The Spirit of Christmas is in the air

I love this time of the year.  The bright decorations, cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, and our favorite Christmas music always seem to warm my heart.  In the spirit of the season, I thought it would be fun to share a handful of my favorite Christmas songs with you... and yes, some will show how old I am. LOL

Now, my favorite since childhood and it still makes me cry...


I hope you've enjoyed these wonderful Christmas songs as much as I do each and every year.  Merry Christmas, my friends, and I wish you all a blessed New Year.

My Favorite Time of the Year

As we enter this joyous time of the year, our minds often fill with memories of Christmases long ago.  The happy memories of baking our favorite Christmas treats, preparing gift baskets for the less fortunate and opening our front door to see carolers singing our favorite Christmas songs. The treasured memories of Christmas mornings when we gathered together as a family around the Christmas Tree and watched the joy on everyone's face as they opened their brightly decorated packages.  Christmas is a magical time.  Sharing our love with others and reaching out to those in need.

As I write this post, our Christmas Tree is shining brightly, filling my heart with those treasured memories.  When I close my eyes, I see my mother busily preparing all the treats we came to expect each Christmas.  My mother always went all out for Christmas.  During the month of December, if you came to our house you'd find your favorite Christmas treats placed on crystal serving plates, waiting for you to enjoy.  The house was always festively decorated and she always made sure Christmas music was playing in the background during the day, and at night we would watch the same Christmas shows we had watched the year before... and yes, I often cried.

These memories are what inspired my Novella, Saying Goodbye: The Christmas Gift.  I poured my heart and soul into the story as I came to terms with painful issues in my life.  So often we bury the pain we feel over events in our lives. So much so that we allow them to keep us from truly enjoying the precious gifts life has waiting for us.  Writing this fictional story allowed me to put to rest some issues in my own life.  I hope it touches your heart and allows you to do the same.

Saying Goodbye: The Christmas Gift is no a story of loss.  It's a story of hope and love.

Available on Amazon for only 99 cents
and with Kindle Unlimited

A Night of Mystery

We are excited to have Mystery Author Judy Penz Sheluk joining us on Deadly Reads Radio tonight. Her debut mystery novel, The Hanged Man's Noose, the first in the Glass Dolphin Mystery series, was published in July 2015 by Barking Rain Press.  Judy then went on to write Skeletons in the Attic, her second novel, and the first in her Marketville Mystery series which was published this last August by Imajin Books.

Judy has written several more exciting stories for readers to enjoy and I look forward to getting to know her better tonight.

I hope you will join us for an hour of lively and interesting conversation at 9pm central time (10 eastern, 8 mountain, or 7 pacific).

Listen online here

Judy's Social Media Links - Website  Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest  Amazon 

I'm SO excited!

I'm excited to announce that my Novella, Saying Goodbye: The Christmas Gift is available for Pre-Order on Amazon for ONLY .99 cents .

Saying Goodbye is a touching story of love, loss, and opening your heart to the wondrous things life has to offer.

Pre-Order on Amazon

Reviews on Amazon

5-Stars  I have read other books by Linda Barton. This is definitely different from her other work, but she did not disappoint. Saying Goodbye is a heartfelt story about the true meaning of life. No, life is never a straight line; moving forward through trials and tribulations sometimes means having to forgive ourselves and let go of the past, and the sooner we realize that, the better. I loved this story from beginning to end. It really pulls at your heartstrings.

5-Stars  I have been a fan of Linda L Bartons for some time now and I have to say this is completely different from everything she has written. She has a talent for keeping you in her stories so well that you can't put her book down because you are afraid you will miss something awesome. This story hits close to reality because we all share a loss similar to this story in one way or another. Having lost my own mother close to Christmas myself, it brought back memories of happiness, sorrow, and even pain. It's a story of love moving forward through trials, tribulations and getting to Say Goodbye. Linda as always puts her heart and soul into everything she writes and this is one of those stories you will not want to miss. I highly recommended it!

5-Stars  I have read other books by Linda Barton. This is definitely different from her other work, but she did not disappoint. Saying Goodbye is a heartfelt story about the true meaning of life. No, life is never a straight line; moving forward through trials and tribulations sometimes means having to forgive ourselves and let go of the past, and the sooner we realize that, the better. I loved this story from beginning to end. It really pulls at your heartstrings.

5-Stars  Linda is a very talented writer. I enjoyed the book so much l could not put it down. I could picture every single word in my mind as l was reading it. Will be reading more of her books.

4-Stars  This is a wonderful story of a woman's Christmas with her family, with its subsequent loss, gain, and heartwarming understanding of Life, and Death. A highly recommended read.

