An Introvert Lost in Time

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit and talk to local authors about their lives or fictional pieces? Are you ever lit with a question that the burning sensation to speak with them is alive in your heart. Well, I have the literacy flame in my soul. I am able to speak with a number of authors on the daily. It’s intriguing to just sit with them (over social media sites and sometimes in person) and carry on a conversation about life knowing good and well that they are normal just like me.

I get reassurance when I am able to dive into the minds of these great artists to learn what makes them tick as well as why they wanted to write. I see the creativity of a child burn within their eyes while the creative juices flow out of their bodies and onto the paper. It’s a remarkable experience to witness an author shuffle through ideas and write a book.

I was so struck by the limelight created by many of my author friends that I too wanted to create a mystical world for readers to ponder and “Ahh” about. I blog about author and books that I’ve read about to spread the word in hopes that others will in turn enjoy them.

I’ve always had a passion for reading ever since I was in the second grade and learned how to read thanks to “Hooked on Phonics”. It was a blessing in itself because it introduced me to the amazing world of books. Without it my life would not have taken the same path to end up where I am today. I am even working on several Young Adult series that I hope to publish in the future.

What I gained from this the most is to open up to people and leave my walls down. I’m learning better communication skills as well as becoming more of a people person in hopes that somewhere down I wont harbor in my own mental city but spread the word to others.

Ugly Love Raindrops

Rainfall like the Heart:

Listen to your Heart

for it knows best.

Listen to your mind, not.

For it knows no act of love 

but only treason

Love Heals the broken heart

but only if the mind opens apart

to let the kindness of true love burst through

I tell you this to be real.

Love not what you want

Only love who you need

Love is a fragile, beautiful thing,

so make it last with the person who you think to be just that.

Love Simple, Love Kind, Love True.

Like water droplets on the ground.

Love is there like the morning dew

It'll surround you if you let it.

So embrace the pull it has on you.

Deep Down you know it to be true

You've felt the pain,

so at haste pace know what to do.

Choose Love wisely or it'll end, 

Ugly. 

Too.

By: Sebastian Hobbs Hartline

When the sky rains, it pours. It does so when warm, moist air cools and condensation occurs. Since warm air can hold more water than cool air, when the warmer air is cooled the moisture condenses to liquid - and it rains.

People say that rain is a brand new, refreshing start to something bad, or it always makes the mood of people turn to sorrow. In movies, they portray rain as some overcasted, monstrosity that takes the characters to a scene that is far from a happy ending usually signifying death or a loss of something (sometimes even a realization of sorts).

Well, I don't think that's true at all. Rain is the beginning of something new and wonderful. It cools down the atmosphere and helps nourish new life. It brings joy to some because people like minded as myself enjoy watching the droplets fall from the sky. It's such a serene activity to just relax on ones patio and cast a gazing eye out over the endless drenching the city receives.

Rain is such a calming element because it's very soothing to the mind. The monotamous echo of drops pounding the earth is music to the ear. If I'm ever in a bad mood and it rains, I'll be a whole new, rejuvenated lad when it ends. Instant joy spreads over me because rain takes me to a whole new world where there is no sorrow or pain. It's a complete and utter euphoric experience. Rain should be the soundtrack of my life because I want to escape to the land of happy endings.

Sometimes there are happy endings and sometimes there aren't. When I read Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover, I kept putting it down and picking it up. It made me want so mad, sad, and yet... still happy. For some strange reason, I couldn't I kept reading. I kept going. I JUST HAD TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED NEXT! It pulled out so many emotions in me that I just wanted to scream because I felt the pain and sorrow that the characters felt, not because I had been through (what Miles goes through) but because I could relate to how one could loose love. I know that feel and I hated it. I hated it because I knew that deep down there was still a hole. A void. A damn earthquake had moved through my heart that day and shifted so much that a chunk of my heart had uprooted and fallen away. But that wasn't all, by the end of the book, I had learned that I need to full accept my past and gather my skeletons... Face them. I had to face them! Or I wouldn't be able to love again. 

I loved this book so much because it was a thrill ride of so much enjoyment and yet it still scared the hell out of me when certain scenes happened. I highly recommend this book for any reader. Just be warned, it'll rip your heart out! 

I kept putting speculations out there about the characters/storyline like:

I thought Corbin (Tate's Brother) was gay because he sounded as though he was sad when he found out that Miles wasn't gay.

I thought maybe Miles had dropped his son, left Rachel to be happy, had not been good in bed.

More Speculations of mine:

I guarantee Rachel caused the scare on Miles jawline (I never figured it out or don't remember... Maybe it was from "the accident")

Maybe miles wasn't at his kids birth, so she's mad at him? I was on page 202/320 then. 

Oh my goodness I just thought of another scenario what if Miles is actually visiting Rachel in another state every time he takes off on a plane and Tate doesn't know? (It's probably false but I'm just guessing)

I swear, if Corbin dies in this plane crash I'm gonna hate the book LOL... (Luckily neither of these things happened.)

