I was featured this weekend at Joleene Naylor’s site, Amaranthine Night. 
Very cool writer. Go check her work out.
And also I’m over at Jackie’s Housewife Blues and Chihuahua Stories again, this time talking about some history that worked into a minor character in my novel. What history? Well, you know the drill…you have to read to find out! 
Yikes! This is the kind of day I’ve been having. I forgot to post the fact that I’ve got one more guest post today. At soon-t0-be debut UF author Jill Archer’s blog. Thanks to her for putting me up, and for tweeting it. I hope, if you haven’t yet, you’ll stop by…I’m talking about (what else?) Ghosts.
http://jillarcherauthor.wordpress.com/2012/09/15/ghosts-as-paranormal-heroes-by-juli-d-revezzo/
Sorry to get this up so darned late… See, I had this ghost who was noodling with my sink… Not really but there were some household problems. *ugh* Pleasant dreams, all!
A couple things, one: I haz a pretty new cover. Did you see?
Awesome, eh?
Well, I have no clever, witty words yet this morning, as coffee hasn’t kicked in. But I wanted to say I’m guest posting today over at Amie Louellen’s blog today, so do what she says: Live, Love, and be happy!
Oh, yes, and go see my guest post, here. *waves* to Amie. I will get you over here one day, sister, to. Until then, have a good morning, and me, I’m loping over to the coffee pot!
I don’t usually post my reviews here, but since Patty’s to be my guest today, I thought I’d break with tradition–again.
The Secret of Lighthouse Pointe
In Indie supernatural suspense author Patty G. Henderson’s recent title The Secret of Lighthouse Pointe, she delves into a somewhat new form, a Lesbian Gothic Romantic Suspense. She sets her heroine in the time of the War of 1812. Desperate after losing her job as a milliner, Constance Beechum considers suicide a viable alternative.
Until she receives a letter from her uncle asking her to become caretaker of a dying woman in Castine, Maine. She immediately packs what little she owns and moves to Maine. Here, she meets the woman’s strange family, Roger, Edward and Catherine Gerard. There’s something weird about all of them; the dying Elizabeth seems to be the only normal one in the bunch. And then there’s the handsome, mysterious George Kane.
Constance doesn’t know what to make of any of her new acquaintances, but she knows to tread lightly, as both Edward and Roger want nothing more than to get her into their beds. She, however, wants neither of them. More importantly, the men are waiting for their aged, infirm mother to die so they can get their hands on a great treasure, supposedly discovered by their grandfather in the early 1700s. Constance must tread lightly and do the best she can to ease Elizabeth’s final days. But what are those strange lights she’s seeing from the nearby lighthouse, who are the hooded men she’s seen in the hallway and outside, in town; and why does she find George Kane so appealing? Odd that, when she doesn’t usually go for his type.
You’ll have to read to find out!
Yes, Ms. Henderson experimented with a new form in her The Secret of Lighthouse Pointe, harkening back to the Gothics of the 60s and 70s, but her usual hallmarks are here. If you enjoyed her Brenda Strange novels, I think you will enjoy this too. I did. If you’d like to give it a try it’s available at Amazon for Kindle and Paperback, and also for Epub through Lulu.com.
Also, while we have your attention, I interviewed Patty recently. Don’t miss the Q and A, here.
The Indie scene is hot right now, but for years before the explosion, many authors delved into it bravely. One such is my good friend Patty G. Henderson. She started out writing comics and fanzines in the 60s and 70s, and moved on to pen her own novels, produced by various houses over the years
Author Patty G. Henderson
included Bella Books. She moved out on her own some years ago and producing her most popular series, the Brenda Strange Supernatural Mysteries. She recently decided to try something new, releasing two Gothic Romances harkening back to the great Gothics of the ’60s and ’70s. She has her own publishing imprint, Blanca Rosa Publishing, and is also skilled in graphic arts and has her own graphics business Boulevard Photografica. (*points to sidebar*) and yes, she’s good–and I’m not just saying that because she did my cover art.
She recently sat down with me for an official-like Q and A to talk about her work.
Patty, thanks for being with us today. Can you tell us, what was the inspiration for THE SECRET OF LIGHTHOUSE POINTE?