5-Stars  This was an amazing story and an easy read. It put a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it. It brought up wonderful memories for me and had a bittersweet ending. Take the time to read it and hopefully, it will stir up wonderful memories for you too.

Lock the doors and turn on all of the lights!

What a PERFECT way to end our 1-year Anniversary celebration on Deadly Reads Radio than to bring back Supernatural Horror Author Brian Moreland for a night of thrills and chills.  The last time  Brian visited Lisa and I we had such a good time that we asked him to come back again.

Brian writes some of the most frightening and page-turning Supernatural Horror novels for fans of the genre to enjoy.  He has a way of pulling the reader into his story and holding them captive, while his story unfolds in the most delectable way.  If you are a fan of Supernatural Horror, I HIGHLY recommend that you tune in this Thursday evening, Oct. 27th at 9 pm central time (10 eastern, 8 mountain, or 7 pacific), as we bring back a true Master of Horror, Brian Moreland.

Use this link to listen to the show

Brian's Social Media - Website   Twitter   Facebook

Just what is the Angel of Death?

I'm so excited to have Filmmaker/Author Dan Copelan joining us again on Deadly Reads Radio tomorrow night, October 20th at 9 pm central time. (10 eastern, 8 mountain, or 7 pacific)

Dan had requested that Lisa and I read his wonderful dark, paranormal, Let It Be, before the show and I'm so glad that I did. We have all wondered what happens at the moment of our death, and I must admit that Dan has put an interesting and entertaining spin on it.  I found myself lost in the story and as it progressed, wondering who was the villain and how the events leading to the grand ending of the story would unfold.

No spoilers here, but I highly recommend this story for those who enjoy delving into the paranormal.

Listen to the show here

Dan's Social Media Links - Twitter Facebook IMDb

It's time for Halloween!

I'm thrilled to announce that I'm putting the final touches on my Paranormal Horror, Boding Evil.  This is my first attempt at this popular genre, and I must confess it's been lots of fun.  I had started this story a few years ago, but it always seemed to get put on the back burner.  Partially, because of other projects taking my attention, but mostly because its been a scary story to write.  You see, this story is a compilation of stories told to me over the years of experiences people had themselves.  Now, as an author, of course, I've taken some creative license with the story-line, but several of the events told in this fictional story are taken directly from those who claimed to have lived them.

This is why I guess I kept finding a reason to put this book aside for so long.  Being a big coward when it comes to Horror, I found myself only being able to write during the daylight hours.  This, of course, was a bad thing since I normally write late into the night. LOL

Starting on Monday, October 17th, I'm having a Halloween event on Facebook, SHARE YOUR GHOST STORY, where I'm inviting people to share their scary, TRUE stories of ghosts and things that go bump in the night.  This will go through October 30th, and the 5 stories with the most LIKES will win a FREE ebook copy of Boding Evil to be sent to them on October 31st.

I hope that you'll join me and share your scary stories...after all, it is Halloween!

Monsters Need Love Too!!

I'm so excited to have Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy Author, Lisa Medley joining us on Deadly Reads Radio - Journey into the Night this Thursday, Oct 6th at 9 pm central time. (10 eastern, 8 mountain, or 7 pacific) Lisa says that she enjoys writing novels about monsters in love. Now, doesn't that sound like a good thing?

I have a feeling that Lisa is going to be a lot of fun. I mean any woman who would confess to having a complete zombie apocalypse bug-out bag, including a machete in her trunk at all times... Just... In... Case... is bound to be interesting.

I hope you'll join us Thursday evening for an hour of lively conversation as we get to know Lisa and learn about her writing.

Link to show

October is for Ghost Stories

October is the month of cool days and even cooler nights, the trees shedding their bright colored leaves, and…GHOST STORIES!  With the coming release of my Paranormal Horror, Body Evil, I thought it would be fun for people share their scary ghost stories with everyone on my Facebook event starting Oct 17th, and going through Oct 30th.

I know that most people have had a frightening experience with those no longer of the physical realm.  So, in honor of Halloween, I’d love for you to share your best bone-chilling stories.  Don’t worry about fancy writing skills or grammar, just share your story and give us all a chill up our spines.

Throughout the remainder of the month, I will be picking the best stories and posting them on my Author Blog.  So, put on your storytelling caps and scare us all.

**On Oct 31^th, the 5 stories with the most LIKES will receive a FREE ebook copy of Boding Evil.**

Facebook Event Page Link

Happy Birthday to Deadly Reads Radio!

I cannot believe it has already been a year since we started Deadly Reads Radio - Journey into the Night.  When the crazy idea popped into my head to do a Blog Talk Radio show with my fellow Deadly Reads Author, Lisa Vandiver, I never thought it would blossom into the wonderful show it has become.  We started out last October with no idea of what we were doing, and I must confess that both of us were scared to death.  We stumbled our way through our first show with Award-Winning Paranormal Author Ica Iova, but somehow it turned out to be a fun show.  When I think of how much we've grown as hosts since then, it makes me proud.

