currently live in Western New York with my adorable wife Margo and my cat Cuddles. As you probably suspect already I'm a huge Giants and Yankees fan but rarely get to go to any games now that I'm living 7 hours from NYC. I'm a huge geek. I love sci-fi and fantasy stories, I play X-box 360 and I'm a huge movie buff! I've also done acting & directing along with song writing, singing and being a musician. Oh and I'm an author. =)
JANET: Well there you go folks! You guys are already getting a taste of the great Daniel and we’ve only begun! Back to you Daniel...as a science fiction/fantasy author there's certainly a "being" you wish you could be if you weren't a human. What one "being" would you most like to be and why?

DANIEL: I think that I'd like to be a genie and I'll tell you why. I have a very strange sense of humor and I'm very literal. I'd love to mess with the 3 wishes.

"What is your wish master?" (me)
"I want a billion dollars!" (master)
Poof...a billion dollars in Monopoly money appears.
"I don't want fake money, I want real money idiot!" (master)
"Oh sorry..."(me)
Poof...a gift card appears.
"What's this?" (master)
"That's a gift card to Bass Pro Shop so you can buy a reel." (me)
"NOT REEL YOU MORON, REAL!!! AS IN CURRENCY!!! ARE YOU STUPID OR...." clutches chest....
OK. Maybe, on second thought...What was the question again?

JANET: You’re making me laugh out loud, and I’ll bet others are joining in! Besides, that sounds like a novel in the making: “The Literal Genie.” OK - next. When it comes to good vs. evil, which do you cheer for in a story and why?

DANIEL: This is an interesting question because it depends on your definition of good and evil. Let's take the movie Ransom for instance with Mel Gibson. At the end of the movie you want the father to kill the man who abducted and traumatized his son. Now am I cheering for a good or evil act? Just thought I'd throw that out there but I know what you're ultimately asking. I am a strong advocate for good in a story however I find as an author I have more fun writing the antagonist's character. I'm just weird that way. =)
JANET: I know what you mean. I did a blog post on making the bad guy the main character and how to get readers to like them. For me…not easy. Here’s another over-asked yet under-rated topic. Tell us your take on the difference(s) between what makes sci-fi sci-fi and fantasy fantasy. 
DANIEL: Ah yes, the age ole question... is it sci-fi or fantasy...that is the question. There will never be a definite answer for this however I think there are guidelines washed over with many shades of grey.
Sci-fi tends to lean toward futuristic technology based off of scientific fact and theory. That does not mean that a sci-fi story can't be set in the past or on another world entirely or simply lost in space. =) It means futuristic in that the science has not yet become fact but could be a possibility.
Fantasy leans more toward less scientific theories and focuses on pure imagination and invention. The elements of the story are less based on science and more on the unbelievable. From races, magic, landscapes and civilizations anything is possible.
Now having said that let me ask a rhetorical question back. Was the movie Avatar a sci-fi or a fantasy story? (It's OK there's no right answer.)

JANET: Oh man – I knew you’d ask me that. I’d have to go with Sci-Fan. And be it known, I thoroughly loved that movie!!!  But this isn’t about me…this interview is about you. So, let’s get back to allowing these fine folks to get to know you better. What is your favorite restaurant and why?
DANIEL: Red Lobster hands down. I love sea food! I get The Ultimate Feast every time. Lobster tail, King Crab Legs, Jumbo Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi and a baked potato! Yeah Baby!!! That's what I'm talking about. Oh and the cheese biscuits are to cry for. I like to order Alfredo sauce as a side dish and dip the biscuits. OK I have to take a break and raid the refrigerator now................................................................................................OK I'm back.
JANET: Oh great! I hope you realize I could hear your left over crab legs cracking and slurping through the butter! Now everyone will have to wait on me while I raid our fridge………………………………………………………..OK, I’m back. Here we go. If you were a chef creating the incredible dish, “Daniel's personality,” what ingredients would be in your dish?

