Sweet Saturday Snippets–The Artist’s Inheritance

Well, another Saturday another season, even and I’ve got a new snippet for you from my book The Artist’s Inheritance. I hope you enjoy it. This is what Caitlin returns to find Trevor plotting, after a long day at work:

“We’ve got a party to go to,” (Trevor) insisted.
Caitlin blinked. “Whose party?”
“Didn’t I tell you?” He smacked a hand against his forehead. “I’m such an idiot! Abby’s set up a meeting, of sorts, with several investors.”
Things slipped his mind more often lately, it was true, but this was an incredibly strange thing for him to overlook. “Investors for what?”
“For me, of course.” He pointed to the ceiling. “We’re hoping to gain some investors to pay for the shop I want to open.”
She wasn’t sure what to think of this lapse in memory. “When tonight?”
“At seven.”
She glanced to the clock on the bedside table to see it was now five-thirty. “Seven?” Nine she could’ve handled, but seven? “What did you expect me to do? Go in my
jeans? That’ll make a great impression! I swear, I’m going to—”
He took her hand and tugged her to the closet. “Please don’t make me go alone.”
“I should.” She crossed her arms. “I should make you sleep in the dog house.”
Trevor laughed. “We don’t have a dog.” He kissed her gently and despite her growing anger, warmth spread to  her toes. “You’re beautiful whatever you do with yourself.”
She grunted annoyance. Beautiful my foot! She knew she at least needed a haircut if nothing else—and a manicure. Her nails still held blue ink stains from work.
“Please,” he begged. “I can’t do this without my best girl.”
“Okay.” She poked him in the chest. “Next time, give me some warning!”
She wished he’d given her some hint this time. “And wear the black one.”
She didn’t like these lapses of his at all, but she turned to her closet, and chose her favorite slinky black dress.

Uh Oh… Trevor’s in trouble. What happens at this party? Well, you have to read the rest of The Artist’s Inheritance yourself to find out. If you’d like to, it’s available at Amazon and Smashwords.

The Artist’s Inheritance

(Antique Magic Book #1)

by Juli D. Revezzo

Available now at Amazon and Smashwords

Synopsis:

Settling into their new home in Gulf Breeze, Florida, Caitlin finds strange changes coming over her husband Trevor. He seems obsessed with a beautiful chair he’s carving.

When the nightmares deepen and ghosts begin lurking—she knows something’s not right, and not just her newfound precognitive abilities. It’s the damned chair, she’s sure. Could it be just what it seems: a mundane piece of furniture? If so, why is it attracting dark forces—the forces she suspects drove Trevor’s siblings to insanity and suicide?

Before the same happens to Trevor, Caitlin must convince him to sell his art. But armed with only a handful of allies, and little experience of the supernatural, she must proceed with caution against the hellish forces besieging her family.

If she succeeds, she will break the ancestral curse. If she fails, she may lose forever the one thing she cares about most: her beloved Trevor.

 

Book Two in the Antique Magic series forthcoming.

For more Sweet Saturday Samples see the Sweet Saturday Samples site here.

The Secret of Lighthouse Pointe by Patty G. Henderson

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.

Q and A with author Patty G. Henderson

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

Snippet from The Artist’s Inheritance

An excerpt from my novel The Artist’s Inheritance.

Caitlin comes home from working a long, frustrating day at Kameko’s Print Shop to find Trevor working on…well, you’ll see.

He’d called earlier and promised a surprise for dinner, but all she could see that looked food-like was the half-eaten apple by his elbow.
“You’ve nothing to apologize for.” She slipped off her ink-stained smock and took in the state of the desk. What she saw there worried her.
Newspapers covered its surface, and Trevor leaned across them, digging his fingers into a small block of gray clay. She’d never expected this.
“Yes I do.” He waved a clay-covered hand toward the kitchen. “I promised you dinner when you got home and now dinner’s late.”
She leaned into him, kissing the top of his head. “It’s okay.” She frowned down at him worriedly as he hadn’t yet looked up. “No worries. Whatever you’re making, it smells scrumptious.”
“Lasagna. Frozen lasagna. I tossed it in about ten minutes ago.” He blinked up at her, reached out and taking her hand, kissed it. “I lost track of time. I’m a terrible househusband. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” she assured him watching him turn his attention back to his clay. “Trevor?”
“Hm?”
She drew his clay-caked fingers away from the figure on which he worked. “You all right, honey?” He nodded, and she nudged a lose lock of dark hair away from his eyes. “Are you sure? I’ve never known you to be so engrossed in your work.” Studying it and selling it was another matter; sometimes he seemed more marketer than artist.
He smiled. “I know. It’s odd, isn’t it? I’ve never worked on something so small before.” He picked up the block he’d molded, shaped, and reshaped. “Isn’t it cool?”
Caitlin took the small figure out of his hands, studying it in the overhead light. The work was spectacular—and familiar. A square-shaped, spindly structure of some sort. “Very postmodern of you, honey.” She handed the figurine back. “I like it.”
Trevor set the figure lovingly on the papers. “You’d have liked a better dinner more than coming home to a bunch of tiny sculptures.” He crossed to the bathroom to wash his hands, and she turned her steps to the kitchen.
He didn’t point out one small fact about the clay figurine—and Caitlin refused to panic, but hadn’t overlooked it: the figure resembled the chair he stored in their attic.