Over this past year, we have had some of the most interesting guests join us each week.  We've interviewed Authors of all genres, some of the top Romance Novel Cover Models in the industry, Actors, Actresses, Directors, Producers, Screenwriters, Filmmakers, Musicians, and Promoters.  We've had the honor of interviewing those just starting out in their careers, to those who have achieved the height of theirs.  We've met some of the most interesting people in the Publishing and Entertainment Industries, and we look forward to bringing more shows for our listener's enjoyment each Thursday evening.  As an added feature for our listeners, each week, I add the recorded show to our Deadly Reads YouTube Channel.

We've also done awareness shows on The Essure Birth Control Device.  These shows were quite emotional as women called into the show and shared their stories of how Essure has changed their lives.  I have to admit that I cried several times as the women shared with us of how this horrible form of Birth Control has destroyed their health.  I'm currently creating videos of these shows to add to the Deadly Reads YouTube Channel.

If you haven't listened to our show, I invite you to check us out.  We are on LIVE each Thursday evening for 1 hour starting at 9 pm central (10 eastern, 8 mountain, or 7 pacific).  We started out doing 2-hour shows but found that to be too long to ask people to give of their time.  Our special shows, like the Essure shows, are on Tuesday evenings and are announced in advance.

We have a fun month planned for the Birthday celebration, so I hope you'll join us.  You can go to this LINK to see our list of exciting guests for October.

Link to Deadly Reads Radio 

Link to Deadly Reads Radio Youtube Channel

What a fun show!

We had such a good time last Thursday, Sept 15th with Randall P Dark and Doug McRae on Deadly Reads Radio. This was Randall's third visit to our show and I have to say, we always have such a good time with Randall.

This time, we talked about his new project with Actor/Singer Doug McRae, The Sandy Shore Show and how the idea came to be.  It sounds like it's going to be a great movie with a wonderful message. They are currently in Pre-Production and working hard to get everything ready for filming.  Knowing Randall, this will surely be a great movie.

If you missed this fun show, you can listen to it and all of our past shows on the Deadly Reads YouTube channel.

Listen to Randall and Doug

It's all coming together now

I'm so excited about this book.  I already have it available on Amazon in paperback, and it will be available for ebook Pre-Order on November 1st and will go live December 1st.  I'm so thrilled by the feedback I've gotten so far.  It even has 2 reviews already on Amazon.

4-Stars  This is a wonderful story of a woman's Christmas with her family, with its subsequent loss, gain, and heartwarming understanding of Life, and Death. A highly recommended read.

5-Stars  Linda, is a very talented writer. I enjoyed the book so much l could not put it down. I could picture every single word in my mind as l was reading it. Will be reading more of her books.

I'm also working hard on finishing the audiobook that will be a FREE gift for those who purchase the ebook.  

Wow, this will be FUN!

I am so excited about our show this week on Deadly Reads Radio - Journey into the Night.  Actor/Producer Kyle Hester has agreed to join us and tell us what all he's been doing lately.

Kyle will join us tomorrow evening, Sept. 8, 2016 at 9 pm central time (10 eastern, 8 mountain, or 7 pacific) for an hour of lively conversation.  Use this link to listen to the show live
You can also call (646) 668-2716 to talk to Kyle.

Kyle Hester was born in New Orleans La. to a professional football player father (Ray Hester of the New Orleans Saints) and a cheerleader mother (Hollis Huntoon). His inspiration to act came early in life starting out in drama class in junior high school. Kyle then attended the High School for the Performing and Visual arts in Houston, TX. He double majored in theatre and dance in his senior year. You may have seen him as a dancer in Houston at The Tower Theatre.
Kyle has had the honor of working with award-winning directors John Frankenhiemer, Bruce Beresford and Mark Shelton to name a few. His film career has taken him to both sides of the camera including building the 1/3rd scale sets for "Team America" and being the art department lead man on the T.V. show "Wipe Out".
Kyle is currently working on his film Zombie with a Shotgun, and I can't wait to hear more about this project.  I hope you'll join us for this fun show!

It's my turn under the spotlight

As you all know, I'm the Host of Deadly Reads Radio.  Well, this week, my co-host Lisa Vandiver will be taking the helm on Deadly Reads Radio and interviewing me.  I have to admit that I'm a bit nervous, as it's easier to be the one asking the questions.

Lisa says she plans to explore the dark corners of my mind and see what makes me tick.  She wants to share with you, the listener, how I write my books and why I choose the characters I write about.