Patty G. Henderson: I’ve always wanted to try my hand at writing an old timey paperback “Gothic,” the type you would find in any neighborhood drug store or grocery store in the 60s and 70s. They were easily recognizable by their dark, brooding covers usually featuring a young woman running away from a dark, gloomy castle or big mansion. And the mysterious man she falls in love with turns out to be her hero. But since I write lesbian fiction, I wanted to write my Gothic as a Historical set in 1812, just before the start of hostilities between the newly minted American colonies and the Brits, where the woman meets and falls in love with another woman who turns out to be her heroine! So, I decided to write one and that was my very first Gothic, THE SECRET OF LIGHTHOUSE POINTE.
Sounds like fun–what am I saying? It was very entertaining! What kind of research, if any, did you have to do in order to write the book?
Patty: With Historicals, there has to be a serious attempt at research. I read books on the political and military upheavals that were part of that era and what exactly led to the escalation and start of the War of 1812. I also researched what type of commerce was applicable for the region where I decided to set my story, the morals, dress, language and cultural norms of the era.
Sounds like a lot of work, but you know I’m always for research. So, who’s your favorite character in this particular book? Oops. I know, it’s like picking your favorite sibling, right? Anyway, twisting your arm, can you tell us the answer?
Patty: I never have one favorite character. I love George/Georgina and Constance, of course, but the Edward, Roger and Catherine are so deliciously evil and despicable that I love them in a “villain” sort of way.
Roger…grr…(well, friends, you’ll just have to read the book to see why I say that. But yeah, they’re all interesting). Next question, is there a particular tidbit you’d like to share about THE SECRET OF LIGHTHOUSE POINTE?
Patty G. Henderson: About half way through the book, my precious mama got sick and after a heart-breaking near two weeks in the hospital, passed away.
I’m so sorry.
Patty G. Henderson: She was my everything and I suddenly didn’t know what would become of me without her. I suddenly found that writing and working on finishing THE SECRET OF LIGHTHOUSE POINTE was therapeutic for me in helping with the grief. It was something I knew my mama would have wanted me to do. I dedicated the book to her. But it was a very tough time for me but the book will always help me remember my mama in a very special way. I changed my publishing imprint to reflect the love and admiration I have for my mama, Blanca Rosa.
The dedication to her definitely shows that.
You’ve been Indie publishing for quite a while now. What draws you to it?
Patty G. Henderson: Freedom. Independence in publishing. Total control of one’s career from start to finish. I went through three traditional publishers, two small and one a large and established lesbian publisher, Bella Books. I was not satisfied with any of the experiences. One was a nightmare, the second not much better and the third was just lacking what I was looking for my career. I like being able to track how my books are doing in both eBook and trade paperback through Amazon and though self-pubbing does take some initial output, in the long run, the profits are better. I would never, ever consider signing a contract with a publisher again and encourage any new or established author to consider self-pubbing as a viable and attractive alternative to publishing.
It’s definitely that. What do you think of the recent shift in thinking on Indie publishing?
Patty G. Henderson: It is the new Golden Age of Publishing. The doors to the gates have been broken down and wide open. Agents and their elitism are no longer the ones calling the shots and choosing who makes it or who doesn’t. We now have the power to elevate the ones who should be the true gate keepers: The readers. Readers can now decide who and what to read and what is worth recommending or not. It is the reader base we as authors must now cultivate.
Definitely an interesting shift in the landscape, that’s for sure. Is there any advice or words of wisdom you’d like to pass on to those who’d like to dip their toes in the Indie waters?
Patty G. Henderson: I encourage any author, new or established to explore all avenues of self-pubbing. Do lots of research and choose the path that meets the requirements for what you’re looking for in your writing career. Don’t be afraid to ask questions from other self-pubbed authors. Write your book and make it as good and as professional as any traditionally published book on the market. You will be competing with the big guys and your book should reflect that. Get a good editor. Find a professional book cover artist. Do not skimp on these important parts of your book.
Good Advice. (*cough* And I’d encourage any indie author to see about Patty’s cover art work. ) Can you tell our readers a little about THE SECRET OF LIGHTHOUSE POINTE?
Patty G. Henderson: The book is an homage to the old, paperback Gothics of the 60s and 70s where the heroine finds herself in a dark, menacing castle or manor, where she meets challenges involving murder, secrets, etc. and usually meets a dark and handsome hero who somehow manages to save her and they live happily ever after…..Except…..that in THE SECRET OF LIGHTHOUSE POINTE, the “hero” my heroine meets isn’t a “hero” at all but a heroine and they do fall in love and live happily ever after. The book is a lesbian Gothic Historical Romance.
