Posts Tagged ‘Time Travel’

Hello Sunday Readers!

I hope you had a fantastic week.

The winner of the Goodreads Giveaway for SOUL TAKER is Mr. Glass! Congratulations!

May 2- May 6: I'm participating with 46 other authors in the Cowboys and Lawmen Blog Hop at KMN Books Blogspot. My post is all about TV shows featuring Cowboys. Do you remember Alias Smith and Jones? The Wild Wild West? And I'm giving away Ebook copies of WANTED AND STORM RIDERS. The Grand Prize is at least a $100.00 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Follow the link to KMN Books here.: http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com/

Now for Snippet Sunday. This is another snippet from Magic of the Loch. Today's snippet is continued from last week: Chapter One #3. Click here to read Chapter One #2. In Chapter One Michaela meets Alan and Hyatt for the first time.

The Wild Rose Press
Kindle
NOOK

Blurb:

Michaela Grant travels to Scotland for a holiday, knowing this vacation is her last. A medical condition threatens her life and any chance of a future—until she meets Alan MacLachlin, a man forced to exist between two worlds.

Alan is the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Once every fifty years he returns to human form in search of his soul mate, the one woman who can break his curse. He believes he has found forever with Michaela, but to claim it he must figure out how to save her life.

Michaela and Alan vow to take what time has to offer, but another threat looms. A sinister shape shifter with a vendetta against Alan is making Loch Ness his personal hunting ground. Now he’s threatening Michaela. Alan must discover who the shifter is and stop him before it’s too late.

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Set up for the snippet: Present day, Chapter One. The streets of Drumnadrochit were buzzing with the news of recent sightings of the Loch Ness Monster. Everyone wants to capture his or her own photo of the legendary creature.  The woman, Michaela is renting her cottage from, gave her the directions to where she could rent a boat for a day. Michaela is on the pier, heading toward the boat tied off at the end when a German shepherd, that is chasing a cat, comes barreling down the pier. Luckily for Michaela, Alan saves her from a falling into the loch.

Alan and Michaela exchanged some heated words, leaving Michaela thinking she doesn't care for her rescuer. this is in Michaela's POV.

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If she possessed the strength, she’d push him in the loch to cool off his hot temper. Intent on giving him an off-handed retort, her mouth opened only to clamp shut again at the sound of a deep chuckle behind her. Michaela turned her head and glared at the new arrival with the warped sense of humor.

“I’m sorry, for my brother’s behavior,” the man, who stood an inch or two taller than Hot Head next to her, announced with a meaningful glint in his eyes. Michaela became on guard. She found herself far away from the Village Green with two men. One not too pleased for company and the other who looked at her as if she were a yummy treat.

“We arnae goin’ to harm ye," the man said with a chuckle. "Might I remind ye, my brother just saved ye from an unsavory dunkin’.”

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Now Michaela has met Alan and Hyatt. Like always, I would love to know what you thought of the snippet.

If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us and share a snippet of your work in progress, a new release, or an oldie but goodie.

Participating Authors are listed at these sites: Hashtags: #SPeekSunday #8sunday #snippetsunday

http://sneak-peek-sunday.blogspot.com/

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

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Soul Taker is up for the Créme de la Cover Contest! If you have the chance, I would sure appreciate your Vote! http://indtale.com/cover-contest

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X is for XOXO or better known as Kisses and Hugs

What magic does a kiss hold? Shakespeare believed a kiss is a seal of love.

A kiss can be filled with passion, tantalizing the senses with secrets. In fairy tales, fair maidens are awakened with a kiss, and wedding vows are sealed with a kiss.

Being a romance author, kissing is a part of the story. Whether the hero or heroine is human, vampire or shape shifter, it’s all about passion overriding caution. The kiss should ignite a bone-melting fire that spreads through the blood with promises of dreams of the future.

Kissing is a part of the romance to find the one.

History of using X

Using the letter X meant as a kiss dates back to the Middle Ages. Most people in the middle ages could not read or write. An X was placed on documents, and the person would place a kiss upon it, to display their sworn oath of sincerity.

Adding the O for hugs—May have originated in North America representing arm circling around a person. The phrase “hugs and kisses’ was a common phrase in the early 1900s.

Legends of a Kiss

In Italy, a woman who kisses the armor-clad statue of Gidarello Guidarelli will marry a wonderful man.