Use this link to listen to the show. 

Lisa said she has a lot planned for me, so I hope you'll join us and give me a little backup.

Dark and twisted is my thing!

Okay, the weekend is upon us so it's time to find a GREAT weekend read.  I know there are lots of books out there to choose from, but I wanted to offer one of mine to you.

Next Move, You're Dead was my debut book in 2011.  It and I have gone through some growing pains over the past few years, and I've learned some valuable lessons such as NEVER release a book before you know it's clean of errors and typos. LOL

Of course, I've taken care of that problem with Next Move, You're Dead and have moved on to write several more exciting books for readers to enjoy.  So, if you enjoy a dark, pschological thriller with a great villain that will twist your mind then Next Move, You're Dead is just what you're looking for.

One of the high points of my writing career was when the Next Move, You're Dead Trilogy was chosen to be 1 of 100 pre-loaded Kindle Fire ebooks given away in the VIP Swag Bags at the 2013 Emmy Awards to over 600 of the Hollywood elites.  It was a thrill to see my book showcased on the large screen in the lobby the night of the awards along with the other books included in the swag bags.  As you can see, the Next Move, You're Dead Trilogy holds a special place in my heart.

I set Book 1 as Perma-Free and books 2 & 3 are only $2.99 each.  

Use this link to get yours today.

I'm getting excited!

As I stated in my last post, I have a new release coming out soon.  I've been working on getting everything ready, so I'm excited to announce it will be available for Pre-Orders soon.

I've also decided to add a special gift for those who buy the ebook version of Saying Goodbye.  I know how much people enjoy audiobooks, but I also understand how expensive they can be.  I've decided to create a bundle deal by including an audiobook copy of Saying Goodbye with the purchase of each ebook.

Wow, how exciting is that? Not only will you get the ebook and audiobook for one price, but I plan to offer the bundle for ONLY $2.99 during the Pre-Order on Amazon.  Of course, once it goes live, the price will go up.  I'll let you all know when it's available for Pre-Order so you can get the bargain price.

You'll laugh and cry

I'm so excited to share the cover for my upcoming release, Saying Goodbye.  It's a sweet Christmas novella of how sometimes the most valuable gift we can receive is to learn how to say goodbye.  I plan to make it available soon on Amazon as a Pre-Order and I'm thinking about offering a free audio version for those who purchase it before its release date.

I had so much fun writing this story.  I woke up one morning with the main character, Molly telling me her story.  So, I sat at my trusty laptop, and 2 1/2 days later it was off to the editor.  I have to admit that while writing this novella, I found myself laughing and crying because of the wonderful story these characters have to share.  My editor and proofreaders have said it had the same effect on them.

I know it will be a story that will touch your soul and fill your heart with the Christmas spirit.

I hope you will help spread the word of this sweet Christmas Novella.

Time to have some fun with Award Winning Author Kim Cresswell

I’m so honored to have Award-Winning Author Kim Cresswell giving of her time for this interview.  Kim and I have been friends on Facebook for quite some time, so I figured it was time to let her share with us what makes her tick as an author, and how she creates her exciting Thriller, Suspense, and True Crime novels.

First, here’s a little background: Kim resides in Ontario, Canada. Trained as a legal assistant, Kim has been a story-teller all her life but took many detours including; working in legal and adult education before returning to her first love, writing.

Her debut romantic suspense Reflection (A Whitney Steel Novel – Book One) has won numerous awards: RomCon®’s 2014 Readers’ Crown Finalist (Romantic Suspense), InD’tale Magazine 2014 Rone Award Finalist (Suspense/Thriller), UP Authors Fiction Challenge Winner (2013), Silicon Valley’s Romance Writers of America (RWA) “Gotcha!” Romantic Suspense Winner (2004), Honourable Mention in Calgary’s Romance Writers of America (RWA) The Writer’s Voice Contest (2006).

Her book trailer for Reflection was featured on Robin Covington’s, Happy Ever After, Special for USA TODAY.

Lethal Journey was a finalist in From the Heart Romance Writers (FTHRW) Golden Gate Contest (2003) and more recently won RomCon®’s 2014 Readers’ Crown (Thriller).

Kim has published two action-packed Amazon Kindle Worlds novellas (Jet: Oblivion and Jet: Duplicity) based on Russell Blake's New York Times and USA Today Bestselling JET action/adventure series and her own characters from her Whitney Steel novels.

Her action-packed suspense thrillers have been highly praised by reviewers and readers. As one reviewer said, “Buckle up, Hang on tight!”

Kim also entered the true crime writing arena. Real Life Evil – A True Crime Quickie (two short stories) was published in January 2014. You can read more of Kim’s true crime stories in Serial Killer Quarterly, an e-publication by Grinning Man Press.