Finally, do you have any forthcoming projects you’d like to share with our readers? What’s next for you after THE SECRET OF LIGHTHOUSE POINTE?
Patty G. Henderson: I always love to talk about new books.
Good! ‘Cause I love to hear about them.
Patty G. Henderson: I’ve just published, this July 3rd, 2012, my newest lesbian Gothic Historical Romance, CASTLE OF DARK SHADOWS. The book is set in the Victorian Era and tells the tale of Olivia Hampton, a book lover and librarian 
assistant, who is offered the job of cataloging an aging and sick man’s extensive library. She finds out that she must travel to the famous and isolated Dunraven family castle where she is to do the work. She didn’t count on the history of madness and murder that follows the Dunraven family or that she would fall hopelessly in love with Marion Dunraven, heiress to the Dunraven estate. There is, of course, murder, suspense and lots of lightning, dark halls, candlelit romance and all the goodies associated with Gothic romances. It’s available now via Amazon in Kindle and trade paperback and also ePub via Nook at Barnes and Noble online.
Thanks for being with us Patty, good luck with Castle of Dark Shadows. Folks, if you’d like to learn more about Patty G. Henderson and her works, you can visit her online at: http://www.pattyghenderson.com/ or follow her on Twitter: @PattyGHenderson
In the interest of open communication let me say no, this review has nothing to do with the fact that Jolene Dawe’s hosted me in the past and soon will again. I’ve had this book on my pile since she (interest again) sent it to me at Christmas but with all that’s happened this year I just didn’t have a chance to get around to it. Jolene, bless her heart, has the patience of a …well, you know. Truth is, I’ve known Jolene a long time. She’s my friend, but also my #1 writing buddy. So, I heard all about this collection from the time of its inception. Please do not let that sway your judgement….I wouldn’t say this if it wasn’t true:
HOLY SMOKES, THIS LADY CAN WRITE!!!
Her book(s) are one of a handful that I’d gladly shove in front of anyone whether they like to read or not. One of those writers who I Wish. She’d. Write. Faster. Darn it. (Speaking of darning…she knits too)…
*Hides friendship bracelet* Yes, well, judge me if you will, I love Jolene’s work and she’s never handed me anything that would make me change that view. I loved her last collection, I love her short stories that have been published (*Cough* here and here), even ones that haven’t (and why they haven’t been is a damned crying shame).
She’s one of my best buds, and darn it, an influence on my work. There, I said it, and truthfully. See the italics above.
But I digress…. ahem, my official review for The Fairy Queen then, goes thusly…
What can I say about Jolene’s new book? The Fairy Queen of Spencer’s Butte , being currently available for Kindle and paperback, and pdf, is her latest collection of tales of magic and mystic wonder fueled by the landscape around Eugene, Oregon, of which she is clearly fond. But this is no mere travelogue. In these tales, she twists reality to create a stage for the mythic side of nature. Each story tells of an underground (quite literally in some cases) community of faeries, werecats, werefolk of all species, dryads and trolls making their lives among the mortal community of the area.
I enjoyed them all, but I think the standouts among the collection were “The Elk King” about a young woman who, finding herself lost in the woods, happens upon a ruffian who offers her rest, and a place to spend a long dark night. Nine months later, the woman realizes her baby is the Elk King’s son and that discovery leads to true love, and a little insanity.
(Remember a while back when I reviewed Snow White and the Huntsman? This is the character I had in mind when I saw the scene with the magical elk).
“Crown her With Poppies” is a dragon tale of a different sort, a love story between two different peoples that results in war, and sorry.
The title story, “The Fairy Queen of Spencer’s Butte”, tells of a young woman who is saved after a vicious rape and tended to by the Fairy Queen and her people. From them, the woman learns—well, I’m not going to tell you.
One of these fine days I’m going to get her on my blog (if I have to send the guards out after her, I will. )
In the meantime, you’ll have to read this wonderful collection yourself to discover all its secrets. Highly recommended for lovers of fantasy and myth. Do check Jolene‘s work out. I think you’ll enjoy it. I hope you do… and I hope you like them as much as I do.
(No, I don’t usually post book reviews over here, but like I said, trying to get Jolene over here. So, I put it here to give her more views, and hopefully link back and forth and *pokepoke* to entice her so I don’t have to send the guards out after her–oh, all right. Maybe I’ll send the cute ones. Anyway, I hope you’ll give her book a try sometime.
If you’d like to know more about Jolene Dawe and her wonderful works, see her site: The Saturated Page.