DANIEL: Well I would create a base first mixed with compassion and understanding. Then I would cut up 2 pounds of fresh imagination and brown it in a skillet with chopped quirkiness. Now take 1/2 to 3/4 cup (depending your preference) of geek and add that along with the base into the skillet. We're not done yet!
Let that simmer. Now we're going to spice up the meal. Let's throw in a tablespoon of abused childhood,1/4 teaspoon of abandonment and a dash of insecurity... oh who am I kidding, a cup of insecurity and put the lid of Jesus Christ on the skillet and let simmer for 42 years.
What you get is Daniel L Carter author of The G-6 Chronicles. =)

JANET: As a retired food industry professional, I’d have to say that is one of the best recipes EVER! Love the Jesus lid and let simmer. A brilliant life “cooking”tip. One more crazy question – then it’s off to hit the books! Do you have pets? If so please tell us their names, and if or why they've become part of your family. What's your fav? Dog, cat, fish, reptiles, bugs, whatevers?

DANIEL: (thinks to himself) This will be a simple question. If this cat jumps up on my desk one more time while I'm working… Did my inner voice just type that?
JANET: Yes, Daniel. That was out loud.




DANIEL: Hmmm.  Anyways, I have but one animal and that is my cat Cuddles. I'm a cat person who is allergic to cats. Cuddles came to live with us because at the time, when my dog Joy was still alive, my wife and I had to go to the vet to get my dog's allergy medicine. Let me repeat, my wife and I went to the vet to get allergy medicine for my Bluetick/German Shepard hunting dog that is meant to live outside and run through the forests and swim with her webbed feet. Apparently Joy was allergic to humans.

Anyways... (shakes head) the vet had a little kitten roaming free around their office and the little grey creature jumped up onto the counter and proceeded to climb up my chest and snuggle under my chin. I gave a blank stare at my wife who went, "Aaaawe! She loves you!" Meanwhile the cat's claws are dug into my skin and I was pretty sure blood was being drawn. I believe one of the cats claws struck a nerve and temporarily caused paralysis because I was unable to object. It's all a blur now... That reminds me I have to feed her. She gets grouchy if I'm late with her meal. I'll be right back...........................................................OK I'm back.

JANET: Perfect timing – I just got back from hand feeding the dog who is missing 6 teeth and can’t get the food out of his bowl. :( So, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. You’re an author, and a darn good one at that! (I’ve read your stuff – I know). Please share the title of your latest release and give us brief synopsis too.


DANIEL: The Unwanted is book 1 of The G-6 Chronicles: The Unwanted Trilogy. I'll give you one of my short synopsis's that I use for queries.
Born out of vengeance, five unwanted children are forced to face a darkness spawned from the beginning of time. Their family must now fight to stay together while saving the world. Heroes are born as sacrifices are made.

JANET: This is EXACTLY what led me to read your book. Now, I'm sure the readers would love to sneak a peek. If you'd like to include an excerpt please do so.