As you can see, Kim has accomplished much in her writing career.  Now, let’s get to know her better.

Hi Kim, I’d like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to drop by and allow us to get to know you better.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today. I’m thrilled to be here, Linda.

I have to say I’m quite impressed by all the awards you’ve received for your books.  Can you tell us if there is one that stands out over the others in your heart?

Thank you! The Silicon Valley’s Romance Writers of America (RWA) “Gotcha!” Romantic Suspense award stands out the most because it was my first award for my first published novel, Reflection.

By winning so many awards for your work do you ever feel extra pressure for the books you release?

I do feel extra pressure. I want each book I publish to be better than the last.

Please share with us how you develop your story ideas and your intriguing characters.

My ideas come from many places such as movies, conversations, and experiences to name a few. Once an idea smacks me in the side of the head...so it begins. I choose my character's names and their roles in the story. I know their basic details such as gender, age, and occupation etc. Next, I write the back cover blurb and the first chapter. From there my characters begin to bloom and I spend more time figuring out their wants, likes, and their backstory.

There is a vast difference between writing Thriller/Suspense and True Crime novels.  Which do you find the most enjoyable and easiest to write?

Writing romantic suspense and thrillers comes naturally to me. It’s the genre I enjoy reading and writing. True crime is different. I do enjoy the change of genres but I find it more difficult to write because of the amount of research. Each detail must be correct. Due to the heinous crimes that I have written about, it’s very hard to get those facts and images out of your head at times. After finishing a true crime story, I have to take a break from writing for a few weeks to decompress and wash the story from my mind.

How important is research to you when writing a book?

Research is extremely important when writing a book to keep the details as true to life as possible. When I wrote, Reflection, I spent countless hours researching human cloning. With my two JET Kindle Worlds novellas, much of my research involved building bombs and terrorist groups.

Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?

I’m definitely a plotter. I outline chapter by chapter then scene by scene.

I’ve spoken to several authors who said their first book seemed to take forever to write.  Did you ever think you would be unable to finish your first novel?

Honestly, I never thought I’d finish my first book, Reflection. It took me over six years to complete. I struggled with the story because when I write I take on many sub-plots and of course each sub-plot needs a beginning, middle and end. Every thread must come full circle. There were many complicated mini-stories buried within the main story which honestly gave me fits.

Have you ever used something that happened to you in real life in any of your novels?

I can’t say I ever have.

If you had to choose a favorite character out of one of your books, who would it be and why?

My favorite character is Whitney Steel from Reflection and Retribution. I love her strength and determination. She’s an investigative report who doesn’t back down from anything or anyone even if it may cost her her life. She's pretty good at kicking butt too!

Have you ever turned a dream or a nightmare into a written piece?

Definitely! I have a new four book supernatural thriller series plotted out for 2017. The first book in the series is called Deadly Shadow. The idea came from a terrifying dream. For months the dream bothered me so much. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I didn’t understand the meaning. Then suddenly I realized what I was supposed to do with the details — the perfect scenario for the story's villain, a serial killer so heinous, he will shock even the most unflinching readers.

What advice would you like to give writers who are struggling with their first novels?

My advice…keep writing! Get it down. A sentence, a paragraph, a page. It doesn’t matter. Just keep writing because eventually, all those words add up.

Can you tell us about your current project?

Presently, I’m working on the third Whitney Steel novel, RESURRECT.

Would you mind sharing a brief sample?

I’d love to. Whitney Steel is back! Here is an exclusive first look at Resurrect (A Whitney Steel Novel – Book Three). Enjoy!

Blurb

After two prominent scientists working at separate privately owned BSL-4 labs in Nevada and Texas are found murdered, no one makes the connection until investigative reporter, Whitney Steel, receives a lead pointing to a plot to unleash a biological attack using a new chimera virus known as “Resurrect”

But when Whitney begins to unravel the truth as to who is behind the threat, enemies far and near surface, and a shocking discovery into the past changes her life forever in a race against the clock to stop the strike before thousands of innocent lives are lost.

Excerpt

Dr. Matthew Fielding estimated he had six days to live.

He doubted he’d make it that long. Not judging by the harsh glint in the dark eyes staring at him through the clear visor. Inside the barren warehouse, the man wore a blue positive-pressure suit with its own air supply and clutched a gun awkwardly in his rubber-gloved hand. The spaceman-like suit would protect the man. For Fielding, on the other hand, it was already too late. Sweat trickled down the sides of his face, and his body trembled.

It had begun.

The high fever and chills were only the beginning. Soon, he’d experience the worst headache of his life, muscle and abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Already, his internal organs burned as if set on fire, the pain insufferable. An hour ago, he’d noted a purplish-red maculopapular rash on his chest and shoulders, followed by a five-minute nosebleed.