In Ireland, people travel from all over the world to kiss the Blarney Stone. It is believed to give good fortune and the gift of eloquence.

In Germany, it is believed if spouses kiss each morning, they will earn thirty percent more money and will live five times longer than those who do not kiss.

Laws against Kissing

Iowa: a man with a mustache may never kiss a woman in public. Another law states: a Kiss may not last longer than five minutes.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa: it is a crime to kiss a stranger.

Hartford, Connecticut: It is illegal for a man to kiss his wife on Sunday.

Pennsylvania: You cannot kiss a person over 18 years old if you are younger than 18 years old.

Boston, Massachusetts: You cannot kiss in front of a church.

Wisconsin: It is illegal to kiss on a train.

In Colorado, it is against the law to kiss a sleeping woman. It was good thing Snow White and Sleeping Beauty didn’t live in Colorado or their princes would have been arrested.

Scientific Studies:

A kiss speaks your mind and the scientists believe it’s all about dopamine, neurotransmitters—the release of pheromones.  While kissing, chemicals are believed to trigger the need for closeness, giving the hard-wire impression to a woman if this person is the right mate. Gives a whole new meaning to how shape shifters find their mates.

It is also theorized that there is testosterone in men’s saliva, making females relax, happier—hmm, perhaps enticing the woman to want to be with him. And you thought Vampires had power.

Looks like kissing is a potent love potion for men and women. It’s all in the kiss. So pucker up and enjoy the magic.

In my tale The Curse of Tempest Gate, it was all about the kiss...

Do you remember your first Kiss? Was it memorable or were you glad when it was over?

Here's the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants. Have fun hopping!!

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This is the 20th day of the A to Z Challenge.

T is for Time Travel

H.G. Wells lived in a time where thoughts of traveling to the moon were nothing but a fantasy, but he held fast to the belief that we would one day accomplish the feat. He also envisioned that we would accomplish a way to travel through time. Could he have been onto something?

In truth, we are all time travelers now. Time is the rate of change and we are constantly changing. We measure time in seconds, minutes, hours, and years. However, time doesn’t flow at the same rate. In our world time is relative. We live in the three spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth, while time is the fourth dimension. Time cannot exist without space. So space obviously cannot exist without time. Right? The two exist as one in the ‘space-time continuum’. Does anyone remember ‘Back to the Future’? Everything that happens to you, every life event, every moment, involves both time and space.

Einstein’s theory of relativity has proven time travel to the future is possible, but how about the past? Did you know when you glance at the night sky and see the Milky Way we’re looking at a width of 100,000 light-years wide? The distant stars’ light takes thousands upon thousands of years to reach Earth. So when we gaze upon this light, we are actually looking back in time.

If it were possible, would you want to time travel to the future or to the past?

List of My Time Travel Tales:

Creighton Manor (1870 Natchez) 

A Twist of Fate (1814 N.Carolina/New Orleans)

At the Stroke of Midnight (1970 Hollywood)

Lost in the Mist of Time (16th Century Ireland)

Heart of a Warrior (Travel the Isle of Skye in the fantasy short story)

Storm Riders (1800s Western Steam Punk Adventure) 

Books available at: Amazon and other online bookstores.

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R is for Romeo and Juliet vs. Cinderella

Do you prefer reading romance stories or love stories? Did you realize there was a difference? I didn’t until I had my editor explain it to me.

Romances

A romance focuses on the immediate attraction, and there is one important element that makes a romance a romance, and that is the happy ending. Sure there can be other things happening in the story, but it isn’t the main focus of the tale. The goal is for the couple to be together, and live happily-ever-after.

Examples of Romance Stories

Cinderella

Johanna Lindsey’s books

Nora Roberts’s books

Love Story

A love story focuses on the growing love between the hero and heroine. Their relationship grows over time, and they may or may not end up together. The romance is not the main focus of the story.

Examples of Love Stories

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The Note Book by Nicholas Sparks

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Outlander by Diana Gabledon

Black Dagger Brotherhood Series

I like both romances and love stories. It all depends on my mood. Which do you prefer?

My tale Twilight's Eternal Embrace is a Love Story.

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Earth Day Celebration! www.amazon.com/Creighton-Manor-ebook/dp/B008QPHR1Q/ @KMNbooks @amazon #FreeRead @amazonkindle @DigitalBkToday @AmazonKindle

(FREE April 20th to April 22nd. ) 
 

Available at:
Ebook: Amazon Kindle

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This is the 16th day of the A to Z Challenge.

