Guest Post & Giveaway: Celtic Sister by Meira Pentermann

Welcome to the tour of Celtic Sister by Meira Pentermann.  The full tour schedule can be seen at http://www.elitebookpromotions.com/book-tours/.

A man looking for his sister meets a woman running from her past. A notebook filled with cryptic clues leads them on an unexpected adventure.

Celtic Sister is a tender portrayal of a woman propelled on the journey of her life - both literally and spiritually. Told with a compelling mix of realism and humor, the sensitive issues of marital abuse and alcoholism are woven into an unsolved mystery. The result is a meaningful tale of courage and love.

Buy @ Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

On slow, snowy days in her Colorado home, Meira Pentermann enjoys cozying up on the couch with a novel. Naturally, snow is not a requirement; neither is the couch. In fact, she sees no reason not to indulge in reading three-hundred-and-sixty-five days a year. Dystopian science fiction, mysteries, and young adult titles top her Kindle list, but legal thrillers and chik-lit make an appearance now and then.

When not absorbed in writing or reading, Meira enjoys life's little moments with her family - the love and devotion of her black lab, the quiet wisdom of her artistic twenty-five-year-old, the trials and triumphs of her petite ninth grader, and the unlimited encouragement offered by her Dutch husband.

Meira strives to write stories that deliver the unexpected. She prefers down-to-earth characters that look and behave like regular folks. The prom queen and Adonis take a backseat to reclusive, soul-searching heroines and quirky, introverted gentlemen.

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IN MY HABITAT

- GUEST POST BY MEIRA PENTERMANN

Hi, Vidya. Thank you for inviting me to In My Habitat.

We’ve been living in the same house for over ten years, so this is where all my novels began – at a tiered computer desk, covered with office supplies and knick-knacks. I am very happy when I sit here. The clutter is cozy in a way. When I look at this picture, I realize I have a small obsession with calendars. Apparently, I really need to be grounded in the date. My older daughter gave me the “Grace” daily calendar in the center. It has rotating blocks, and I change it every day. My younger daughter creates themed monthly calendars every year for Christmas. This year’s theme is photos of our dog.

My office is located in the far corner of the house, away from the kitchen and living areas. When I really want privacy, I close the door and post a “Do Not Enter” sign. I have made a variety of signs over the years ¬¬– “Stop. Writing In Progress” – with quirky photos. One time I used a skull and crossbones, which now strikes me as a smidge on the hostile side. I must have been experiencing a lot of interruptions during that period. J

This is the view from my window, although I have to stand up and cross the room to see it. We really enjoy living on the open space. I used to walk my daughter to elementary school along that path. Now we walk the dog.

Speaking of the dog, Buddy is our lab/chow mix. He is practically glued to my hip. When I swivel my chair 180 degrees away from my computer screen, this is what I see.

The love of a dog is a truly amazing thing, almost a spiritual experience. . . But if he could stay in his bed, the carpet might be a little cleaner.

Finally, I love artwork, and I have a variety in my room – from paintings made by my children to pieces by local artists. Two of my favorites:

Green Girl by a Taos, New Mexico artist named Rory Wagner. This is a numbered print. I like the Johannes Vermeer-feeling of the piece.

Firefly Beach fans will love this – the original painting by Amy Feiman created in 2007 as a potential cover for Firefly Beach. Lyrical Press released Firefly Beach with a different cover in 2009, but when I took over the rights in 2012 and self-published the second edition of Firefly Beach, I was able to use Amy’s beautiful painting.

The light in the glass is a reflection of my camera flash. . . or is it?

Thank you for letting me share some details from my writing habitat. This has been a lot of fun.

GIVEAWAY

The author is giving away ecopy of CELTIC SISTER to one winner of the Rafflecopter.

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In My Habitat - Guest Post by Randi Everheart + Giveaway

Author: Randi Everheart

Title: Tristan

Series: A Kendall Family Novel #1

Release Date: December 23rd, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Links: Amazon | Goodreads | Createspace

Five years ago, Tristan Kendall left home and the woman he loved to prove himself on the sport bike racing circuit. With his career briefly on hold, he’s come to realize everything - and everyone - he ever wanted was right at home all along. Now he’s determined to win back her heart no matter the cost.

But Victoria Lane’s been through more than Tristan knows since he broke her heart. No longer the girl he once knew, she has a life to live, and a heart to give, but only to someone who’s planning to stick around. And she’s sure that isn’t him. Can he convince her that she’s the only victory lane he wants to be in? 