“Do you have it?”

Fielding coughed, then nodded. “They’re going to know the sample is missing.”

“I’m planning on it.” The man pointed the gun at a gray chest on a metal table against the brick wall. “Put the vial in there.”

Fielding lifted his shaking hand and pulled out a glass tube from his shirt pocket. He walked across the room, his legs weak and wobbly, and pressed the red button on the portable refrigeration unit.

The lid hissed open, and he placed the tube inside. He eyed a second sample already in the unit. Worry worked through his body. “What do you plan on doing with these? It’s not as if I’ll be around to find out. We both know that.”

The man waved the gun. “Close the lid.”

He did as ordered and heard the suction of the vacuum seal, confirming the component was secure. Whatever the man was planning, it wasn’t good. He’d learned that two days ago, after he’d come home from work to find the man in his home, threatening to kill his wife and daughter if he didn’t do exactly as instructed. He’d had no choice. He would sacrifice himself if it meant keeping his family safe.

“Thanks to you, a new chimera virus. Just think about how much you have helped us today.”

It was much worse than he thought. The man had what he needed: two different micro-organisms containing the necessary genes to replicate and create a new pandemic. Nausea boiled in his gut, and the room spun. He seized the edge of the table to steady himself and closed his eyes until the dizziness subsided.

He had worked in Nevada at Flatiron Sargasso Laboratories for the past fifteen years, one of only two privately-run CDC/USDA registered BSL-4 labs in the United States, researching some of the most dangerous pathogens in the world: smallpox, Marburg, Ebola, dengue and yellow fevers.

Fielding knew what the man was up to. He just didn’t know the target’s identity. Nor did he know which terrorist group the man belonged to, whether foreign or domestic. Not that it mattered, because he wasn’t walking out of the warehouse alive. He erupted into a coughing fit, his throat dry and raw. He yanked a crumpled handkerchief out of his pants pocket and wiped his mouth. Blood soaked the white cloth, indicating hemorrhaging had started. He noticed the two new large bruises on the outside of his hands and wrists caused by the bleeding under his skin.

Fear paralyzed his limbs.

If the man didn’t kill him first, shock, delirium, and kidney failure would put him in a coma, followed by an agonizing death. Either way, he was a goner...

When do you expect its release?

I’m hoping to release Resurrect in December or early January. Who knows? It might even be sooner. <grin>

Okay, last question.  What is your ultimate goal as a writer?

My ultimate goal as a writer is to entertain readers. It's a deep need to tell an entertaining story where the reader travels along. I want to yank at your heart strings, scare you, make you gasp, bring you to tears, and keep you thinking about the story and characters long after you read, “The End”.  If I can do that, I’m happy.

I’d like to thank you for spending this time and allowing us to get to know you better.

Thank you again for having me, Linda. It’s been a blast!

As you can see Kim is not only a talented author but is an all-around nice person.  I hope that you will not only check out her books but also follow her on social media. 

Website    Facebook     Twitter    Goodreads    Amazon   B&N      iTunes     Google Play 

Audiobooks - Reflection (A Whitney Steel Novel – Book one) is now available at Audible,   iTunes, and  Amazon.   Reflection Retail Audio Sample

Watch the Book Trailer for Reflection (A Whitney Steel Novel – Book One)

**Retribution (A Whitney Steel Novel – Book Two) is coming soon to Audible!

Time to have some fun with Award-Winning Author Kim Cresswell

I’m so honored to have Award-Winning Author Kim Cresswell giving of her time for this interview.  Kim and I have been friends on Facebook for quite some time, so I figured it was time to let her share with us what makes her tick as an author, and how she creates her exciting Thriller, Suspense, and True Crime novels.

First, here’s a little background: Kim resides in Ontario, Canada. Trained as a legal assistant, Kim has been a story-teller all her life but took many detours including; working in legal and adult education before returning to her first love, writing.

Her debut romantic suspense Reflection (A Whitney Steel Novel – Book One) has won numerous awards: RomCon®’s 2014 Readers’ Crown Finalist (Romantic Suspense), InD’tale Magazine 2014 Rone Award Finalist (Suspense/Thriller), UP Authors Fiction Challenge Winner (2013), Silicon Valley’s Romance Writers of America (RWA) “Gotcha!” Romantic Suspense Winner (2004), Honourable Mention in Calgary’s Romance Writers of America (RWA) The Writer’s Voice Contest (2006).

Her book trailer for Reflection was featured on Robin Covington’s, Happy Ever After, Special for USA TODAY.

Lethal Journey was a finalist in From the Heart Romance Writers (FTHRW) Golden Gate Contest (2003) and more recently won RomCon®’s 2014 Readers’ Crown (Thriller).

