Author: PTLPerrin

Interview with an Angel Author

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Meet my friend T.K. Lawyer, the award-winning author of the popular Paranormal Romance series, THE GUARDIAN LEAGUE.

T.K.’s Angels are members of the Guardian League, whose purpose is, you guessed it, to guard and protect the humans in their charge. What if some of those angels fell in love with their human charges?

Welcome, T.K. It’s my pleasure to have you here today to share with us more about yourself and your writing. You write what you love with a realistic twist. Your heroes are angels. Can you share what you mean by realistic?

 In most Paranormal Romance stories I’ve read, the angels do battle elsewhere, in worlds solely created by the author. But the Angels in the Guardian League are different; they all come to Earth and fall in love here. 

 These Guardian Angels all find their fated mates while conducting work on Earth.  For every Angel there is a mate and sometimes the mate is human.  For all of the angels in the Guardian League series, their mates are human and they must learn to adapt and grow with their human. 

 They do ordinary “human” things to capture the love of their mate like: going out to a restaurant, watching a movie at the local theater, and meeting up at a night club.  Some of the outings presented in the books are unfamiliar to the angels, and to read their reactions and interactions during the strange “human” situations they are presented with is sometimes comical but always fun.

I have always imagined our guardian angels to be powerful warriors, but you take the concept of angelic guardianship much farther. What inspired you to write about such sexy angels?

Honestly, I adore angels.  I love them and I wondered what if?  A book I read by Felicity Heaton called “Her Dark Angel” opened my eyes to the possibility of an intimate relationship with an angel.  I processed the book wondering if an angel would even consider the concept, and I kept going back to intent.  With angels, it’s all about intent and love and if the intent was to have a loving relationship with a being whether it be human, alien or angel, I don’t see why that wouldn’t work. 

If the possibility existed where a powerful, protective, guardian angel could fall in love with a human being and do human things with them, I don’t think the answer would be no.  After all, angels are all about love and they truly want human beings to experience peace and happiness.  I think angels would welcome the opportunity of this type of partner/relationship if it was possible and available.  Love and intimacy shared with a being that wholeheartedly loves us?  It would make for such great possibilities, too.

 Just think of it–forming an intimate relationship with an angel that loves you completely, is loyal and will never do anything to harm you, plus is gorgeous, charming and attentive to your needs?  Wow–I just described the perfect man!  (wide smile) I think most of us would jump at the chance to have one of these beings in our lives, permanently.  I know I would definitely be in that long line.

I love that your female characters are, as you put it, curvy. Why not sleek and slender, as are most women in romance novels?

Yes, I noticed that and that’s why I decided to go in an opposite direction and write about women like me.  Almost all of my female protagonists are curvy, plus-sized females and I love this because we all deserve love too. 

I wanted to pair these females with gorgeous, strong, protective men because you almost never see this in books.  I also wanted my readers to not only be able to identify with the feelings and emotions experienced by my female characters as they learn the truth about the men they are dating, but also to be able to picture themselves in the book, to know that it is okay to have a generous amount of extra on them and that all women deserve love no matter what their outer looks may be.  I stress in my books it is the inside that captures the attention of these stellar Guardian Angels and that outer looks only bring an extra bit of sexiness, fun, and bounce in the eyes of the angels. 

Your heroes are strong, powerful, possessive alpha males who know exactly what and whom they want. The women they fall in love with are indecisive and full of self-doubt. How does this difference create tension in your stories?

Tension is created when two beings have differences of opinions.  Angels have never lived as human beings so they do not know the depth of all that we go through.  However; Angels have purpose and in my books, all of my Guardian Angels know exactly who their mates are as soon as they lay eyes on them.

 But, as human beings, we are not so sure.  For the most part humans are skeptical–it’s because of all the adversity we have to put up with.  Our skepticism is a survival skill but angels do not have this skepticism. They do have exorbitant amounts of patience and are willing to wait for the one they love because time is meaningless in their world. 

Human beings are complicated and indecisive, at times, and the ones in my books test their angels in different ways; however, angels being steadfast, honorable and patient are the best match for these humans.  As they say, opposites attract but the fact that angels are so flexible and eager to meet the needs of their mates makes them perfect for the human they chose.

You recently released the final book in your Guardian League series; Orion. What can you tell us about the story without giving too much away?

Each one of my Guardian Angels deals with a different theme in their book.  Orion finds his fated mate by accident, and when he approaches the council to request guardianship of her so he can be close to her, he never imagines he would find himself face to face with a former Nemesis:  Mercury.   Not only does Orion have to work alongside Mercury to guard their mutual charge, named Zoe, but he has to battle Mercury for Zoe’s affection, too, for both of her guardians are in love with her.