Did Cap just pass Miles "boxes" which are ring box? (I speculated that Miles was going to purpose).

Ugly Love Synopsis:

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she doesn't think it's love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past. 
Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated. 
Promises get broken. 
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly.

The Film Ugly Love is currently in production where Nick Bateman is playing the male lead role of Miles Archer.

Colleen Hoover is currently working on her 13th book titled "November 9" which will be released anywhere books are sold on November 8th 2015.

Social Media Links:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorColleenHoover

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/colleenhoover

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5430144.Colleen_Hoover?from_search=true

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Colleen-Hoover/e/B006SKAK42/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1427406420&sr=8-2-ent

Amazon Purchase Links:

ebook: 7.99$

http://www.amazon.com/Ugly-Love-Novel-Colleen-Hoover-ebook/dp/B00HB62MC0/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1427405530

Paperback: 4-10$ + shipping

http://www.amazon.com/Ugly-Love-Novel-Colleen-Hoover/dp/1476753180/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427405530&sr=8-1&keywords=ugly+love

Want to win an ebook? Comment below on if you ever had a crush in high school and what happened? Good, Bad, or UGLY? Do Drop all secrets below to enter for a chance at an Ugly Love ebook! ;)

An Interview Worth More Than An Arm & A Leg

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to interview the amazing author of The Andromeda Series, Mrs. Amy Bartelloni.

Who enjoys getting to read awesome interviews by phenomenal authors? Do you enjoy books that will knock your socks off and throw you to the edge of your seat? Well, I have the absolute perfect series for you! Do you enjoy free books? You heard me right! I didn’t studder… I SAID "FREE BOOKS"! Well, I have a wonderful author that let me interview her and boy does she have some interesting information for all of you! Her responses are KILLER AWESOME. I’d have to say, I couldn’t have gotten a better response even if I tried to walk to Albany. ;)

For the brave souls that read the interview, all you have to do is tell me what your favorite response was that Mrs. Amy Bartelloni had & if you could meet an actor/actress from a zombie-apopclyptic related show/movie then who would it be and why? Did I mention there is a special, secret prize also? O, I did't? Well I have now, so keep reading! ;)

For the person that gets the most recommendations for my blog, they will win a special prize that anyone would kill to have. All you have to do is recommend my blog and tell the person to comment (at the bottom of this blog) with their answers as well as your name. The person with the most will be the head honcho and receive the Zombie-tastic reward of a lifetime!

I'll be using random.org to select the winners, so be sure you comment on the bottom of this interview to be entered in for a chance to win!

1: Have you won any awards/achievement in the writing world?

Andromeda had been on the amazon bestsellers list pretty much since its release, which is very humbling! I am proud of it, eventhough its not an award.




2: When did you first consider yourself a writer? Is there an appropriate level of seniority that one has to reach before one can be considered a writer?

This is a great question! We’ve discussed this at my various writing groups, and the best answer I can come up with is a writer is someone that writes, published or not! I still have doubts about whether I’m legit, LOL. Neil Gaiman talks about imposter syndrome, and says he’s always waiting for the men with the clipboards to take him away to get a real job. I totally get that!




3: What or who inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always been a reader, and I’ve always made up stories. I think the hardest part of the process was having the guts to write them down and share them. I was really inspired by Stephen King’s book “On Writing,” where he shares some awesome tips on the craft of writing. And I also loved “the Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It’s about going after your dreams :-)




4: What is your biggest goal in life aside from your writing career?

Mostly I want to just raise happy, successful kids. I’m also a big believer in making the most of each day, so I don’t have a ton of goals I just go with the flow.




5: Do you have a specific writing style? What author would you say are you most relatable to?

I guess my writing style would be considered a “pantser” because I write by the seat of my pants (versus outlining.) I love when the characters and story take on a life of their own, and I’m not organized enough to keep up with an outline. It makes for a lot of work on the editing and revising side, though, but it’s worth it for me. Either way is legit, but I love that Stephen King is a pantser, too!




6: How did you come up with the titles for your books?

The books don’t usually have a title until half way through, and I know where the story is going and what stands out. It’s almost like they name themselves. There’s that one moment when you’re writing and you realize the right title. It’s magic J




7: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to focus on?

I know everyone takes something different out of a book, and it’s been interesting to me to see what other people have pulled out of my books. For me, the story was about the journey of growing up and getting over your past, becoming comfortable with who you are. That’s one of the things I love about science fiction & fantasy – you have these crazy worlds, but human nature is still human nature.




8: How much of the book is realistic/false?

I think like any author, I take bits and pieces of real life and put them in my characters. I based the setting in an area I’m very familiar with, but obviously the post apocalyptic parts are imagined J




9: What is your favorite movie and why?

I’m a huge Lord of the Rings fan. The Two Towers is still my favorite movie!