Kim has published two action-packed Amazon Kindle Worlds novellas (Jet: Oblivion and Jet: Duplicity) based on Russell Blake's New York Times and USA Today Bestselling JET action/adventure series and her own characters from her Whitney Steel novels.

Her action-packed suspense thrillers have been highly praised by reviewers and readers. As one reviewer said, “Buckle up, Hang on tight!”

Kim also entered the true crime writing arena. Real Life Evil – A True Crime Quickie (two short stories) was published in January 2014. You can read more of Kim’s true crime stories in Serial Killer Quarterly, an e-publication by Grinning Man Press.

As you can see, Kim has accomplished much in her writing career.  Now, let’s get to know her better.

Hi Kim, I’d like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to drop by and allow us to get to know you better.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today. I’m thrilled to be here, Linda.

I have to say I’m quite impressed by all the awards you’ve received for your books.  Can you tell us if there is one that stands out over the others in your heart?

Thank you! The Silicon Valley’s Romance Writers of America (RWA) “Gotcha!” Romantic Suspense award stands out the most because it was my first award for my first published novel, Reflection.

By winning so many awards for your work do you ever feel extra pressure for the books you release?

I do feel extra pressure. I want each book I publish to be better than the last.

Please share with us how you develop your story ideas and your intriguing characters.

My ideas come from many places such as movies, conversations, and experiences to name a few. Once an idea smacks me in the side of the head...so it begins. I choose my character's names and their roles in the story. I know their basic details such as gender, age, and occupation etc. Next, I write the back cover blurb and the first chapter. From there my characters begin to bloom and I spend more time figuring out their wants, likes, and their backstory.

There is a vast difference between writing Thriller/Suspense and True Crime novels.  Which do you find the most enjoyable and easiest to write?

Writing romantic suspense and thrillers comes naturally to me. It’s the genre I enjoy reading and writing. True crime is different. I do enjoy the change of genres but I find it more difficult to write because of the amount of research. Each detail must be correct. Due to the heinous crimes that I have written about, it’s very hard to get those facts and images out of your head at times. After finishing a true crime story, I have to take a break from writing for a few weeks to decompress and wash the story from my mind.

How important is research to you when writing a book?

Research is extremely important when writing a book to keep the details as true to life as possible. When I wrote, Reflection, I spent countless hours researching human cloning. With my two JET Kindle Worlds novellas, much of my research involved building bombs and terrorist groups.

Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?

I’m definitely a plotter. I outline chapter by chapter then scene by scene.

I’ve spoken to several authors who said their first book seemed to take forever to write.  Did you ever think you would be unable to finish your first novel?

Honestly, I never thought I’d finish my first book, Reflection. It took me over six years to complete. I struggled with the story because when I write I take on many sub-plots and of course each sub-plot needs a beginning, middle and end. Every thread must come full circle. There were many complicated mini-stories buried within the main story which honestly gave me fits.

Have you ever used something that happened to you in real life in any of your novels?

I can’t say I ever have.

If you had to choose a favorite character out of one of your books, who would it be and why?

My favorite character is Whitney Steel from Reflection and Retribution. I love her strength and determination. She’s an investigative report who doesn’t back down from anything or anyone even if it may cost her her life. She's pretty good at kicking butt too!

Have you ever turned a dream or a nightmare into a written piece?

Definitely! I have a new four book supernatural thriller series plotted out for 2017. The first book in the series is called Deadly Shadow. The idea came from a terrifying dream. For months the dream bothered me so much. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I didn’t understand the meaning. Then suddenly I realized what I was supposed to do with the details — the perfect scenario for the story's villain, a serial killer so heinous, he will shock even the most unflinching readers.

What advice would you like to give writers who are struggling with their first novels?

My advice…keep writing! Get it down. A sentence, a paragraph, a page. It doesn’t matter. Just keep writing because eventually, all those words add up.

Can you tell us about your current project?

Presently, I’m working on the third Whitney Steel novel, RESURRECT.

Would you mind sharing a brief sample?

I’d love to. Whitney Steel is back! Here is an exclusive first look at Resurrect (A Whitney Steel Novel – Book Three). Enjoy!

Blurb

After two prominent scientists working at separate privately owned BSL-4 labs in Nevada and Texas are found murdered, no one makes the connection until investigative reporter, Whitney Steel, receives a lead pointing to a plot to unleash a biological attack using a new chimera virus known as “Resurrect”

But when Whitney begins to unravel the truth as to who is behind the threat, enemies far and near surface, and a shocking discovery into the past changes her life forever in a race against the clock to stop the strike before thousands of innocent lives are lost.