DANIEL: Most people start at the beginning but I'll share a bit of (my character) Janet's Journals from the middle of the book. Just for you Janet! =) (JANET: Ahhh thanks Dan)
Janet’s (my character) Memoirs
Saturday July 19th 2008
We celebrated the children’s first birthday today. Wow. I can’t believe how time flies. Each of them looks like they are at least two years and Sampson looks more like three. I keep asking myself the same question day in and day out. What did they do to these children to make them like this? Michele and I talk a lot about it with Uncle Leigh when he comes to visit.
To be honest none of us really knows. You see these movies and TV shows about people playing God by experimenting with human tissues and genetic alterations but having lived with these five children over the last year I’m beginning to wonder how much of this stuff if fiction and how much is real. All of the stories tell about superhuman abilities that are used for good or evil but they rarely show you the downside of the gifts.
I am sure we haven’t seen the extent of the children’s abilities but so far Anna cries at the slightest raise of your voice and has nightmares all the time. Marcus sleeps maybe five hours a night, if that. Michele and I have to take turns getting up early with him just so he isn’t running around unsupervised. Sampson is one of the strongest children I have ever seen but he is constantly breaking toys. I’ve lost count at how many times Uncle Leigh has fixed his bed. It got so bad that we finally just put the mattress on the floor and threw out the frame. Angie gets stuck in between the staircase railings and chairs in the dining room when she tries to slip through them. I don’t think I ever mentioned she is double jointed. Unbelievable.
Zack is constantly running into walls or furniture because he is too fast for his own good. Every day I hear him crying because he ran into something. Marcus is a whole other ball game. The seizures have not stopped and fits of rage that precede them are getting worse as he is getting older. One minute he will be happy and playful and the next he is trying to break a toy or starts pounding on the sofa, screaming. He hasn’t really hurt anybody or himself yet but they are all getting so big and I worry about what damage he will do if he doesn’t get control.
Thursday November 27th 2008 Thanksgiving Day
I haven’t written in a couple months so I thought I had better give an update. Nothing much has changed with the children. They are still growing at an accelerated rate and all of them are suffering for it. There isn’t a day that goes by that each of them doesn’t complain about being in pain, Sampson especially. I think they are getting used to the pain to some extent but it’s got to be hard. I can’t imagine.
Uncle Leigh came to the cabin with Blake to celebrate Thanksgiving. I was wondering where Blake’s daughter Rachael was. When I asked, it was clear I hit a sore spot with Blake. Apparently Rachael’s mother had her this Thanksgiving, and it was written all over Blake’s face he didn’t approve.
A strange thing happened after that. Michele flirted with Blake a little during the evening. I don’t know if Michele was trying to get his mind off of his ex-wife or just her normal behavior coming out like usual, but I found myself getting upset. Blake was very polite to her and didn’t reciprocate any feelings, which made me happy. I don’t know why I felt that way.
Friday January 2nd 2009
I know I have harped on this several times but I really want to emphasize what is happening with these children. They were all born on July 17th 2007 except for Marcus who was born the day before. In a couple weeks these children will be only a year and a half but you would never know it by looking at them. All of them look more like three-year-olds and Sampson even older, of course, but even more difficult to explain is the intellectual development of each child.
Even though they look three they sound more like six-year-olds with IQs that I can’t begin to measure. The only thing holding them back is Michele’s and my lack of knowledge to teach them. For Christmas Uncle Leigh bought a bunch of learning CDs for the computer to teach the children math, English, social studies and some science programs. Already they have mastered each of them. What I think we are going to do is start looking up some material on the Internet for them. It should be interesting to see just how smart these children are. I find myself having conversations with Anna sometimes and I almost forget that she’s just a small child.
Speaking of Anna, there is a wisdom that comes from her at times way beyond someone with a high IQ. For instance, the other day we were both sitting in the dining room finishing our lunch while the rest of the children played in the living room and Marcus kept throwing his football up in the air. Several times I called out and told him to stop but he ignored me. Finally I said that he had till the count of three to stop. As I started counting Anna asked me why was I giving him till the count of three.
I didn’t really have an answer for her and said the first thing that came to my mind, that I wanted to give him a chance to obey me. Anna replied that I had already given him more than enough chances to obey and that giving him a count only gives him control, not me. I sat for a moment looking at her, she was right. I immediately took the ball away from him and sent him to his room. Marcus has been quicker to listen to me since I did that. How can someone so young have that kind of insight? Excuse me, one-and-a-half-year-old.
JANET: This is one of the best things I loved about The Unwanted – the journaling. It was really effective. I know this is a trilogy, and I’m patiently(?) waiting for more, so my next question is this, “What have you currently got going on the drawing board?

DANIEL: Book 2 Children of Anak should be out hopefully in time for the holidays and I'm currently writing book 3 Unholy Resurrection. What we have in the works is a prequel to The G-6 Chronicles: The Unwanted Trilogy. The book is tentatively named Spirit Walker which will tell the story of the founder of The G-6 group (GSIX: Global Security from Inter-dimensional Xs. Xs represents the creatures that are found in the ten known dimensions.). Sean Welken's arrogance and obsession rips his family apart and changes his world forever. Now forced to walk in two worlds Sean must come to terms with what he has done and become more than a man. To save the universe he must become the Spirit Walker. Dum Dum Dum.... (fade to black) =)

JANET: I'm gasping! So very cool! Does Halloween count as a holiday when it comes to release time? I can’t wait! What drew you to the genre of edgy Christian fiction?

DANIEL: Many people have asked me similar questions and I usually answer something like this: I find the genre of Christian fiction to be inaccurate to describe my stories. Steven King writes about Christians in his books or writes about Biblical topics yet no one categorize his books as Christian fiction. Take the Damian Omen series. This was based off of Biblical prophesy yet still not placed under the genre Christian fiction. Now I don't write like Steven King and my books are not about the Anti-Christ. LOL! My stories grew from a love for science fiction and fantasy stories and my fascination with the strangeness of The Bible. When I say strangeness I mean the parts of The Bible that most people don't mention on Sunday mornings yet....there it is. Witches, demons, giants, fallen angels, ghosts, angels, zombies (Talks about the dead rising from the grave and walking about Jerusalem after Jesus' death and before his resurrection. Look it up.). Paul says in Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Now that makes for some fun writing material. =)

JANET: Awesome answer! I’ve wondered about some of the things you’ve mentioned above several times. Back to the interview…like all novelists, I'm sure you'd love to see your books as a movie. If so why, and if readers want to see The Unwanted on the big screen is there any place on the web they can go to cast their votes or voice their opinions on such?