10: Is there a character that you would potentially write a novella about or want to include more in the main story?

I’ve had an idea for a novella kicking around my head. I might go back and write a prequel to the series, something with Sera’s parents and how everything started. I haven’t really thought out the details yet though.




11: What books have most influenced your life? Did you make any life changes because of it?

“The Alchemist!” I think I was at a point in my life where I was ready, I just needed that push. Stephen King’s “On Writing” was really helpful, too!




12: What book are you reading now or was the last that you've read?

Right now I’m reading the final copy of Heather Calaway’s “Libra Rising.” She’s been a critique partner and friend for a long time and I’m so excited to see her in print!




13: Are there any new/archaic authors that have grasped your interest? Why?

I’ve recently started reading Joe Hill, and I LOVE his stuff. It’s horror, and intense – a combination I love. I’m binge reading all his books J




14: What are your current projects?

I’m hoping to get the third book in the Andromeda series edited and submitted this week! After that I might have a YA fantasy up my sleeve.




15: Who is your role model in the writing world?

I have learned so much from all the amazing indie authors that I’ve become friends with! I can’t believe how welcoming and friendly everyone is in the writing community. I can’t just pick one because everyone has been helpful. It’s awesome to be part of a community that lifts each other up.




16: Who would you say backs you up the most besides your family?

I have an amazing group of critique partners and first readers! They are willing to support me, but at the same time they tell me if anything doesn’t work. I wouldn’t have had the guts to publish at all without them.




17: Do you see writing as a career if not then what is your main focus in the working world?

These are some great questions! I started writing when I was a stay at home mom, so it transitioned into a job for me. I’ve since taken on other part time jobs, but this is the one I focus on. This is where my heart is. I think the important thing is that I’d do it even if I didn’t get paid. I have to, or I go crazy!




18: If you had to rewrite any of your books, would you? Why, or why not?

Not the ones that are published, but I wrote a couple books before I was published that I might go back and look at. I still think they’re great stories, I just didn’t have the tools to edit them the right way. I might go back and try it again, now that I have some experience.




19: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? Interest in reading?

It was always there! I just came across a funny picture of me as a baby, sitting on my moms lap. She’s reading a novel and I’m cracking up at the funnies in the paper. Seeing my mom and grandma reading was always a huge motivator, and I’ve always loved stories.




20: Can you share a little of your current work or a work will that be launching soon?

I’m so excited for the Scorpio Project! It wraps the Andromeda series up nicely. This book focuses on Sera, and her coming to terms with her parents involvement in the beginning of the outbreak, but also becoming confident in herself.




21: If there is, then what do you find most challenging when you put pen to paper? What is the easiest part when you write? What was your favorite scene that you've ever written?

Two hardest parts: self-doubt is a biggie, and procrastination. I was a late coming to typing. For a long time I wrote longhand in a notebook because it’s less distracting. It’s great to have the Internet to be able to look anything up, but it can also be a huge distraction! And the self-doubt thing speaks for itself; I think all creative people have that problem. The easiest part is getting the flow of the story when you sit down. That’s the part I love, diving into the characters and the story. It’s amazing. My favorite scene tends to be the one I just wrote, haha. There is a scene in the Scorpio Project that has to do with people being suspended in tanks… that was intense. I can’t say any more or I’ll give it away.




22: What superhero is your favorite and why? What super power would you add?

Hmm, I’m a huge superhero fan so I love them all. I think my favorite is Batman because of his dark past. If I had a superpower I’d like to read people’s minds, but I think that would backfire on me really fast. I’m probably better off without a super power J




23: Who is your favorite author and what is the reasoning for enjoying their books? How would you describe their writing style?

One of my favorite authors is Jasper Fforde. He writes a series about a girl who can walk in and out of books and solve mysteries (the Thursday Next series.) I LOVE this idea. His writing style is kind of quirky and individual. I love books that think outside the box, and this is definitely one of them.




S.HH.- I have to go check this series out because I think it sounds very interesting.



24: What age group do you mostly write to? What age group has mainly responded in the most positive way to your work?

Andromeda is a YA series, but YA series have readers across the board in terms of age. It’s kind of intense in places, so I would say the most receptive audience has been older YA audience.




25: Have you been on book tours and if so, what was your experience? Conventions? Workshops?

I’ve been in writing workshops for years, and I’ve met some awesome friends there. I still try to attend whenever I can because I still have things to learn. I’ve done a few signings, and I’m still learning my way around those. I’d love to do conventions and bigger signings in the future!




26: Who designed the covers? Which is your favorite?

My publishing company, Limitless, contracted Redbird Designs to do the cover and I was blown away. I love them both because I think they capture the feeling of the books. I can’t wait to see the cover for the Scorpio Project.




27: Do you have any specific advice that you want to get across to your readers that want to pursue a life of writing?

Write every day, and don’t give up! It’s so easy to become disillusioned and quit, but if you work at it every day you’ll get there. I’ve heard it described that writing is like a muscle, you need to use it every day or it will weaken. It’s totally true.