This is a new friend. *waves to Tam* I think her book looks awesome. See what you think?
The Botanicaust After genetically altered weeds devastate Earth’s croplands, much of humanity turns to cannibalism to survive. Dr. Tula Macoby believes photosynthetic skin can save the human race, and her people single-mindedly embark on a mission to convert the cannibals roaming what’s left of Earth. But when Levi, a peaceful stranger, refuses alteration, Tula doesn’t think the only options should be conversion or death.
Levi Kraybill, a devout member of the Old Order, left his Holdout farmland to seek a cure for his terminally ill son. Genetic manipulation is a sin, but Levi will do almost anything for the life of his child. When he’s captured, he’s sure he’s damned, and his only escape will be death.
Tula’s superiors schedule Levi’s euthanization, and she risks everything to set the innocent man free. Now she and Levi are outlaws with her people, and she’s an abomination with his. Can they find sanctuary in a cannibal wasteland?
Excerpt:
[This is just after Awnia, a captive cannibal, is taken to euthanization. Levi has yet to learn Tula's language.]
The shuffle of feet alerted him to a visitor, and at first he thought perhaps an angel had come to give him comfort. Her yellow robe, the first real clothing he had seen since being taken captive, swished around her ankles as she paused before the sleeping child’s cage.
After a few moments, she turned to approach his cage, and he recognized the woman, Tula. Not an angel. A Blattvolk, even if she had donned clothing. She grasped the bars with both hands and, with a sigh, pressed her green, tear-stained cheeks against the metal. Her whispered words sounded desperate.
Rising on unsteady legs, he pointed to Awnia’s empty cage. “Awnia?” This woman seemed to be an advocate for the young mother.
Without warning, the Blattvolk erupted into a fresh bout of tears.
Uncontrollable empathy washed over Levi. “Don’t cry.” His voice cracked. The words could have been for himself as easily as the Blattvolk. She shuddered with another sob.
He strode forward with more strength than he knew he had and wrapped his hands over hers where she clung to the bars. Her fingers were as cold as the metal. A shiny pink patch of skin on her right arm contrasted sharply with the jade hue of her skin, like a small piece of humanity peeking out at him from beneath her Blattvolk exterior. “Tula, don’t cry,” he whispered, afraid of his own voice.
At the sound of her name, she hiccoughed and met his gaze. This time he was struck by the humanity in her pale blue eyes. “Tula,” she repeated.
She searched his eyes, and he knew what she wanted. It was such a small thing, really. Taking a sharp breath, he said, “Levi.”
“Levi.” A smile rivaling a clear sunrise broke out on her face.
He hoped he hadn’t just let in the devil.
But Tula’s face was not one of temptation or evil or atrocity. Her skin might be green, but her eyes were human, and she needed compassion. Awnia had been taken away, and this woman seemed as upset about it as Levi was.
“Are they going to kill her?”
She seemed to understand the question, because she nodded. Pulling a hand from beneath his, she wiped her eyes on the back of her sleeve, then put her palm over his knuckles and beseeched him with her grief-reddened eyes. Her words sounded so much like “must eat,” that when she indicated his untouched canister he understood.
Now that he had talked to her, he’d opened a whole range of action he’d sworn not to take. But eating the food here had not changed Awnia. It had not sealed her damnation. And if he had any hope of convincing this woman to let him go, he had to maintain his strength.
In a moment of divine intuition, he felt God might want him to survive.
At Tula’s urging, he swallowed the tepid fluid in the canister and grimaced. His body recognized it as food, but his mouth protested every drop passing over his tongue. She made a face and nodded as if she agreed about the taste. Then she pulled a closed fist out of her pocket.
“Dessert,” she said, holding out her hand. On her palm was a clear nougat the size of his thumbnail.
The bland drink he’d swallowed churned in his gut. Was this the agent to change him forever? She called it dessert, the finish to a meal. Would it also be the end of him?
He searched her eyes again, and detected no guile there. His insides calmed, and he knew she meant no harm. To get out of here, he was going to have to trust her. And convince her to trust him.
Taking the nougat between thumb and forefinger he sniffed it before touching a tentative tongue to the surface. Sweet. It was indeed dessert. “Thank you.” He put the lozenge into his mouth and allowed the sugars to dissolve. The candy tasted like hope.
Read more about Botanicaust at Tam’s site: http://tamlinsey.com/
The Kindle book is available at Amazon and also in other ebook formats via Smashwords. The paperback is available at Createspace.