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IN MY HABITAT

- Guest Post by Randi Everheart

Thanks for having me!

I’ve been writing for many years and have gone through a few desks in my time.  But I’m now happy to report that I am desk-free!  Laptops are so much easier to work on and I do NOT miss my desktop computer.  That said, sometimes I need more quiet than I typically get and retire to my recording studio, taking the laptop with me.  

Yes, I’m also a musician, one who’s recorded a few CDs over the years, though I confess to not having much time anymore.  I have to choose between fiction and music, usually, and used to put music first.  But now fiction is front and center!

Since I work on a laptop now, I don’t really have a desk, unless you want to consider my lap one.  That’s where the magic happens – whether there’s a computer there or not ;)

One of the reasons I need more peace and quiet sometimes is my toddler, who I watch after work while trying to write, too.  He’s very self-sufficient with play.  In fact, when I get down on the floor with him, he gives me about 5 minutes before deciding he’s bored with me and wants to do something else.  It works out pretty well, normally, allowing me to write and hang out with him at the same time.

But I certainly have to stop mid-sentence to help him at times.  Or give him a bottle, change him, or comfort him after a tumble.  And here is his latest handiwork, a broken window that’s still boarded up while I wait for the insurance guys to get it fixed:

He broke it right in front of me while I was writing a sentence.  I was just about to tell him to stop tapping on the glass with his plastic golf club when it shattered.  He was okay, but the window wasn’t!

So that’s my current view as I’m writing right now.  It’s darker now, too, because I leave the curtains closed to prevent him from playing with the boarded up window – that already gave him a splinter!  One table is now in front of it to bar the way.  It’s certainly not the first time we’ve rearranged the room for him.

This is the chair I sit in while writing; it’s also been moved from its usual position due to the kiddo, but that’s been true so long I don’t remember where it used to be!  It’s a recliner and has cup holders for water (and wine).  I used to write on the couch you see behind it until the recliner handle broke a while ago and the spouse and I just can’t around to fixing it.  Funny how every errand takes a long time to do with a toddler around, but my writing takes priority over some household stuff.

I sometimes get my best writing done during his naps or after bedtime, not surprisingly.  Or when my spouse takes over.  I try to get computer errands like promotional stuff done when I’m more distracted.  It’s a life.

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AUTHOR BIO

Randi Everheart is an avid author of romance, due in no small part to being a diehard romantic.  After all, Randi once wrote a song for the object of a crush and penned a fifty page love letter for another! The same spirit now flows into these stories – hopefully to win your heart!

Randi has a Bachelors of Music in classical guitar but has always been more of a rocker, having released several albums under another name.  Tendonitis in both arms ended career plans in music, leading to a new career as a software developer. Today Randi co-owns a software consulting firm and lives in the Maryland suburbs north of D.C., is married, and loves spending time with son Ryan when not writing, playing guitar or golf, or writing smut.

AUTHOR LINKS: Website | Twitter | Facebook

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GIVEAWAY

Please enter the Rafflecopter giveaway to win the ecopy of Tristan by Randi Everheart.  The giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY until March 10th, 2014.  There will be five winners.  So, all the best!

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"In My Habitat" - Guest Post by Anna Staniszewski

Today, we have an amazing author with us - Anna Staniszewski.  You know how much I love her "My Very Unfairy Tale Life" (see review here and here).  Today, we are going to see her upcoming release, "The Dirt Diary", and an amazing guest post!  You can see my review of this book at the beginning of next month.

Original Title: The Dirt Diary

Author: Anna Staniszewski 

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Release Date: January 7th, 2014

Genre: Middle Grade

After her parents' divorce, eighth-grader Rachel Lee joins her mother's new housecleaning business, which has her scrubbing bathrooms in her more popular classmates' homes and learning useful secrets.

IN MY HABITAT

- Guest Post by Anna Staniszewski 

I used to dream of the day when I could have an office just for writing. I imagined a desk where I’d sit for hours brainstorming ideas, solving plot problems, and typing furiously when inspiration struck. A few years ago, my husband and I moved into a new house with a space for my very own office. Finally, my dream had come true!

At first, I used the desk all the time, and I loved having my own space that I could fill with books.