Are you planning another series? Can you give us a little hint?

Sometime in the near future, I plan to tackle another five book series.  This one will tell the stories of the Council and their origins.  I have hinted at the council members in my books and named one specifically, and I thought it would be a great idea to actually tell their stories and how they became council members.

Thank you so much for joining us today, T.K. Lawyer. Where can our readers find you and your books?

Thank you so much for hosting me.  I had fun answering your questions and I hope your readers enjoyed reading my answers.  I absolutely love my fans and readers and, as you know, I love talking about angels or really anything paranormal related!  I attend book fairs throughout the year and am active on social media. 

Readers can find me at these sites:

 https://www.amazon.com/author/tklawyer

https://www.foundationsbooks.net/our-authors/k-p/t-k-lawyer/

https://www.facebook.com/tklawyerauthor

https://tklawyerauthor.wordpress.com/

Words of Wisdom

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As a Mom, I’ve shared many words of wisdom with my kids…like “Don’t run with a pencil in your mouth,” or “Look both ways before crossing the street.” As they grew, I wish I’d had some advice that could help them avoid the pitfalls of life, but I couldn’t catch up with them long enough to impart those gems, and they might have ignored me had I tried.

Kristine Kohut is the author of a fun and insightful book with a catchy title: Big Toe People. I highly recommend it! She and her husband Steve adopted two adorable boys a few years ago. I hope they read their mom’s nuggets when they’re older, and I hope our grown kids read them, too. In fact, these nuggets are for all of us! She said what’s in my heart much better than I could have.


Look, Mom! Wisdom!

Posted on February 14, 2019 by kristinekohut

Or Nine Favorite Nuggets From Fifty Years of Living

When I was in my twenties, my mom said to me more than once, “Kristine, all you seem to do is chase after fun. I pray that you get some WISDOM!”

Read More!

Ever wondered how to make money with your Blog?

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I have! I’ve already decided to make some changes with my blog and add articles that will benefit other writers. We’re in this life together, and the ride is so much easier when we cooperate. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive, but among writers, we can do both and grow together. Happy blogging!

 

Six Proven Ways to Monetize a Blog

Karol K. / March 9, 2018

, , , 

Want to monetize a blog, but don’t know what your options are? We’re here to help.

Below are six different ways to make money from a blog. All of these methods have been tested in the wild, and thousands of bloggers are successfully implementing them to turn a profit.

READ MORE…

What Do Fish Eggs Have To Do With Writing?

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As soon as I saw the title, I was compelled to read the article. I could not imagine how anyone could make such a correlation, and was pleasantly surprised to read how successfully the author did just that. If you’re a writer, whether the author of books or a writer of short stories, you might want to discover how your writing might be like fish eggs…

HOW FISH EGGS ARE LIKE FICTION

 

by Richard Risemberg

 

After a long, dry spell, I suddenly began placing stories in small-press magazines this year, even some that paid in cash! Since last winter, I have “sold” – sometimes for pay, sometimes compensated only in honor – I have sold six stories to five magazines.

It all started by accident, but the sort of accident that fate contrives when you help it along.

It began when I followed the advice a friend had given me give short readings at open mic nights hosted by a friend of his. [READ ON…]

Setting the Captives free

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I met Laura Ranger and her fiancé Steve Soderquist at a book signing event sponsored by the Florida Writer’s Association. Both are authors and have written and published books separately and together. During our first conversation, I knew I’d found kindred spirits and that we’d be friends.

They are the founders and owners of the publishing company Foundations, LLC, and have since become my publishers. When you’re on Laura’s website, where she posted this article, explore and check out her books too. They’re wonderful reading.

Here’s a piece of Laura’s heart that she shares with us. Is it any wonder that I love her as a friend and sister in Christ?

Prison Ministry

I’ve predominantly encountered two types of people; those who have compassion for those imprisoned, and those who have none. Truthfully, I had always been indifferent. I didn’t have an opinion one way or another. I never considered doing any kind of ministry for those in prison, or even jail. It never occurred to me to pray for them. All that changed when I was introduced to a program called Kairos.

READ MORE…

 

To see more of their authors and the variety of books they publish, visit Foundations Books.

ADHD: The 4 Letters That Set Me Free

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Kids do not come with instruction manuals. Even with a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, my friend Kris could not figure out why her children seemed so out of control. As so many of us do, she blamed herself. Others who should have known better agreed with her. Parenting was to blame. Or not. Her journey might offer answers you’ve been looking for as parents of young children. This one’s for you…

Meet My Friend LAURA VOSIKA, Author of the Time-Travel Historical Fiction Series: Blue Bells Chronicles

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When I first read The Blue Bells of Scotland, I was immediately caught up in Laura Vosika’s fascinating story of two men, identical in looks, who suddenly switch places.  Shawn Kleiner, a famous and spoiled musician, finds himself transported seven hundred years in the past. At the same time, Niall Campbell travels seven hundred years forward, to our present.