28: Do you remember the first book you read or caught your attention the most?

One of the first books that blew me away was the Harry Potter series. It sounds silly, but JK Rowling created such a fully thought out, amazing world, and she’s got such an amazing path to publication. I guess she would be my role model, too, for sticking with it.




29: What book, to your knowledge, made you laugh/cry the most?

This is also going to sound silly, but I’m a fan of Nicholas Sparks. I remember reading the Notebook on the train on the way to work years ago and just sobbing. People probably thought someone in my family died!




30: Is there one author that you wish you could co-author with then who is it? Why?

I am a huge fan of Neil Gaiman. I think he has such an imagination and he’s always trying new projects. If I ever had the opportunity to work with him I’d probably faint, though.




31: What genre do you want to write that you haven't written yet?

I am always pushing myself to try new things. My next work in progress is a fantasy, but I don’t see myself branching out of the sci-fi/fantasy genres soon. There’s just too much to explore there!



32: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

Umm, reading. J I’m a fairly terrible artist but I try painting once in a while. I also follow politics and I’m a huge people watcher!




33: Do you have a go to comfort food?

Nachos, for sure! They will be my downfall!




34: If you could live in a fictional (book or movie) world, what would it be? What character would you be most like?

Maybe it’s cheating, but I’d jump right into the Jasper Fforde books. That way I could solve mysteries and still walk in and out of any book I wanted. I totally see myself as Thursday Next!


35: Do you still read a book regardless if a review has given away an important piece of the book? Do you still read a book regardless of the positive/negative reviews? Do you ever give away spoilers to others when you read?

Oh yes, sure I’ll read a book if I’ve read a spoiler. I’m fairly good at compartmentalizing and forgetting that I read something. That being said, I don’t read a ton of reviews before I pick something up just for that reason. Everyone has their own opinion. I’ll always give something a chance if it sounds interesting, but one of the funniest and most amazing parts of being a reader/writer is seeing how everyone has a different take and opinion on the same work. It’s pretty cool



Amazon Purchase Link:

Andromeda

Ebook: FREE

http://www.amazon.com/ANDROMEDA-Andromeda-Book-Amy-Bartelloni-ebook/dp/B00K2HL9QU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427339249&sr=8-1&keywords=Amy+Bartelloni

Paperback: 10$

http://www.amazon.com/Andromeda-ANDROMEDA-Series-Volume-1/dp/1499105010/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1427339249&sr=8-1

Orion’s Curse:

Ebook: 2.99$

http://www.amazon.com/Orions-Curse-Andromeda-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B00OI5702Y/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

Paperback: 12$

http://www.amazon.com/Orions-Curse-Andromeda-Series-Volume/dp/1502585162/ref=tmm_pap_title_0


Here are some sneak peeks into the wonderful words displayed in The Scorpio Project!

Now for the cover reveal for Book 3:

The Scorpio Project

The Scorpio Project:

Ebook: 3.99$

http://www.amazon.com/Scorpio-Project-Andromeda-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B00UB7IK9A/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

Paperback: 12.50$

http://www.amazon.com/Scorpio-Project-Andromeda-Series-Volume/dp/1680580752/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Author Pages:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/amybartelloniwrites

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8180825.Amy_Bartelloni?from_search=true

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/l/B00K5A9LXC?_encoding=UTF8&favorite-button-add=B00K5A9LXC_author&ref_=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Blog:

https://amybartelloni.wordpress.com/

Janae Mitchell Says It Feels Like Rain

Welcome to this exclusive interview with the author & characters of "Feels Like Rain"...

           

Hello... my name is Beverly and I'm here, once again, to interview Janae Mitchell, author of the FOR ALWAYS series, as well as the characters from her newest release, "Feels Like Rain". Thanks, Janae, for allowing us in your home, and thanks, Jet and Kalista, for taking the time to join us. And Congratulations on the release of this new novel.

Janae: Thanks! I'm so excited about it. And it's my pleasure having everyone here. They're all usually hanging with me, anyway. 

Kalista: Thanks, Beverly, for coming to talk to us. (Jet nods in agreement.)

Oh, I've been excited about this for the past week. But enough about me...I'm ready to talk about you. I'd like to start off by asking Janae what inspired "Feels Like Rain".

Janae: Well, in the epilogue of "For Eternity", the very last book in the For Always series, Jet was introduced. I knew he had a story to tell, which led me to write "Feels Like Rain".

After reading and loving this novel, I can't help but wonder something. (They look at me questioningly.) I know Jet has, shall I say, special abilities, so before I go any further, I have to ask... (He raises his eyebrows at me curiously.) Do you know what I'm feeling right now?

Jet: (Smiles, as if relieved, showing off his cute dimples, reminding me of his dad.) Yeah, but not by choice. I try not to intrude into people's emotions, but it's hard tryin' to push them out all the time.