But as the years went on, I started doing most of my writing anywhere BUT at my desk. I came to the realization that I’m more of a nest writer than a desk writer. I like to snuggle into the corner of the living room sofa with my laptop perched on my knees, my dog sprawled by my feet.

Or sometimes, if I need a spot that feels more official, I go curl up on the sofa in my husband’s home office with my dog napping nearby.

There are days, though, when I need to get some serious work done. So, instead of sitting in my office, I get in my car and drive to The Writers’ Loft (an amazing non-profit founded by my friend Heather) and sit at one of THEIR desks. Why? Because those are days when I need more than a desk; I need a feeling of community as well.

Now, don’t feel too bad for my desk. It may be a little bit neglected, but the truth is that it served me well for as long as I needed it. My writing preferences may have changed, but it’s still there if I need it. And just think, that lucky desk has an office all to itself!

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Thanks for the amazing post, Anna!  What do you think of Anna's writing spots?

"In My Habitat" - by February Grace

Hello lovelies, so weekend has started.  And this is India and we celebrate an amazing festival here tomorrow.  I am doing a special post tomorrow describing Diwali to the world.  Don't miss it out!

And here today, we have February Grace, author of "Of Stardust", which I will be reviewing in the next month.  And she has given us a great guest post with adorable images of her life.  I loved it and I hope you do too.

Welcome, February!

IN MY HABITAT

- Guest Post by February Grace

My habitat has changed a lot in the past year or so. For fourteen years we lived in 1000+ sq. foot, two bedroom townhouse- 200 square feet of which consisted of storage space in the basement. When my daughter moved out and we needed less space, we opted to downsize in a major way: to a small one bedroom apartment in a more desirable area, at the cost of space to store stuff.

Going through the process of sorting/donating/giving away was exhausting but also liberating. I have come to love our little 800 sq. foot, one bedroom apartment. For one thing, I have to think very hard before I bring anything new into the place, and I won't do so unless I know for certain exactly where it's going to go!

At the old place, I wrote holed up in a dark little corner of the living room. Now, we have a living room with a cathedral ceiling that feels very open and I have claimed what would have been the 'dining area' in that open plan for my workspace for writing, painting, making collages, and collecting the things I do collect. It is wonderful to write comfortably out in the open, (well, except when he decides that he wants to try to push the laptop off of my lap.)

I don't write at a desk at all anymore. This came about of necessity as I have a very bad back so I need to sit in a comfortable position to be able to write at all. This is my favorite glider rocker.

I actually use a lap desk for my laptop and the rocking ottoman to prop my feet up while writing. This is what I see from where I sit.

This is one of my favorite views in the apartment. Being that it is so small, I have tried to infuse personality into every little corner I can. On this shelf you'll find some of my favorite books, as well as notebooks from novels past and present, a figurine or two, and a couple of things that are keepsakes I've picked up representing key items in my stories (note the model of Gus's 1958 Chevy pickup from OF STARDUST in this shot.)

To the left of the bookshelf is another little bookshelf, with a memory board behind it and little boxes and my favorite place to keep my pencils.

To my right, there is some of my own artwork on the walls. I favor bright colors. I always have, but after losing my sight entirely for a time and then only regaining part of it back (but gaining what I call 'hyper colors' thanks to my eyes not filtering UV anymore after several surgeries) I especially love having the white walls to showcase the colors of my paintings and also collages that I make. Many of those are also inspiration pieces for stories I am or have worked on.

If I turn to my extreme right and look almost over my shoulder into the kitchen (the place where all-important coffee and chocolate ice cream sodas- my fuel- are made) I see some of the Disney keepsakes I have picked up over the years. I am especially fond of Disney Monorails so you can see, my kitchen shows that. There are several more Monorails in other locations in the kitchen.

Finally, when I sit on the couch (which I like to do when I'm editing stories on paper away from the screen) I'm facing the other direction. There is a huge, sunny glass door wall to let in lots of light on summer days, and another of my favorite views in the apartment: a Disney themed painting I did, along with a bookshelf/bench holding my collection of hardcover Victoria Magazine decorating books (which is one of my few prized possessions) and a few plush friends.

Notice the throw pillow in the middle- I picked that up on my last trip to Walt Disney World and felt it quite an appropriate addition to my home, especially now that I have made such close friends with a few Fairy Godparents : It says: "Believe In Magic."

I hope you've enjoyed this peek behind the scenes at me in my unique habitat! Thank you so much to Vidya for hosting me today!