* * *

Poor Cait… The moral of the story is, if you’re beloved seems obsessed with art, it might be okay…if he or she is so obsessed that there are hundreds, going on thousands of little works piling up…you might want to think about finding a paranormal investigator! Or a couple friendly witches…

I’d never heard this song before but I think it’s kinda cool and…well, could fit what’s going on between these two. (Poor Cait!) Song by Sara Sail. Very avant garde.  Enjoy.

Have a great day! I feel like saying tune in next time when… *smiles*

* * *

Juli D. Revezzo is a writer of paranormal fantasy who always finds a way to add a splash of magic into her work. Ghosts and gods drive a certain witch up the wall in her Antique Magic series. Book one, THE ARTIST’S INHERITANCE, is available at Amazon, Createspace, and Smashwords.

Excuse me while I happy dance #kindlebooks !

chair photo taken at H.P. Plant Museum by author; couple photo by imagerymajestic/
freedigitalphotos.net

Double posting, I realize but…for those that don’t know….. I’m excited to announce my lil ole first novel is up live, for sale. On Amazon at least. If you’d like to take a peek, it is here:

http://www.amazon.com/Artists-Inheritance-Antique-Magic-ebook/dp/B008XL82IU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1345040600&sr=1-1

Synopsis:

Settling into their new home in Gulf Breeze, Florida, Caitlin finds strange changes coming over her husband Trevor. He seems obsessed with a beautiful chair he’s carving.

When the nightmares deepen and ghosts begin lurking—she knows something’s not right, and not just her newfound precognitive abilities. It’s the damned chair, she’s sure. Could it be just what it seems: a mundane piece of furniture? If so, why is it attracting dark forces—the forces she suspects drove Trevor’s siblings to insanity and suicide?
 
Before the same happens to Trevor, Caitlin must convince him to sell his art. But armed with only a handful of allies, and little experience of the supernatural, she must proceed with caution against the hellish forces besieging her family. If she succeeds, she will break the ancestral curse. If she fails, she may lose forever the one thing she cares about most: her beloved Trevor.

and I have a pretty new trailer:

 I’m waiting for confirmation from Barnes and Noble that the book’s gone live there. Sorry Nook friends, they’re a little slower than I expected. As soon as I have that link, I’ll post it for you.

I’ve been waiting a long time to announce this so please, indulge me a moment to do a happy little Snoopy dance around the circle, so to speak.

Please, if you know anyone that enjoys paranormal fiction, share the link around. Book Two in the Antique Magic series will be released soon-like….I don’t want to promise a date. I’m writing fast as I can. I hope before Xmas, but don’t quote me on that. I’ll keep you posted. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy the story. *beams*

Final Cat Crimes promo post

I’m wrapping up my book four for Dark Things II: Cat Crimes today, over at my friend and mentor Kathy Carmichael’s blog. If you have a chance, do drop by.
http://www.kathycarmichael.com/please-welcome-todays-guest-j-d-revezzo/

Thanks to everyone who supported our little charity piece with the profusion of blog dates. Tis truly appreciated!

Juli

Saturday kitties and Steam…

Hi all, I’ve been ill the last few days, so do forgive the lack of posts. Haven’t been able to look at a computer screen without getting all queasy. *blech* It also made me totally forget Suzanne. I’m pleased to announce I am guest today over at the lovely Suzanne Lazear’s group blog Steamed.  The post is here:

http://wp.me/pukAW-1lm

 

Do please share and stop by to say hi, if you wish.