So, since it's just us, can you share what each of us are feeling? Only if you all don't mind, of course. I'm just curious how your gift works. 

Janae: I don't mind at all. I think it's fascinating.

Jet: You would. (He grins and leans forward.) My gift... (He chuckles softly as his eyes focus on mine.) Well, you're suddenly a bit nervous, which seems to happen a lot around me. You're also really happy and excited, like you said before. (He looks at Janae, and after they make awkward eye contact for a few seconds, Janae starts to laugh, breaking the stare-off.) She had that same nervousness, which dissipated when she laughed. She's... thankful... excited and... happy. You're both really happy people. Ya make me feel a bit giddy. (He smiles, causing his dimples to sink in again.) And you... (He leans back and turns his attention to Kalista, which instantly electrifies the air, and grabs her hand, holding it in his lap.)...you're content, very relaxed. You're also... well... (He looks back at me.)... I won't mention what else, since it might embarrass her. (He winks at her, which causes her to blush.)

That's just amazing that you can do that. Janae, why did you bestow Jet with this gift, which he often thinks of—or at least he did in the book—as a curse?

Jet: Yeah, why did you do that? (Jet leans forward and glares at her with a smirk.)

Janae: Well, since his mom and grandmother were both gifted, I knew he would also be gifted, so I took both of their abilities and somewhat mixed them together, making Jet able to feel the emotions of those around him, both living and dead.

Jet, in this book, you seem to be more accepting of your gift once you meet Kalista, or Kali, as you like to call her. Why is that?

Jet: Why do I like to call her Kali? (Kalista smacks his leg, knowing he knew what I meant, causing him to grin.) Well, meetin' Kali changed everything. She was able to take my attention away from everyone else's emotions, forcin' me to only feel her. I actually, for once, enjoyed feelin' what someone else felt. When we're not together for long periods of time, it's almost like part of me is missin' and I long to feel her. (He looks at her and smiles.) I guess you could say her happiness, and every other feelin' that flows through her, makes me whole.

Janae: Aw, how sweet! And I didn't force him to say it, either.

Jet: And now she's proud. (He tilts his head toward Janae.) 

Janae: Of course I'm proud. I love all of my characters and the people they've become. As a matter of fact, I feel like a part of me is missing when y'all ain't around, too. (She smirks playfully at him.) My characters make me whole.

Kalista: But you know, even when we're not around, we're always close by.

Jet: Yeah, really close. Craaazy close. (He laughs.)

Janae: Well, y'all are the reason I'm crazy. I'm just glad you take turns and don't all try to talk to me at once. That would be a whole new level of crazy.

(The door flies open and in walks Jet's best friend.)

Zander: Hey! (He sits down beside Janae, wrapping his arm around her.) I can't believe you all planned this little soiree without me.

Well, it was really just an author and main character interview, but I'm glad you've joined us, anyway.

Zander: Oh, I may not be a main character, but I'm the spine that holds this novel together. 

Janae: You're the book spine?

Zander: Yeah. Often times we go unnoticed, but without us, the entire book would fall apart. (We all look at each other before we bust out laughing.) You know I'm right. (He winks at me, showing off his bright green eyes.) 

So, Zander, since you've graced us with your presence, what has it been like growing up with Jet? 

Zander: (He looks at Jet and shakes his head.) I won't lie; it's been a bit of a wild ride. It's the kind of ride you ride in the dark, that's scary at times, and you never know what's coming next; if it's a drop, a sharp curve, a spiral. But even so, it's a ride that's always been one of my favorites. Jet's one of a kind and I'll be riding it out till the end with this one. (He looks over at him.) And I know you're feeling the love, brother.

Jet: Oh, I feel it.

Okay, to wrap this interview up, I've got a question for the three of you. If you could ask Janae one question, what would it be?

Kalista: Hmm... one question. I guess I'd ask how she came up with us. I mean, parents can't pick and choose how their kids will look or act, they are just born the way they're born, so how did she give birth to us, choosing who we'll be?

Oh, that's a good one!

Janae: Yes... yes it is....Well, I honestly don't know. It's like a story will pop in my head, and when I start thinking about characters, they just... become who they're supposed to be. Then, when that happens, they tell me their story, and I just pass it along.

Interesting. Okay, Jet, your question?

Jet: Why did you let me wreck my motorcycle? That really hurt. (He stretches out his left arm, rolling it around like it's still stiff.)

Janae: Sorry, Jet, it's all about the plot twists. (She reaches across Kalista and pats his leg.) 

Zander: Technically, she didn't let you wreck, Jet; she kind of made that happen. (Janae playfully shoves him, almost causing him to fall off the chaise in front of her and into the floor.) Hey, I'm not a plot twist, here, so take it easy.

Last, but as we can all see, definitely not least, the spine of this book, Zander. What would you like to ask?

Zander: Why the schmell wasn't I a main character? The best friend deserves a bigger role, don't you think?