Laura develops her characters beautifully through all the books, including those surrounding the men and with whom they have relationships. I’ve read them all, and eagerly await the release of The Battle is O’er. In fact, I may have been first in line to pre-order it and cannot wait to read it.

Laura is as interesting as her books, and it’s my pleasure to have her with us. Thank you for joining us, Laura!

Tell us about your background. How did you get your start in writing, and how long have you been writing?

I grew up in the military—a great way to live if you look at the positives. You meet lots of people from lots of backgrounds. You learn about the world and other people and that there are a wealth of ideas and ways to live well.

On the down side, it’s easy to end up a bit rootless when you’re always the new kid in school. But there are always books. Whether I would have been a great reader anyway, I’ll never know, but there was certainly plenty of time to read in the summers we had just moved, before school started.

I started writing at a very young age. I tried a few poems when I was eight (and it’s probably just as well they’re long lost!) At nine, I was writing short stories and ‘binding’ them to put on the classroom’s book shelf. At ten, I was starting my first novel. 

When was your first book published, and how many have you published since?

Blue Bells of Scotland was published on September 11, 2009—wow how time flies! Then came the second book, The Minstrel Boy, then The Water is Wide, and Westering Home, all in The Blue Bells Chronicles. The Battle is O’er is my fifth novel.  I’ve also published Go Home and Practice, a musician’s record book, and Food and Feast in the World of the Blue Bells Chronicles: a gastronomic historic poetic musical romp in thyme, a collection of scenes from the novels that features over 200 recipes, the majority from medieval sources, along with history, stories, poems, and songs associated with the scenes.

How much does your background influence your writing?

A great deal, I’d say. I spent my earliest years in Germany, visiting castles and medieval towns, driving in the Alps, going down into the salt mines, camping in England where we once pitched our tent (with the sexton’s permission) just outside an ancient cemetery. When we lived on the east coast, we went to many historic sites. History has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, including medieval history. 

Then there’s the music. The Blue Bells Chronicles centers on Shawn Klein, a famous classical trombonist. This is my background. I majored in music, on trombone, and for a time freelanced with various types of orchestras and chamber playing — so Shawn’s world is one with which I’m well-acquainted. Like Niall, the medieval Highlander, I also play harp. 

What inspires you to continue writing?

The letters I get from readers, telling me how they love the books and are eagerly awaiting the next one, are very uplifting and keep me going faster than I might otherwise. But to me, writing is something I can’t NOT do. I’ve been writing stories almost since I was able to write. Niall and Shawn are, in a sense, very real, and I can’t NOT write their story. 

I can attest to that, being one of those readers eagerly awaiting the next one! Aside from your fans, what is the best thing about being a writer?

Apart from the thrill of bringing worlds and people to life–the connections I’ve made with other people; the people I’ve met as a result of writing. I’ve met people literally all over the world whom I would never have known otherwise; and some I’ve become friends with, whether that be other writers or readers. 

What is the worst thing?

It’s not exactly a steady stream of income and there are no benefits; like healthcare and paid vacation.

What is your single best piece of advice for aspiring authors?

Find a writer’s group to join. Get feedback on your writing.

Why do the events of the past matter to us today? Why do we keep reading about the past?

We learn from the past. Every age has its wisdom and every age has its follies. A recurring theme throughout The Blue Bells Chronicles is the contrast of eras. Niall thinks very little of Shawn or his time–and Shawn has equally negative views of both Niall and his century. But as the story progresses, Niall learns there are some good things to be had in the modern time, while Shawn comes to realize that his society also has its flaws, and that maybe, while we’ve improved many things, we’ve also thrown out some good ideas and some wisdom. 

 When we read about history, we’re learning–both from what an age did right, and from their mistakes. Apart from that, we’re learning some great stories!

Laura, it has been a pleasure chatting with you. I understand you have an event coming up. Would you share a little about that?

I’ll be doing an ‘author takeover’ on Facebook, March 24 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. I’d love to have you and your readers join me. Here’s the link: Author Takeover with Laura Vosika. 

Thank you so much! And thank you for this excerpt from your new book The Battle is O’er. Click here to pre-order the book, and enjoy the excerpt. More of Laura’s links follow.

 

Cover LV BO front

EXCERPT FROM THE BATTLE IS O’ER

“You know these tunnels?” the chief asked.

