Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Another Blog Swiped - Welcome Kathleen Gallagher!
*Chance hauls herself reluctantly up the side of the ship, losing her grip on one of the rails, she falls only to be scooped up and delivered gentle on the deck by the kraken. She waves and stands shaking water from her hair.
(By the way, she’s nude.)
*A moment later, a vile curse rises from the side of the ship as a long, sinewy arm waves about. Woman! A line!
Chance nonchalantly kicks a bit of line over the side, glad to see it was tied to a mast. She glances over the railing *If you hadn’t kicked him, he would have helped you.
And arrive covered in slime, no thank you! Barbossa makes it to the deck and ogles her for a moment. And why didn’t we use the cutter?
*I asked the Bo’sun to bring my guest aboard with the cutter. The swim is good for you, Hector. You needed a bath.
*Women and your fixation with cleanliness! He wrings out his shirt and puts it back on, then strides to her side. She’s already seen that look on his face and ducked behind the bar.
When she rises, she is wearing a long shirt. Stow it, Hector. Kathleen will be here any minute! Make sure the chocolates are ready and here! Open this bottle for me!
A few minutes later the ship rocks gentle as the Bo’sun climbs aboard, chatting with Kathleen.
The Bo’sun grins at Chance - Her story features a ghosts, a witch, twins, and a couple who meet in an addiction recovery center!
- Yup, I heard that! Sorta like the idea of a twin chatting with the passed over twin!! Come on over, Kathleen, I gots a nice toasty hot buttered rum fer ya ta start the mornin’ off right! So, tell us ‘bout this dead twin and how she’s gonna mess about wit’ yer heroine’s life!
Thanks for inviting me aboard, Chance. Takes a sip from her cup. Hmm! Good rum! Clears her throat and set the rum down on the bar. Now, to answer your question. Echoes at Dawn is my first novel and it’s a paranormal romance. The strangely intertwined lives of a widowed mother,, and a charismatic bachelor come together in order to show that in life there are no coincidences…only destiny.
Chance raised an eyebrow - So, how does the handsome doctor come inta the picture? Yes, there be a handsome doctor in the book…though I read he gots a secret past that needs dealing wit’. She glances at Hector, Don’t they all!
He nonchalantly looks away.
-True, but that makes them interesting! Madeline attends a lecture given by Nat Griffin, and is intrigued by his ability to deliver a compelling speech. He holds his audience captive with his emotional delivery. The attendees are not the only one he holds captive. From that moment on, Madeline wants to learn everything about him.
Chance tilts her head. So, does the heroine have any a’ this talent fer chattin’ wit’ the dead? Is there a villain ta this book? And btw, I do like yer cover!
Thanks, I love the cover, too. There’s a scene in the book to match it. Oops! Maybe I should let you find out for yourself.
You see, Madeline has no special abilities when it comes to spells or talking to the dead. It’s her mother who practices witchcraft. Katy’s recent dementia does not keep her from her from remembering how to stir up a potion, or cast a spell to help someone in need. There are no real villains in the story, only remnants from Madeline’s and Nat’s past, left behind by the repercussions of alcoholism.
Chance takes a sip of rum. No villain, interestin’! Can ya tell us yer call story? All the lasses love a good call story!
Hector breaks in, Shouldn’t ya be callin’ it an e-mail story anymore! With all this modern technology, does anyone actually call any… Chance yanks at his beard and Barbossa closes his mouth. Pardon me, go on!
Sure, I’d love to. I worked on Echoes at Dawn for a couple of years. It had control of my heart, so I nurtured it. I had some interest from a few editors and got a couple of offers which I turned down. One day while I read The Liberty State Fiction Writers Newsletter, I saw a book by another author from Decadent Publishing. I researched the site and liked what I saw. I submitted soon after. I had a feeling it was where I was supposed to be. Before long I got an acceptance letter and almost fell off of my chair. I had finally found a home for my baby. I had an appointment to pitch the following weekend at a writer’s conference. I decided to take the contract with Decadent Publishing and canceled my appointment. I knew it was the right decision.
It’s always amazin’ how these things work out! Now, ya gots a blurb ta share? And excerpt? And can ya tell us when the book be available? And where?
Echoes at Dawn is set to be released on March 30th by Decadent Publishing.
Here’s the blurb I brought along, just for all of you!
- Waterfront restaurant chef Madeline Young adores her job. If only her love and family’s lives were as successful as her career. With a teenage son, who spends time in the emergency room for alcohol poisoning and a dementia-plagued mother, Madeline doesn’t know how much more she can handle. Then her mother enlists the help of her deceased twin sister, Mary to guide Madeline to true happiness. An early dawn visit from the spirit directs Madeline to volunteer at the local hospitals center for addiction recovery, where she comes alive for the first time in many years under the attention of Nat Griffin.
Nathaniel Griffin, a part-time counselor and contractor, fascinates his clients with his lectures. In keeping with his philosophy of professionalism, Nat prefers to keep his personal life private. When attraction tests his beliefs, Nat must confront his marred past. Is he willing to face his demons or take the easier path and remain isolated?
Can unworldly ghosts save this couple from their own destructive behavior?
And here’s a sneak peek.
The day was about to end, and so far, it had been unbelievable. I felt at ease and relaxed in Nat’s company. I sat down on the sofa and realized what might happen next. As I closed my eyes, I sunk into the plush velvety sofa. My mind drifted, while I listened to the melody. A warm sense of familiarity enabled me enjoy the moment. Nat got up to dim the lights and placed a few candles on the mantle. The fireplace had gorgeous gold details around the marble, which added an extra hint of drama to the room. Nat returned and moved close to me. He looked into my eyes provocatively and gently placed his arms around me. Before I could react, he pulled me up against his chest. Our lips met in a kiss that sparked all the desires of a lifetime. It seemed to last forever as we embraced. I gave in to the temptation. While we remained in each other’s arms, I felt his heart race. The warmth of his body heat tantalized my senses, and I felt the strength of his back muscles as he held me close. Nat placed my head on his shoulder, and kept his arms around me. The sound of our breathing meshed together as one. It seemed as if time stood stopped, yet an hour had passed.
He whispered to me softly. “Let’s go to the second level balcony. “I want you to see where I meditate. I think you’ll love the view.”
Nat took my hand, put out the candles, and slowly led me upstairs. He told me to close my eyes and guided me outside.
“Okay, open your eyes now.” He gently moved my shoulders and faced me in the right direction.
In front of me was picturesque scenery, with trees as far as the eye could see. It was lovely and the stars sparkled in the sky above us. “It’s amazing up here,” I said. The stars sparkled in the sky above us, and the vintage lamp posts in the corners gave an ambience of romance. Trees with auburn tipped leaves surrounded by tones of yellow and brown surrounded the area. Tiny lights sparkled in between the winding trails. The peaceful sound of a fountain trickled gracefully in the background. It was a magical garden.
“I come up here to relax, and just breathe,” he said.
“Oh, Nat, this is amazing.”
He turned on the stereo upstairs. Before I could realize it, we were slow dancing. Nat gently placed his arms around me and placed his cheek next to mine. We danced under the stars as our bodies connected on every beat.
***
Chance sighs, I love a good bit a’ dancin’! I hopes ya will be stickin’ round fer questions!
You can find me at; http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com/
http://kathleenanngallagher.net/Home.html
http://www.facebook.com/#!/
http://www.decadentpublishing.com/
http://twitter.com/
- I had a blast chatting with you. I’d love to do it again. Thanks for the hospitality and the Rum!!!
(By the way, she’s nude.)
*A moment later, a vile curse rises from the side of the ship as a long, sinewy arm waves about. Woman! A line!
Chance nonchalantly kicks a bit of line over the side, glad to see it was tied to a mast. She glances over the railing *If you hadn’t kicked him, he would have helped you.
And arrive covered in slime, no thank you! Barbossa makes it to the deck and ogles her for a moment. And why didn’t we use the cutter?
*I asked the Bo’sun to bring my guest aboard with the cutter. The swim is good for you, Hector. You needed a bath.
*Women and your fixation with cleanliness! He wrings out his shirt and puts it back on, then strides to her side. She’s already seen that look on his face and ducked behind the bar.
When she rises, she is wearing a long shirt. Stow it, Hector. Kathleen will be here any minute! Make sure the chocolates are ready and here! Open this bottle for me!
A few minutes later the ship rocks gentle as the Bo’sun climbs aboard, chatting with Kathleen.
The Bo’sun grins at Chance - Her story features a ghosts, a witch, twins, and a couple who meet in an addiction recovery center!
- Yup, I heard that! Sorta like the idea of a twin chatting with the passed over twin!! Come on over, Kathleen, I gots a nice toasty hot buttered rum fer ya ta start the mornin’ off right! So, tell us ‘bout this dead twin and how she’s gonna mess about wit’ yer heroine’s life!
Thanks for inviting me aboard, Chance. Takes a sip from her cup. Hmm! Good rum! Clears her throat and set the rum down on the bar. Now, to answer your question. Echoes at Dawn is my first novel and it’s a paranormal romance. The strangely intertwined lives of a widowed mother,, and a charismatic bachelor come together in order to show that in life there are no coincidences…only destiny.
Chance raised an eyebrow - So, how does the handsome doctor come inta the picture? Yes, there be a handsome doctor in the book…though I read he gots a secret past that needs dealing wit’. She glances at Hector, Don’t they all!
He nonchalantly looks away.
-True, but that makes them interesting! Madeline attends a lecture given by Nat Griffin, and is intrigued by his ability to deliver a compelling speech. He holds his audience captive with his emotional delivery. The attendees are not the only one he holds captive. From that moment on, Madeline wants to learn everything about him.
Chance tilts her head. So, does the heroine have any a’ this talent fer chattin’ wit’ the dead? Is there a villain ta this book? And btw, I do like yer cover!
Thanks, I love the cover, too. There’s a scene in the book to match it. Oops! Maybe I should let you find out for yourself.
You see, Madeline has no special abilities when it comes to spells or talking to the dead. It’s her mother who practices witchcraft. Katy’s recent dementia does not keep her from her from remembering how to stir up a potion, or cast a spell to help someone in need. There are no real villains in the story, only remnants from Madeline’s and Nat’s past, left behind by the repercussions of alcoholism.
Chance takes a sip of rum. No villain, interestin’! Can ya tell us yer call story? All the lasses love a good call story!
Hector breaks in, Shouldn’t ya be callin’ it an e-mail story anymore! With all this modern technology, does anyone actually call any… Chance yanks at his beard and Barbossa closes his mouth. Pardon me, go on!
Sure, I’d love to. I worked on Echoes at Dawn for a couple of years. It had control of my heart, so I nurtured it. I had some interest from a few editors and got a couple of offers which I turned down. One day while I read The Liberty State Fiction Writers Newsletter, I saw a book by another author from Decadent Publishing. I researched the site and liked what I saw. I submitted soon after. I had a feeling it was where I was supposed to be. Before long I got an acceptance letter and almost fell off of my chair. I had finally found a home for my baby. I had an appointment to pitch the following weekend at a writer’s conference. I decided to take the contract with Decadent Publishing and canceled my appointment. I knew it was the right decision.
It’s always amazin’ how these things work out! Now, ya gots a blurb ta share? And excerpt? And can ya tell us when the book be available? And where?
Echoes at Dawn is set to be released on March 30th by Decadent Publishing.
Here’s the blurb I brought along, just for all of you!
- Waterfront restaurant chef Madeline Young adores her job. If only her love and family’s lives were as successful as her career. With a teenage son, who spends time in the emergency room for alcohol poisoning and a dementia-plagued mother, Madeline doesn’t know how much more she can handle. Then her mother enlists the help of her deceased twin sister, Mary to guide Madeline to true happiness. An early dawn visit from the spirit directs Madeline to volunteer at the local hospitals center for addiction recovery, where she comes alive for the first time in many years under the attention of Nat Griffin.
Nathaniel Griffin, a part-time counselor and contractor, fascinates his clients with his lectures. In keeping with his philosophy of professionalism, Nat prefers to keep his personal life private. When attraction tests his beliefs, Nat must confront his marred past. Is he willing to face his demons or take the easier path and remain isolated?
Can unworldly ghosts save this couple from their own destructive behavior?
And here’s a sneak peek.
The day was about to end, and so far, it had been unbelievable. I felt at ease and relaxed in Nat’s company. I sat down on the sofa and realized what might happen next. As I closed my eyes, I sunk into the plush velvety sofa. My mind drifted, while I listened to the melody. A warm sense of familiarity enabled me enjoy the moment. Nat got up to dim the lights and placed a few candles on the mantle. The fireplace had gorgeous gold details around the marble, which added an extra hint of drama to the room. Nat returned and moved close to me. He looked into my eyes provocatively and gently placed his arms around me. Before I could react, he pulled me up against his chest. Our lips met in a kiss that sparked all the desires of a lifetime. It seemed to last forever as we embraced. I gave in to the temptation. While we remained in each other’s arms, I felt his heart race. The warmth of his body heat tantalized my senses, and I felt the strength of his back muscles as he held me close. Nat placed my head on his shoulder, and kept his arms around me. The sound of our breathing meshed together as one. It seemed as if time stood stopped, yet an hour had passed.
He whispered to me softly. “Let’s go to the second level balcony. “I want you to see where I meditate. I think you’ll love the view.”
Nat took my hand, put out the candles, and slowly led me upstairs. He told me to close my eyes and guided me outside.
“Okay, open your eyes now.” He gently moved my shoulders and faced me in the right direction.
In front of me was picturesque scenery, with trees as far as the eye could see. It was lovely and the stars sparkled in the sky above us. “It’s amazing up here,” I said. The stars sparkled in the sky above us, and the vintage lamp posts in the corners gave an ambience of romance. Trees with auburn tipped leaves surrounded by tones of yellow and brown surrounded the area. Tiny lights sparkled in between the winding trails. The peaceful sound of a fountain trickled gracefully in the background. It was a magical garden.
“I come up here to relax, and just breathe,” he said.
“Oh, Nat, this is amazing.”
He turned on the stereo upstairs. Before I could realize it, we were slow dancing. Nat gently placed his arms around me and placed his cheek next to mine. We danced under the stars as our bodies connected on every beat.
***
Chance sighs, I love a good bit a’ dancin’! I hopes ya will be stickin’ round fer questions!
You can find me at; http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com/
http://kathleenanngallagher.net/Home.html
http://www.facebook.com/#!/
http://www.decadentpublishing.com/
http://twitter.com/
- I had a blast chatting with you. I’d love to do it again. Thanks for the hospitality and the Rum!!!
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39 comments:
Let's welcome Kathleen to the blog! She's been great to me, hosted me several times in the last few weeks as I push the new releases... And it's another wonderful Decadent cover! Whoop!
I'm happy to be aboard, Chance! Thank you for the invitation.
Welcome aboard, Kathleen, and congrats on the book!
I'm curious what made you pass up the previous offers? And what are you working on now?
Kathleen, congrats on your book release. :) What sparked the idea? (I always love to hear how a book gets started.)
And Barbossa's right -- they probably should be called "email stories" but it doesn't have the same ring to it!
Welcome aboard, Kathleen!
I love stories with ghosts. This sounds really interesting, especially the idea of a sister ghost guide. How fun.
Your excerpt is great too. I'm with Chance; I love a good dancing scene.
Hi Kathleen
I must be honest. Destiny and spirit guides don't ring true in my world of Quantum Physics.
I'm already asking myself "Does the deceased sister have the wisdom 'to guide Madeleine to true happiness'?". She was human after all! :lol:
However, after reading the 'sneak peak' I like the voice and style. Perhaps I will suspend belief for a while and try the book ..... If you can promise me a HEA and no bloodshed.
Great to meet you aboard the Revenge! :D
Hi Kathleen, welcome aboard and have plenty of rum! We love to share!
I second Donna's question of how you came up with your story--what sparked it? And also, do you have a core story you like to write about in all your books?
What will be coming next for you?
Morning, pirates! Gak! another rainy day along the Central Coast. I've given Kathleen a nudge so hopefully she'll be back answering questions soon!
But yup, Barbossa is right! But e-mail story don't have the same ring to it... I did get a phone call once the agent had the offer but the original contact with the agent was by e-mail...
Is that how it went fer you, Donnaroo? Hal?
ARGH! Kathleen's been kidnapped and forced to work today and her employer blocks our site! Evil employer! As if we post naughty pictures...
She can e-mail, so we be tryin' ta work something out!
Evil employers is right! Don't they know we have things to do?
Aye! and an employee that can unchain themselves from the desk, even if it be for a short time, be a more productive employee.
I know Kathleen had arranged fer the day off to be with us, but editing demands and a killer deadline forced her ta change those plans...not knowing she'd be blocked!
Shocking, I tell ya! Shocking!
Can't be helped.
Its destiny after all! :wink:
Q - *groan!
;-)
Fine - Let's talk about destiny then. Doesn't work for you, Q? How about Karma? I believe in Karma more than destiny, I think. Karma is always changing, destiny seems to locked in.
Chance, my initial contact with Christine was when she called me, very unexpectedly. I picked up the phone thinking it was my friend, since she and I had been talking on the phone a lot that night, so I was stunned when it was Christine instead. LOL
Bo'sun - I wonder if Karma isn't really just another spin on destiny. Though destiny is more about almost a lack of choice, where Karma is all about the consequences of choice... So nevermind, they aren't alike at all!
Ah, Donnaroo! You got the phone call! That is cool! As I said, I didn't get a phone call until it was ... "Decadent made an offer, S--- declined...you want to accept or keep pursuing another place...?"
I can imagine picking up your phone, thinking it was someone else... Don't you have caller ID? ;-)
When Saritza did call, I stared at my caller id a few seconds, then calmly got up from my chair at Starbucks and went outside to chat...it is amazing all the thoughts that can flit through a head in a few dozen steps...
Chance, I do have caller ID, but my BFF had called me about 4 times in a row, so I figured it was her again and didn't even LOOK at the phone before picking it up. I'm just lucky I answered it normally instead of with "What now?" LOL
I was so stunned, though, that when Christine said who she was, I just said, "Oh. I thought you were going to be my friend." LOL
I'll bet you had a ton of thoughts flitting thru your mind when Saritza called. :)
First and foremost was... "Has she changed her mind about representing me? Has everyone rejected the book?"
I swear, what is it about the attraction of bad news?
And up, you're lucky you didn't answer with something akin to ... Don't you have a life? Go away!
Well, crew...I haven't heard back from Kathleen again, I bet she's been tied ta the mast and is being whipped.
Hope she's the sort who enjoys that stuff...
And I'm off for an appointment...
Feel free to raid the bar and discuss karma. Which should be very interesting after raiding the bar...
Well, I missed my Call. But I have it on my answering machine, so I can play it ovah and ovah and do the Sally Field thing: "You like me, you really like me." I'm so pathetic.
Kathleen, I like your voice in the excerpt. It's very romantic, and soothing.
I'm not due for a call from an agent or editor, but I thought about what would happen if I get a call about the GH this Friday. NOT going to happen, really, but my luck it would be a big name author and when she says her name, I'll say something stupid like, "Are you fucking kidding me??"
I can't see any way to recover from that. LOL!
Hey! kathleen got a bottle out ta me...
So... Bo'sun Thanks so much! The first offer I received was when I had the first draft of Echoes at Dawn. I subimitted to an e pub. I wasn't ready to introduce my baby to the world. I probably submitted too early. I'm working on a contemporary romance with a thirty year old woman who works as a journalist as my heroine. I'm trying to think of a magical element to add, but we'll see where my muse leads me.
Donna Thanks for the warm welcome. I got my inspiration for Echoes at Dawn when I found a album of old family photos. I was fascinated by one in particular. It was taken sometime in the 1920's. There were twin sister in the front row. I started thinking about their lives and if their connection was stronger then other sisters. The story grew from there. I put the photo in a frame and keep it on display now in my office.
Yes, I agree a call story does sound better then a e call. But, I screamed the same when I saw my inbox.
Marnee, Thanks for stopping by. I've loved ghost stories since I was a little girl. I'm glad you liked my excerpt. A hero who dances under the stars is my kind of guy.