Jet: I don't know if readers could've handled much more of your tarfness.

Tarfness?

Jet: Oh, that's a Zanderism. He's practically got his own dictionary of randomness that he hits us with ever so often.

Janae: (Laughing.) Zander, you're one of those characters who leave them wanting more.

Speaking of wanting more, that is how this book left me feeling! I hated for it to be over, but I guess every book has to end at some point. 

Janae: I'm glad you liked it, and I hope everyone else does, too.

I'm sure they will. Congratulations, Janae, on this new release. I loved it and can't wait for everyone to read it. Do you have anything else you'd like to add before we go?

Janae: Well, first, I'd like to thank my characters. Each of you—even you, Zander—will always have a special place in my heart, not just in my mind. (She holds her arms up and pretends to give them all a hug.) And thank you, Beverly, for being so flippin' awesome! And as far as this novel goes, even though it's a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the For Always series first, if you plan on reading it at all, since this novel will give you some spoilers to that series. I, myself, like spoilers, so.... (She shrugs.)

You heard it from the author, herself, fellow readers. "Feels Like Rain" may have spoilers to the For Always series, so you've been warned. Thank you, Janae, Jet, Kalista, and Zander for taking the time to speak with me. 

Janae: I think I can speak for everyone when I say it was our pleasure. I look forward to talking to you again when my next novel comes out. I can't wait to see what kind of questions you've got up your sleeve for those characters.

You can download "For Always" (book 1) for free HERE.

Giveaway Time!
☺

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friendship... Better than fictitious friends!

In, life there are those that lift you up and ones that throw you underneath the bus. I do make friends easily mainly because I try to be a nice guy. I try to be respectful, appropriate in conversation, and behave in my overall manners. But if one really knows me, then they will probably tell you hat I'm not the perfect little angel that I'm "thought" to be. In saying so, I'm not a bad guy just rather unorthodox in everyday life.


I pick at my friends all the time. Whether we are walking and I kick their butt, poke their arm, crack jokes, or simply laugh at everything they say to be annoying, it's just who I am. I'm a jokester, and I do it to most of my friends. My friends Joke back even harder which is the deal breaker because to be a "sick" person, you have to have "sick" friends lol. It's awesome to have people close to me that share the same personality type.

My friends know that I'm joking and will gladly pick back. It's just what we do. If we don't annoy each other, then we don't love and appreciate one another enough. I love my friends to the end of the moon and back! I wouldn't trade them for the world... But maybe a cookie lol. ;) *mmmm chocolate chip*

About 2 1/2 months ago, I transferred to a new college that is about 150 or so miles away from home. I had new surrounding, a new environment, new classes, teachers, animals and especially the weather, but what really worried me was that I'd have to make new friends in a completely unknown realm...that was scary. It was really scary starting off so far away from home. I was quivering in my boots almost everyday for the first month or so that I was here. Then one day in February, I met 2 of the most eccentric people that I know. Their names are Kai and Dave. They are so out spoken, positive, lovely individuals that are just amazing people all around.


The first day that us 3 were able to hangout, they taught me how to long board. Might I say, that it's a lot of fun! Anyone will fall the first few times they try! Halfway through our skating trip, I flew down a hill and busted my right elbow pretty well. Blood was just casually oozing from my arm like how cheesy horror films show, but I was being a good sport about it. It didn't hurt too bad *secretly I wanted to cry lol*.... It looked as though I had taken a cheese grater to my elbow.

In the end, it was all just fun and games. I had checked several things off my to do list that I really wanted to accomplish! Step 1: Make new friends! ✔️ Step 2: Learn how to long board! ✔️ Step 3: Try not to die on said long board! ✔️

Like they say, it's worth the pain when you're with the ones you love!

A Monster of GREAT Proportions!

Dear

Depression and those who are afflicted,

What are you? What is Depression? I know!

I thought I would, in a sense, never be one of those people that would ever have to eat a slice of depression from my life’s menu. It feels more like an infinitely growing carcass. It’s such an unpleasant aftertaste that one is left with when something drastic happens. I just wish there was some manual that helps to pull one out of the hole being dug. Maybe I could pray about it, eat healthier and exercise or simply get a counselor. I just want to ask the question… Have you ever gone through depression and if so then what helped you steer your life in the correct direction? Are you taking medicine or did seeing counselor help? I want to hear about your moments to better understand this dreadful curse that seems to have afflicted my life.