“I know them well,” Shawn said tersely.

You’re in your time. That had been Amy, as he led her, too, seven hundred years later, just months ago in July, through these same passages. A chill shot through him, wondering if Niall might be down here. He had seen just a glimpse of him, as he burst into the chapel, just a glimpse of his best friend, his brother, knife raised, looking at Simon, as he faded away. Yes, he, too, would be in these passages, searching for Simon in his own time.

“How do you know them?” Clive asked. His light played over the dirt floor.

“Watch carefully,” Shawn returned. “There’s a side passage opening up. He could be hiding there.”

“How do you know them?” Clive asked again.

“I told you,” Shawn said irritably. “I spent a good part of two years here.”

“You were only gone a year.”

In the close passage, Shawn spun. “Do you not get it? There’s a medieval madman down here—maybe—who will kill you. He’ll have his knife under your ribs and through your heart in the blink of an eye, if you’re not paying attention! Could we maybe have our coffee klatch later?”

In the shadowed light of the labyrinth, Clive’s face remained passive, his eyes dark. He nodded, and spoke to the chief. “Guard the exit. I’ll go with Kleiner.” Before his boss could object, he pushed ahead in the cramped tunnel, saying over his shoulder, “You’re needed at the precinct.”

LINKS

WEB SITE: www.bluebellschronicles.com

BLOG on MEDIEVAL HISTORY: http://bluebellstrilogy.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/laura.vosika.author

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/lauravosika

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Solitary Pursuits

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Meet my friend, Ruth Douthitt. She’s the author of some wonderful middle-grade/teen fantasy books, which I’ve read, and others that are in my To-Be-Read file. In my estimation, she’s a super woman, a runner, an author, an artist, a wife and mother, and a fellow military Brat.

Ruth shares some unique insights of characteristics shared by both running and writing. Enjoy!

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Crossing the Finish Line 
      by R.A. Douthitt

Yes, I know you’ve read about how writing is similar to running. I’ve read those posts, too. But I wanted to blog a little about how writing and running are similar because I do both…a lot! and I want to share some of the lessons I’ve learned.

All By Myself

Remember that song from the 70s? It’s so tragically sad, but true. Nobody wants to be alone.

One of the many similarities between writing and running is that both can be lonely.

I run and train for marathons and even a few ultra marathons. I have also written 8 books. Writing and running can be lonely, but at least with running, you can ask friends to join you!

But with writing, it’s up to you and you alone to do the work. For me, that’s why I set goals for myself. Setting goals keeps me on task. I let others know about my goals so I am held accountable. It helps!

“Attend a conference or join a critique group!” some writers have told me. They explain how these two actions will help end the loneliness. But, as with running, you’ll still have many moments alone.

During the last ultra marathon race I participated in, I was hit with this realization. During the day, I ran alongside many runners, but once the sun goes down at mile 31, many runners leave or head to their tents to sleep. That’s when the race is at its toughest. The trail is dark, the air grows colder, and all you hear is the sound of your shoes on the gravel trail. At that point in the race, you’ll want to quit. Running is much easier with the cheers from spectators and other runners around you!

Yet, you have to keep going, putting one step in front of the other. Writing is the same way. Conferences are terrific! I love meeting other writers and attending workshops so I can learn more about the craft. Critique groups are so helpful. But once I return home from a conference or critique, however, I have to sit at my desk with the computer and work…ALONE.

Family and friends encourage you to write, as those race spectators encourage you to run and that does help. They patiently listen to you summarize your plot, describe your characters, and detail the setting, God bless them. Without them, you’d probably give up.

A race is a race, and there’s nothing like the feeling of seeing the Finish Line as you near the end. Same with writing. It is a race to the finish! We may have pending deadlines created by publishers or ourselves. These finish lines motivate us to stay the course.

Yes, as with running, writing can be lonely. Like training for a marathon, writing requires discipline and endurance.

Finally, as with racing, there is a prize at the end. A reward is needed to remind you why you set out to complete a grueling race or why you are determined to write a book. Make sure you have a reward set aside for yourself, whether it’s a release party, a dinner with family, or a vacation/retreat. Do something good for yourself, you deserve it!

After I complete a book, I throw a party. After an ultra marathon, my family and I usually go out to dinner so I have replace all those calories I burned off. All the pain and loneliness of training is worth it as I sit and celebrate with my family.

These are the lessons I have learned. I keep setting writing goals (I plan on publishing 3 books this year…) along with running goals (triathlons and a half marathon later this year) so that I am motivated to continue.

I stay motivated to endure to the end so I can cross that finish line with my head held high.

Keep running! Keep writing…

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 Click on the book covers to get to her Amazon Author Page: