Elanine Cantrell Guest Blogs with one of her characters, Actress Elizabeth Lane

PLEASE WELCOME AUTHOR ELAINE CANTRELL and her Character, Actress Elizabeth Lane

Biography: Elaine Cantrell

Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Personnel Services from Clemson University and is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary sorority for women educators.  She is also a member of Romance Writer’s of America and EPIC authors.  Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest and was published in 2004 by Oak Tree Books.  At present she teaches high school social studies.  She spends her spare time collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, reading, and playing with her grandchildren.

CHARACTER INTERVIEW:

WGEN’s Elaine Cantrell Interviews Actress Elizabeth Lane

Elaine: Good morning, LA.  If you aren’t up yet, you should be.  The weather man’s calling for a beautiful day, and traffic isn’t too bad which is great news for all you commuters.  Let’s begin our morning broadcast with an interview with Elizabeth Lane.  Not that Elizabeth needs any introduction, but let me remind you of all she’s achieved in the past few years.  

She originally hails from a little Mid Western town called Fairfield.  When she was twenty one, she and her mother, Frances Lane, moved from Fairfield to Hollywood to give Elizabeth her chance in Tinseltown.  Of course with Elizabeth’s looks and talent she caught the eye of legendary director Marc Bruno who cast her as Gracie in Gone Away.  Gone Away became one of the highest grossing films in history and catapulted Elizabeth to stardom.  Elizabeth, thanks for coming this morning.  I’m sure you’re a busy woman.

Elizabeth: (smiling warmly) You’re welcome, Elaine.  I always enjoy the chance to reach out to my fans.

Elaine: Yes, it does seem that way.  Most stars are irritated by the press.

Elizabeth: It’s all about dreams.  I don’t mind talking to my fans because like them I know a lot about dreams.  They really can come true.

Elaine: Oh, they have for you, that’s for sure.  What about in the romance department.  Have those dreams come true for you as well?  I reported on the MS benefit last week and saw you and Alex Crawford together.  You’ve been engaged for what: nine months?

Elizabeth: ( squirms a little in her chair and refuses to look the interviewer in the eye)   Yes, that’s about right.  Alex Crawford is extraordinary!  He had a French perfume company create an exclusive fragrance just for me.

Elaine: Wow, the man has a romantic side.  I did want to ask you though, about your relationship with Richard Lovinggood, son of California senator Henry Lovinggood.

Elizabeth: (stiffens in her chair, her face closed and blank) There’s nothing to talk about.  Let’s move on.

Elaine: Ten years ago when he was only seventeen, the two of you had a relationship which you recently rekindled, and you…

Elizabeth: (voice stern)  Move on.

Elaine: Okay, let’s talk about your recent kidnapping.  You were rescued by Richard Lovinggood, right?  For those of you who don’t know, Richard is an FBI agent.

Elizabeth:  (voice cold) That was a painful time in my life, and I don’t want to discuss it.

Elaine: (eyebrows arch) It seems there are a lot of things you don’t want to talk about, and all of them relate to Richard Lovinggood.

Elizabeth: (smiles charmingly) Thank you so much for having me today, Elaine.  I’m due on the set, so I have to run.  My new movie Paradise Bay came out yesterday.  The reviews are great, so don’t miss it.

Elaine: I sure won’t.  (She stands up and shakes Elizabeth’s hand.)  See you on the silver screen.

Return Engagement is available at http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=819&zenid=0388abcec27444081ac3750d1c5c3fae

You can read an excerpt at the publisher’s site or at my web site http://www.elainecantrell.com

Blurb Return Engagement

Elizabeth Lane has it all, but an actress isn’t the kind of woman Senator Henry Lovinggood wants for his son, Richard.  Ten years ago he broke Richard and Elizabeth up, but this time Elizabeth’s fighting back, a decision that leads to kidnapping and attempted murder and alienates her from the man of her dreams.

The Birds and the Frogs by Brian D. McClure

The Birds and the Frogs
By Brian D. McClure
Illustrated by Buddy Plumlee

About The Book:

The Birds and the Frogs, author Brian D. McClure educates and entertains children, parents and grandparents by providing and suggesting ways to denounce bullying. It was not until a young group of tadpoles teach the birds and frogs a higher truth, that they are able to change their beliefs, to honor and respect one another. Brian D. McClure Children s book series offer universal life lessons that empower, teach and educate the whole family.
About The Author:
Brian McClure is the Founder and President of The Universal Flag and its affiliate companies. The Universal Flag is the first symbol created that embraces everyone and everything. The symbol removes our illusion of separation, while honoring the diversity and divinity in all. To date the symbol has spread into 65 countries, and continues to spread in each new day.