Q is for Queen Mary Maritime Museum

Do you have a favorite place you never grow tired of exploring? The Queen Mary is such a place for me, and I thought I would share the history of this magnificent ship!

The Queen Mary was bigger, faster and mightier than the Titanic.  She was constructed at the John Brown shipyard in Clyde, Scotland and made her maiden voyage on May 27, 1936. 

At one time, the Ocean liner hosted elaborate parties where royalty, world leaders and top entertainment figures enjoyed fine wine and seven course meals. 

From 1940-1946, she was transformed into a carrier ship aiding forces during World War II.  She is said to have carried over 760 thousand military personnel.  She was painted a drab-gray to keep her hidden in the misty waters, giving her the nickname “The Gray Ghost.”

The psychic Mable Fortescue-Harrison predicted that the Queen Mary would know its greatest fame when she no longer sailed.  It seems her prediction came true.  The ship is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is permanently docked in Long Beach, California. It contains the Hotel Queen Mary with 365 restored original First Class staterooms.  It has a maritime museum and has had numerous exhibits with the artifacts from the Titanic, the legendary Marilyn Monroe's personal possessions, and “Treasures of the Last Czar.” 

It hosts the Scottish Highland Games every February, Art Deco Festivals, The annual Halloween Terrorfest, and the Annual Long Beach Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony.

They've also hosted a “Ghostfest” a paranormal weekend. Where they held a spiritual investigation in hopes of finding poltergeists, and psychic phenomena. They focused on special after hours and late night tours. 

With so much to see and do, the Queen Mary attracts thousands of visitors every year whether it is to enjoy the exhibits or to experience first hand if she is truly haunted. 

The Queen Mary is a fascinating old ship with a rich history.  As any old structure with dim lighting, it can feel creepy and make noises that will make you jump.  So whether you are a skeptic or a firm believer in the paranormal, you’ll enjoy the different tours that are offered aboard the Queen Mary.

Here are a few of my stories that feature the Queen Mary.

Here's the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants. Have fun hopping!!

***Photos were taken by myself or my husband.

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This is the 15th day of the A to Z Challenge.

P is for Paranormal Worlds

Paranormal romance touches on themes ranging from horror, fantasy and science fiction while keeping a darker Gothic feel to the story. The characters may range from human to vampires, ghosts, werewolves, shifters, witches, demons and fallen angels. Even time travel, ghosts and aliens may fall under this genre. Paranormal romance is stepping into another world to enjoy the magic of legends—new and old.

Create a Believable Paranormal World

If you’re creating a world from scratch, you’ll need rules for your preternatural beings to follow. Research legends, folklores and mythologies, to help inspire your muse. For your paranormal world to work you’ll want to create a convincing mythology to go with it. You may take an old mythology and expand upon it or you may want to rewrite your own and only touch on some of the traditional lore. Either way is fine.

It’s a great idea to keep a journal of the world you created. This is especially helpful if you’re going to write a series. The rules in your world must be followed. You don’t have state all the rules on page one of your story. You can pace and reveal throughout the tale. The important thing is to be consistent.

Here are some examples to keep in mind for your character building:

Where did they come from?

Do they have powers?

Are they soul survivors of a species?

How have they learned to live among the humans?

What laws do they have?

Do they have an enemy that could destroy them? 

Again, consistency is crucial. Establish the rules and stick with them. Building your paranormal world is the fun part. Keep it fresh and reveal your secrets gradually. It’ll give your characters a chance to grow and it will give the readers a reason to keep reading.

A few of my paranormal tales:

Fallen Angels

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This is the 15th day of the A to Z Challenge.

O is for Omens

Do you really believe a four-leaf clover will bring you luck? Or if you see a penny and pick it up, you’ll have good luck?  How many of you have a St. Christopher medal in your car?  Maybe you wear a talisman of some sort or perhaps it is simply a lucky shirt.  Many people believe in charms and their magical properties of luck and protection.  Whatever it may be, you are not alone. Below are a few omens and good luck charms that may or may not be familiar to you.

Animals

Never disturb the swallow’s nest. They are wise birds and will take note of your behavior. They will either give you a reprimand, or perhaps if they think you are worthy, grant you a kindness.