Last year, 2 weeks before my birthday, my ex died and I was unable to say goodbye. It was literally the hardest thing that I’ve ever been through aside from having divorced parents. It didn’t hit me at first, which was the weirdest thing. That probably would’ve been too easy to do. No, instead it took its time to percolate under my skin like a slinter in ones foot. And yet, it simply dug its way deeper. I didn’t realize that I was depressed till July 5th when a friend of mine stopped being my friend. I was so stricken with anger from him leaving that I went home and cried for hours on end. I thought that I was sad for loosing him, but mainly… mainly the issue was my ex or there lack of. I missed what we had! I missed us! The companionship, the long nights of movies, romance, long walks, and gardening were things that I gained most out of it all. It was something that no one had ever shown me before. It was literally a whole new world! I needed that from someone, but where was I supposed to turn now? I should’ve gotten help. I should’ve told my mom or friends, gotten a counselor or even talked to God. I want to tell you that I got help was able to be “cured”, yet sadly enough, that’s not what happened at all…

I tried dealing with it all on my own. I would go run for hours while listening to music from my phone. I wrote poems, songs and even drew pictures to distract myself. I fell on the memories that I held close to because I didn’t know what to cling on for support. I was a scared child that hid in the corner of the room and depression was the awful monster that lived in my closet. Only the closet was my heart and I wasn’t doing anything to dissipate the feelings that it injected into me. No, I let it sit… fester… boil even to the depth it reached blood until I was at the point of crying out for help. I’m one of those people that try to traverse through the marsh of life on my own because I feel weak when I ask for help because, for some reason, I feel alone. I don’t know why this is. I know I have people that love me and care. I think the answer is that I feel alone when I am alone because I’m left with the stressors that live within my head. 

Friends aren’t distractions; they are people who care truly for individuals that are worthy of their love. When a person opens up their heart to another it is initially a right of passage because they’re showing the other person love that blossoms from their heart. It’s love like this that heals a broken heart. It’s love like this that shines through the darkness and spreads light to the other person. I love the lights of my life to the moon and back; I’d never trade them for anything thanks to the compassion that I get from their loving souls.

Although friends who care surround me, I’m still depressed. I know we all go through events that are due to decisions that we make or occur thanks to the chips falling off the table, but come on; I just wish things would look up. I hear that when one has a positive outlook then the world is an easy thing to conquer. I just wish I could genuinely look past it all without having to fake a smile to please people because I’m the one it hurts.

I am a person that views the world as a half full cup kind of guy, but lately I’ve been negative. It seems to be that when I talk to people, I give them the best advice and never take it fully. Its medicine that I don’t want to take because it’s hard to admit a problem is occurring. It’s the easiest thing to dismiss having a problem because then you don’t have to receive help from people because all you really want is to eat ice cream and be left alone to swim in your feelings. People don’t have to be nice they just simply are composed of positivity and love that it pulls you from your deep, cynical depression. Let go and love always! It’s a motto that I need to live by!

I cracked at the end of 2014 and told my mom about my ex. I was finally able to vent to her about what happened as well as how I was feeling along with other things that happened. It took a simple exhaling breath to release bent up emotions that had turned me into a walking pot left on simmer…the pressure was releasing and smoke was rising. I had reached a peak that wasn’t a pretty sight furthermore; I had told someone that I was depressed. It felt good to let someone know. It felt right. She asked me why I hadn’t talked about it beforehand only for me to respond with “I wasn’t ready to talk, I needed time to heal” which came out cold, and harsh. That saddened me. I couldn’t communicate with the woman that was practically my best friend, my mom, and the lady who raised me.

I had my second breakdown when I started back to college. It was the end of last month that I came to the conclusion of dropping out. A new place, new people and far from home… the are things that can scare anyone. It was a situational circumstance that pushed me to the point of missing home but more importantly that I was depressed. I wanted to drop out, to go back home, and be surrounded by the people that love me… I didn’t. I’m still depressed. Tomorrow I go to meet with a counselor to get help. It’s not an act of weakness to ask rather an act of strength because you’re doing something to get out of your cavern of negativity.

A side note:

To the people that have never gone through depression, it isn’t something that one will instantly drop. Depression grips tightly with its claws in the hearts of its victims to keep them feeling low. You can try to help them get out of it although you might not get too far. The only people that can truly pull them out of the darkness completely are themselves. They have last say! It sounds weird, but sometimes medicine can’t even help. It takes the person’s choice and realization to get better that leads them to the track for recovery. I have a problem, I want a solution, and action from my behalf is that solution!

Tips:

Tame your dragons, so they don’t get the best of you. Don’t cage them but rather demolish them! It’ll be a hard road to walk but I know you can do it. Never be afraid to ask for help because you never know who will be there to catch you when you fall. Trust others and know that you’re loved.

Below I have attached some links on books as well as articles that have some very interesting information that will hopefully help! I wish everyone the best of luck and a fantastic night! 

Regards,

Sebastian

P.s.- Depression, you’re a ruthless beast that I hope to gain control over because I want my life back!

Sincerely, S 

Quotes revolving about depression:

What you believe is very powerful. If you have toxic emotions of fear, guilt and depression, it is because you have wrong thinking, and you have wrong thinking because of wrong believing.

-Joseph Prince

Here is the tragedy: when you are the victim of depression, not only do you feel utterly helpless and abandoned by the world, you also know that very few people can understand, or even begin to believe, that life can be this painful. There is nothing I can think of that is quite as isolating as this.