The Universal Flag was not Brian’s first calling. After graduating college Brian started the first of many successful businesses. Then he was struck with his personal “Call to Consciousness.” During that period he not only allowed the Universal Flag and Symbol to manifest through him, but he also wrote ten of the most inspirational children’s book ever written. Ultimately his successful companies have funded the initial introduction of the Universal Flag and Symbol to the World.

Currently Brian is on a path of creating a National and International Universal Flag radio Network, with K-TLK being the first of many radio affiliates.

Brian has been a national radio guest and has been interviewed on over 50 radio stations nationwide. He is also the host of “A Call To Consciousness Radio” heard weekly on World Talk Radio every Thursday at 10 am PST. Brian has spoken at non-denominational churches, schools and conferences nationwide and has been interviewed on CNN radio, CBS, NBC TV and has appeared on national radio and in publications worldwide.

My Thoughts:
I was so very upset when I started to read this story. The birds, you see, were being very mean to the poor little frogs. I generally like birds, but this group was starting to get on my nerves. Don't worry though, in the 35 pages of this story, the author manages to set things straight between the superior-minded birds and the very confused and humiliated frogs. The object lessons taught through the interactions of these animals will make a profound impression on a child's mind. Very Well Done!

Juliet by Anne Fortier

Juliet
By Anne Fortier
Video Trailer

About the Author:
Anne Fortier grew up in Denmark and emigrated to the United States in 2002 to work in film. She co-produced the Emmy-winning documentary Fire and Ice: The Winter War of Finland and Russia and holds a Ph.D. in the History of Ideas from Aarhus University in Denmark. The story of Juliet was inspired by Anne Fortier's mother, who always considered Verona her true home ... until she discovered Siena.

About the Book:
Juliet, an ambitious, utterly engaging historical novel on the scale of The Thirteenth Tale and The Birth of Venus, follows a young woman who discovers that her family’s origins reach all the way back to literature’s greatest star-crossed lovers.

When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safety-deposit box in Siena, Italy, she is told it will lead her to an old family treasure. Soon she is launched on a winding and perilous journey into the history of her ancestor Giulietta, whose legendary love for a young man named Romeo rocked the foundations of medieval Siena. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families involved in Shakespeare’s unforgettable blood feud, she begins to realize that the notorious curse—“A plague on both your houses!”—is still at work, and that she is the next target. It seems that the only one who can save Julie from her fate is Romeo—but where is he?

My Thoughts:
If you've ever wanted to visit a wonderfully romantic Italian city, Anne Fortier takes you there in her book Juliet. The city, Siena, is an integral part of this story. The heroine, Juliet, discovers her 14th century connections and with the help of some unusual objects, reveals the truth behind long misunderstood mysteries. Does Juliet find her contemporary Romeo? Does tragedy over-shadow love once again? What a wonderful time you'll spend discovering the answers to those questions as you read for yourself, Juliet by Anne Fortier.

 

Giveaway and Guest Blog - Author Kat Henry Doran

I'm happy to introduce our Guest Author, Kat Henry Doran. Kat is going to tell us a little about her work and  share with us a recent interview conducted with Kieran Pollack, the hero of her latest work, Raising Kane, part ll, Out of the Dark.

Raising Kane, part II, Out of the Dark

Author: Kat Henry Doran

Excerpt

Available for purchase at:  www.TheWildRosePress.com
Blog: www.WildWomanAuthor.blogspot.com  

Blurb: She's Raisin' Kane, committed to reporting the truth. No matter who it might harm.  He's Kieran Pollack, master at spinning the truth in favor of the criminal justice system and those who serve it. Truth or fiction: either could bring them to their knees.

Bio:  Kat Henry Doran writes about the places and people she knows best: family, tight neighborhoods within big cities, and everyday life in general. Out of the Dark is her third release with Wild Rose Press with two additional stories contracted with the Class of '85 series. 

 Author Interviews Character Kieran Pollack:

Where were you the first time you saw Mallory Kane? It was one of those “the hits just keep on coming” moments we've all experienced. The morning began with the usual chaos associated with getting two kids off to pre-school. After clocking in at work, I was informed of the Mayor's forthwith summons to City Hall. Seems Her Highness wanted an official response to rumors of a protest march turned riot the evening before which resulted in serious physical injuries. As what we call in law enforcement the “thirty-second rundown” ran down and I was already planning how to put a positive spin on the whole thing, this long-legged redhead marched past the check-in desk.