DANIEL: LOL! You are wonderful Janet! You know I do. =) If you'd like to cast your support to make The Unwanted into a movie you can go to my website to Want The Unwanted. I am taking people's support and gathering it together when I present the book series to the major movie studios. 

JANET: And might I add here, you’d be casting a worthy vote! What about links to your book(s): Where can geeks, freaks, fans of the wild imagination and cool people buy them?
DANIEL: You can order The Unwanted at any book store or order online @ Amazon.com, B&N, Christianbooks.com or if you'd like an autographed copy, you may order off of my website. Go here http://theunwantedtrilogy.com/order.html
 


JANET: If that cover doesn't make you want to buy - I highly suggest visiting his website because the eerie, soft, intense background music will! Where can we find you online? Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc.
DANIEL: You can find me all over the place. =)
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter 
Blog: A Christian Man's Perspective
JANET: One more question for fun before we part...if you could alleviate one thing in this current world what would it be? Mean people? Mosquitoes? Coconut? Be creative and sign off with style!

DANIEL: Interesting question to finish on. LOL! Hmmmm......The world would be a much better place for me if there were no more peas. I hate peas! I'm using the word hate here. Despise, loath are too small a word to describe the hatred I have for them. Peas are like small crispy balls with death flavored cream inside that explode in a poisonous spray upon my tongue and cause involuntary....things to happen. So on that note I will bite into my apple.....mmmmmm......OK much better now. My heart is humbled and honored that you would have me here today, Janet. Sending lots of love your way!
JANET: So let me get this straight…what you’re saying is, you are not a supporter of “World Peas” -  buh dum-ching! Daniel, it has been my pleasure to have you here – and I’m sure there are several who would band together with me in sending tons of love right back your way!
Always ReTweet - Never Surrender!
Over and out…
Blessings,
Dan

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Pic n' Thought
by
Janet Beasley
Don't be afraid to stick your neck out
to take a chance on something 
special!


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NOVEL NEWS:  Still waiting to hear some news from the publisher...accept? reject?...it's a 50/50 chance in today's world. But not to fear - The Hidden Earth series Volume 1 "Maycly" is still on the cutting edge of being published. The story has by no means died - but has enhanced as the next 5 novels in the series continue to come together! 


     If you're not certain what I'm babbling about - please feel free to visit the YouTube link titled "Meet the Author" and you'll up to speed in no time. ;-)


Janet Beasley

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LINK OF THE WEEK:
     When it comes to ice cream, there's nothing better than homemade. But how did ice cream ever come to be? I'm definitely an ice cream lover with most of the world - soft serve, scooped, pies, how ever it is served I'm happy to get some! This week's link will take you to a site where you can discover the history of ice cream. Be sure and leave me a comment on what your favorite flavor is when it comes to this creamy, dreamy, stuff!

Of course I don't endorse this site, get commissions or money for clicks, I don't get nothin' but braggin' rights that I found this site to share with all of my cool followers. Enjoy!

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SUMMARY:
     Great - now I'm just drooling for ice cream...I hate when I do that to myself. Anyway - we did have another full week! I mean come on...that Daniel Carter is one cool author! To say nothing of the giraffe photo - what a cutie, huh? 

     Again, please be sure and pick up a copy of Daniel's outstanding work -  available as hard copy or ebook.  Once you've read it, leave a review for him on Amazon and let him know you discovered him through the JLB Creatives Blog.

     Please continue to keep up the awesome job of sharing us and asking others to do the same. You'll find some "easy" buttons at the top and bottom of the blog for you to use to give us a shout out - HINT: A good week to do so with Daniel's interview.

Until we meet again - 
Stay casual...live life to the fullest...and have some chocolate ICE CREAM for me ;-)
~Janet~





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JLB Creatives Editor Dar Bagby (L) and JLB Creatives CEO Janet Beasley (R)