-Giles Andreae

Website Links:

A drug that seems to help:

https://www.pristiq.com/?source=yahoo&HBX_PK=s_dealing%20with%20depression&o=47362256%7C223601698%7C0&skwid=43700000561619035

A Guide to Depression:

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/dealing-with-depression.htm

Amazon Links:

6 Step Depression Cure:

9.99$ ebook

http://www.amazon.com/Depression-Cure-6-Step-Program-without-ebook/dp/B0097DHV94/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423028559&sr=8-1&keywords=depression

The Mindful Way through Depression:

9$ ebook

http://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Way-through-Depression-Unhappiness-ebook/dp/B007T9FZRS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1423028559&sr=8-2&keywords=depression

The Crying Spell!

 Crying is a response that humans have to a certain emotional triggers. Sometimes we cry because we are sad and other times due to euphoria. There is never an equilibrium between the two only one extreme or the next. Whether happiness has a hook or depression is clawing its way through your tear ducts, crying isn't a weakness. Its a perfectly normal response that we use in all walks of life.

 I'm an emotional guy to say the least. I've always worn my heart on my shoulder when it came to everyday life. Whether it was seeing a homeless person and attempting not to tear up, getting picked on in elementary school by a little girl that was a grade below me, getting a VERY stern yelling from my father, or even a casual conversation with a lover... The "feels" always seem to show. I just can't help it.

 When I read, depending upon the book, I either hate or love a character that cries. Whether it's from something sad like a pet who has recently become deceased or a lover proposing, the crying is suitable for the circumstance. Nine times out of ten, I hate when the damsel in distress lets her tears escape just by being saved by the heroic man. It's the 20th century... Let the girl save the guy for once! In any case, I have times where I enjoy when the character cries not so much because I'm a terrible guy for laughing but because I enjoy the character better when I am able to relate to the character as to why they are bursting at the seams.

 I love when books take me on an emotional roller coaster that doesn't seem to show where the next turn will be. It's crazy how reading a book can really snap you into a mindset of sadness, happy times, or full blown rage. Emotions, emotions, emotions are really all I feel when I pick up a great book. I mostly laugh while I turn pages but not this time... This time I had a ugly cry face the whole time I read it. Speaking of tears, there are not many books that have made me shed a tear of sadness but one in particular I'm going to share with you today. It's a series called

                            Hex Hall

            Written by Rachel Hawkins

It's a fantastic series about a girl by the name of Sohpie Mercer who is a witch, or so she thinks that is the actual species gene behind her powers. She moves to a new school where she is able to harness her powers while making friends with her Vampire roommate! Learns how to travel through an Iternis which is literally a tear between space and time... It drains the person that travels through. She communicates with a wizard trapped in a mirror that seems to be her go to friend when she wants information. Has an arch nemesis by the name of Archer... She attends a secret supernatural club where at one point it is over run with agents from the secret task force known as L'ochhio del Dio or The eye of God!

This book series is a literal mind/emotional #€%? that will be leaving you wishing for more. It's my all time favorite series that I go to for recommendations because I loved the characters as though they were my own friends. I've never fully meshed with fictitious people from such a wonderful world as this. Rachel Hawkins is a writing genius in how she developed the perfect world of Hex Hall. Each book unlocks secret that will then pitch you into the next book with a domino effect storyline. I know you'll love this series as much as I did because it is a beautiful series that is unlike any other.

I own all 4 books in hardback edition! ;) 

The series is as follows: 

Hex Hall

Demon Glass

Spell Bound

School Spirits

Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Hawkins/e/B0032U6MAW

Ebooks: 

$6.99

http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Hawkins/e/B0032U6MAW

$7.99 http://www.amazon.com/Demonglass-Hex-Hall-Book-2-ebook/dp/B004KZP19G/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

$7.99

http://www.amazon.com/Spell-Bound-Hex-Hall-Book-ebook/dp/B007D8ZLOM/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1H5YY4XRE0M1PX4385B0

$8.69

http://www.amazon.com/School-Spirits-Hall-Novel-Book-ebook/dp/B00BNMAT7I/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

Hardbacks:

They are all 4$ and up depending on the condition of the book.

http://www.amazon.com/Hex-Hall-Rachel-Hawkins/dp/1423121309/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0g

http://www.amazon.com/Demonglass-A-Hex-Hall-Novel/dp/1423121317/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0PFGMZ9RY2GGVDG6DQJ2

http://www.amazon.com/Spell-Bound-Hex-Hall-Novel/dp/1423121325/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0

http://www.amazon.com/School-Spirits-Hex-Hall-Novel/dp/1423148495/ref=pd_sim_b_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=05W5854R7BH03QGF3XFX

Twitter:

https://mobile.twitter.com/ladyhawkins

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2261547.Rachel_Hawkins

She does not respond to anyone on her Facebook account because Twitter is her main outlet for communication.