What was your first thought? Once I rolled my tongue back into my mouth, I thought 'Wow'. My second came after the desk sergeant indicated she'd spent the night in a holding cell courtesy of the Victory Police Department. Given she was a reporter, he thought I might want to head her off at the pass. Since I take pride in following the advice of those with more experience, I approached her with the intent of initiating a dialogue.

Her response was? That she'd sooner walk barefoot through a nest of pit vipers than speak with any member of the Victory PD. Things pretty much went down hill from there.

What do you do for fun and relaxation? I like working with my hands so whenever the weather cooperates, I'm in the yard, pinching dead-heads, yanking weeds, mowing the lawn—all those home owner chores. It's important that my kids learn to treat their possessions with care so I encourage them to help with the pinching and yanking. Four year-olds don't know the difference between a marigold and crabgrass but they're learning.

What was the best advice you ever received? Make sure your kids know you love them no matter what. 

GIVEAWAY

Kat is graciously allowing me to give away one copy of her new book, Out of the Dark.

• You must be 18 or older to enter
• You must be a blog follower to win.
• You must be a resident of the US or Canada
• You must leave a comment which includes your email address and one thing you learned about Kieran Pollack from this character interview.
• Giveaway expires on 10/22/2010

 

WINNER IS: Tonya Callihan

Giveaway and Review of The Journey Home by Michael Baron

The Journey Home
By Michael Baron

Excerpt

The Book:

Joseph, a man in his late thirties, awakens disoriented and uneasy in a place he doesn't recognize. He sets out on a journey to find his home with no sense of where he's going and only the precious, indelible vision of the woman he loves to guide him.

Antoinette is an elderly woman in an assisted living facility who has retreated inside her head. There, her body and mind haven’t betrayed her. There, she’s a young newlywed with a husband who dotes on her and an entire life of dreams to live. There, she is truly home.


Warren, Antoinette’s son, is a man in his early forties going through the toughest year of his life. With far too much time on his hands, he decides to try to recreate his memories of home by attempting to cook his mother’s greatest dishes and eat them with her.

Joseph, Antoinette, and Warren are three people on different searches for home. How they connect with each another at this critical stage in their lives, is the heart and soul of this story.



My Thoughts: How do you weave multiple complex stories into one smooth journey? You'll just have to read Author Michael Baron's book The Journey Home to find out. Mr. Baron does a wonderful job of slowly pealing back the layers to each of these stores as they are told concurrently. Human desires, needs, wants, mixed with disappointment, tragedy, and loss are things we're all familiar with, but experiencing them through the lives of these multiple characters and their unique situations gave me a whole new perspective. And I think you'll appreciate how this author concludes his book.

 A review copy of this book was provided by the Author.

Giveaway

I have one copy of this book to giveaway.

1. You must be 18 or older to win

2. Mandatory entry: You must be a blog follower and leave a comment that includes your email address 

3.  Extra entries:  Follow me on Twitter

4. You must be a resident of the US or Canada

5. Giveaway expires on  10/15/2010

WINNERS IS: Nancye 
Winner has been notified by email

Hell Yeah by Carolyn Brown

Hell Yeah
By Carolyn Brown
Excerpt

The Book:
She’s finally found a place that feels like home…
When Cathy O’Dell buys the Honky Tonk, the nights of cowboys and country tunes come together to create the home she’s always wanted. Then in walks a ruggedly handsome oil man who tempts her to trade in the happiness she’s found at the Honky Tonk for a life on the road with him…
He lives the good life…
Gorgeous and rich, Travis Henry travels the country unearthing oil wells and then moving on. Then the beautiful blue-eyed new owner of the Honky Tonk beer joint becomes his best friend and so much more. When his job is done in Texas, how is he ever going to hit the road without her?

My Thoughts: I'm thinking that I'm mighty glad I live in the middle of cowboy country. Otherwise, after reading Hell Yeah by Carolyn Brown, I'd have to move. But you'd have to look long and hard to find a place as fun and humorous as the Honky Tonk. And no where else on earth could there be more great characters in one place. Hell Yeah has it all, love, sweat, and tears. Throw in a few belly laughs and a 'happy ever after' and you've got a read that will have you 'boot scootin' in your dreams.

I received a review copy of this book from Sourcebooks, Inc.

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