If you happen to find a horse’s back tooth, you should carry it with you as long as you live, for you will never want for money.  Remember you have to find it by chance, not by extracting the tooth yourself.  You cannot give it to someone else for the charm will be broken.

If a dog follows you home it is a good omen.

Sparrows are thought to carry the souls of the dead. So it is bad luck if you kill one.

If a bird flies through your house, there will be important news, but if the bird cannot get out, the news will be death.

Do you visualize a raven when they think of macabre writings of Edgar Allan Poe and his preoccupation with omens of death? It was unlucky in Wales to have a crow cross your path. However, if two crows crossed your path, the luck was reversed. "Two crows I see, good luck to me".

Greeks thought dogs could foresee evil. If you have your new-born baby licked by a dog, your baby will be a quick healer.

Howling dogs mean the wind god has summoned death, and the spirits of the dead will be taken.

If a black cat walks towards you, it brings good fortune, but if it walks away, it takes the good luck with it.

Insects

If there is a butterfly in your room, it means great pleasure and success, but you must not catch it, or the luck will change.

A cricket in the house is good luck.  If you kill it, all the other crickets will come into your house and eat your clothes.

Body

Ringing in the ears means news will soon be received. Three sneezes in a row means: a sign for more definite results.

If your palm itches, you will receive money, but if you itch it, your money will never arrive.

If your ear tingles, it means you are being talked about. Some believe if it is the right ear, it is for spite, but if it is the left year it is for love. (Others reverse this omen.) If you think of the person, friend, or acquaintance that is likely to be talking about you, and then mention the name aloud, the tingling will cease if you have guessed the right one.

Items

KNIVES crossed are a bad omen. If a knife or fork or scissors falls to the ground and sticks in the floor you will have a visitor. (Do you think this goes for tile floors?)

If an acorn falls from an oak tree and strikes you, it is a sign that good fortune will be yours.

When you leave a party, you should throw a slipper. This will bring you good luck. (Is this why Cinderella marries a prince? lol)

If you have breakfast by candlelight on Christmas morning, you will have good luck.

A horseshoe lost by a horse and found by you with the open end facing your way, is good luck. You must hang the horseshoe over the door with the open end up so the good fortune doesn’t spill out.

If you find a purse made from weasel’s skin, you will never be without money.

At one time salt was a rare commodity and believed to have magical powers. If spilled salt the omen was family problems or death. To ward off this bad luck, one must throw a pinch of salt over the shoulder then all will be well.

Clovers

A four-leaf clover represents God’s Grace; therefore, good luck.

A white clover is held in high esteem by the Celts of Wales.  It is thought to ward off evil spirits.  

Druids held the four-leaf clover in high regard considering them good luck.

Other

When seeing a shooting star if you make a wish it will come true. (Hmm, hasn’t so far. Lol)

If a flame of candle flickers and turns blue, there is a spirit in the room.

A chill up your spine means someone in the future is walking on your grave.

A person born on Halloween will have the gift of communicating with the dead.

BIRTHDAYS
"Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go,
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child works hard for its living;
But a child that's born on the Sabbath-day
Is handsome and wise and loving and gay."

Which birthday omen is yours? Do you have any omens to share?

In my historical time travel, A TWIST OF FATE, a fortuneteller interprets her vision. She has seen Arianna's death, but she also predicts Arianna will travel back in time where her true path awaits, and where she will find true happiness.  Is this good omen or bad omen? lol

P.E.A.R.L Finalist for Best Time Travel 2008

Has a twist of fate sent her back in time? This is a question which plagues Arianna Ward when she wakes up to find her memory in fragments, like a long forgotten dream.

Everyone claims her name is Annabelle. The year is 1814 and she’s married to Captain Keldon Buchanan, a man who despises her. The more she learns about her life, the more she realizes why she’s chosen to forget it. She’s a liar and an adulteress. She doesn’t understand why she wanted to destroy her marriage when her heart tells her she belongs with Keldon.

Keldon harbors his own secrets. He's the Highland Pirate and secrecy is the difference between life and death. He doesn’t trust his wife, but he finds his heart softening to the woman his wife has become. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear he's married to another woman and he’s fallen in love with her.

Thank you so much for visiting. Come by tomorrow for P is for Paranormal. Here's the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants. Have fun hopping!!

***Free Photos from Desktop Nexus

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