Quantum, Thanks for visiting and making me feel welcome. I promise you a HEA and NO blood shed, either. The concept of guidance from an unknown force can happen, you never know. Well, at least it can make you feel better.
Hellion, Nice to meet you, too. Thanks for the rum.. Hiccup! As I said before, the old photo was what originally sparked the idea for Echoes at Dawn. I like to add a magical element into my stories. I'm interested in knowing why we choose are partners. It gives me something to investigate. I incorporate an element of kismet in my books. My next book is a contemporary romance. Working title is 'A Single Word'.
Chance, Thanks for your help. I'm sorry to miss out on the fun. The rum was good. Now, I have to have a cup of coffee. Duty calls.
Pat - I kinda like the idea that you have a permanent record. Of course, I hoard e-mail messages so I do have that, too! If I could find it in my massive mailbox... I really need to clean that out one of these days!
My friend, Pat...when she was younger... She and her son, who was terminally ill, went bonkers entering a contest for a trip to the Busch Gardens. The deadline passed, they didn't get a call and set it aside. Then she gets a call that they had won the grand/grand prize! A trip to Denmark! And she hung up on the caller, "Saying that's not funny! My little boy is already heartbroken!"
They called back.
She hung up again.
They tried for a third time and this time, she listened. And got a wonderful trip to Denmark with her son to remember.
OMG! I'm so glad that they kept calling back!
I think they even got someone else to call so she'd listen. She was so upset and really thought it was a 'friend' playing a prank...
She was living poor...and it had been something to keep her little boy's spirits up. When she inevitably lost him, she went back to Denmark and stayed with friends they'd made for nearly two years.
Congratulations on your new book, Kathleen
Hello, I'm alive. The evil employer let me out early. i can't believe it, since it never happens. Fate? Or Karma?
I know Karma is the effect of a person's actions resulting in determining their destiny. Why do we make the decisions? Are things meant to be? It's something to think about, anyway.
I believe negative energy can result in injury. Where positive energy can make dreams come true.
Pat; It's great to see you here. I'm so glad you enjoyed my excerpt. I like the sound of the words, romantic and soothing.
lol I would listen to my call over and over again, too. I still can't believe I'm almost a published author. Echoes at Dawn will be released on March 30th. YEAH!!!!!
Leanne: Thanks for joining the party. I'm sorry that I had to leave ealry.
Karma as the effect of a person's action resulting in determining their destiny...
Eh...not sure I buy that. But I'm not sure I believe in the idea of a predestined destiny. Least that is what destiny seems to me. Something that is laid out for you...
I think of karma as a bank...you do good, you make deposits, it pays out interest. You screw up, you default on loans, you get back credit...you end up screwed back. It's a bit like fate...which isn't really destiny, because fate isn't predetermined, it's the result of your actions.
Chance: Thank you for standing in for me today. I love The Romance Writer's Revenge. I would love to visit again. If I'm ever invited back, I promise I won't be on the schedule at work.
I'm glad your friend finally took the call and that her son had an opportunity to visit Denmark with his mother.
I believe in destiny. Why was I in the right place at the right time? That sort of thing,makes me wonder. It's fun to imagine what destiny has in store for my career. Everything good takes hard work and determination. Well, now I'm babbling.
Yer very welcome, Kathleen. Glad to do it! We'll see bout having you back later this summer.
As for destiny? I don't know...I believe in chance. And a hell of a lot of good luck. And putting yourself with deliberation in the path of chance, then riding it to a screaming and exhilerating ride all the way to the end of life.
Babble? Me?
Kathleen, can't wait until your book comes out! Wow! What a fun posting this was!
Kathleen, can't wait until your book comes out! WOw! What a cool posting today! Very fun!
Deena, I'm so happy! My release date is March 30th.
WHOOOOOOOT!!!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by tonight.
Thanks to everyone on The Romance Writer's Revenge for your hospitality. I had a lot of fun! I would love to visit again. Next time I won't be missing in action.
Thanks for being with us, Kathleen. Sorry, I forgot to check back in last night! Congrats again on the book release. We've gotten a little taste of that following Chance around, but most of us can only dream of how that will feel. :)
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