Excerpt

Dr. Matthew Fielding estimated he had six days to live.

He doubted he’d make it that long. Not judging by the harsh glint in the dark eyes staring at him through the clear visor. Inside the barren warehouse, the man wore a blue positive-pressure suit with its own air supply and clutched a gun awkwardly in his rubber-gloved hand. The spaceman-like suit would protect the man. For Fielding, on the other hand, it was already too late. Sweat trickled down the sides of his face, and his body trembled.

It had begun.

The high fever and chills were only the beginning. Soon, he’d experience the worst headache of his life, muscle and abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Already, his internal organs burned as if set on fire, the pain insufferable. An hour ago, he’d noted a purplish-red maculopapular rash on his chest and shoulders, followed by a five-minute nosebleed.

“Do you have it?”

Fielding coughed, then nodded. “They’re going to know the sample is missing.”

“I’m planning on it.” The man pointed the gun at a gray chest on a metal table against the brick wall. “Put the vial in there.”

Fielding lifted his shaking hand and pulled out a glass tube from his shirt pocket. He walked across the room, his legs weak and wobbly, and pressed the red button on the portable refrigeration unit.

The lid hissed open, and he placed the tube inside. He eyed a second sample already in the unit. Worry worked through his body. “What do you plan on doing with these? It’s not as if I’ll be around to find out. We both know that.”

The man waved the gun. “Close the lid.”

He did as ordered and heard the suction of the vacuum seal, confirming the component was secure. Whatever the man was planning, it wasn’t good. He’d learned that two days ago, after he’d come home from work to find the man in his home, threatening to kill his wife and daughter if he didn’t do exactly as instructed. He’d had no choice. He would sacrifice himself if it meant keeping his family safe.

“Thanks to you, a new chimera virus. Just think about how much you have helped us today.”

It was much worse than he thought. The man had what he needed: two different micro-organisms containing the necessary genes to replicate and create a new pandemic. Nausea boiled in his gut, and the room spun. He seized the edge of the table to steady himself and closed his eyes until the dizziness subsided.

He had worked in Nevada at Flatiron Sargasso Laboratories for the past fifteen years, one of only two privately-run CDC/USDA registered BSL-4 labs in the United States, researching some of the most dangerous pathogens in the world: smallpox, Marburg, Ebola, dengue and yellow fevers.

Fielding knew what the man was up to. He just didn’t know the target’s identity. Nor did he know which terrorist group the man belonged to, whether foreign or domestic. Not that it mattered, because he wasn’t walking out of the warehouse alive. He erupted into a coughing fit, his throat dry and raw. He yanked a crumpled handkerchief out of his pants pocket and wiped his mouth. Blood soaked the white cloth, indicating hemorrhaging had started. He noticed the two new large bruises on the outside of his hands and wrists caused by the bleeding under his skin.

Fear paralyzed his limbs.

If the man didn’t kill him first, shock, delirium, and kidney failure would put him in a coma, followed by an agonizing death. Either way, he was a goner...

When do you expect its release?

I’m hoping to release Resurrect in December or early January. Who knows? It might even be sooner. <grin>

Okay, last question.  What is your ultimate goal as a writer?

My ultimate goal as a writer is to entertain readers. It's a deep need to tell an entertaining story where the reader travels along. I want to yank at your heart strings, scare you, make you gasp, bring you to tears, and keep you thinking about the story and characters long after you read, “The End”.  If I can do that, I’m happy.

I’d like to thank you for spending this time and allowing us to get to know you better.

Thank you again for having me, Linda. It’s been a blast!

As you can see Kim is not only a talented author but is an all-around nice person.  I hope that you will not only check out her books but also follow her on social media. 

Website    Facebook     Twitter    Goodreads    Amazon   B&N      iTunes     Google Play 

Audiobooks - Reflection (A Whitney Steel Novel – Book one) is now available at Audible,   iTunes, and  Amazon.

Watch the Book Trailer for Reflection (A Whitney Steel Novel – Book One)

**Retribution (A Whitney Steel Novel – Book Two) is coming soon to Audible!

Dragons...Dragons...we all LOVE Dragons!

Do you love a fantasy with magical creatures and takes place in a mystical realm?  So do I.  I would like to tell you about my YA Fantasy, The Dragon's Blood Key.

One morning I woke up, possessed by a story burning in my mind.  I sat at my trusty laptop, and 2 weeks later I had sent The Dragon's Blood Key off to the editor.

This is the story of Cassy, a young woman, who with her younger brother find themselves swept away to a far off realm.  Once there, Cassy learns she must face the Evil Queen Alona in a battle to free the Kingdom of Walandra.  During her quest, Cassy learns of the fall of the Royal Family and her role in the restoration of peace in the land.  In this story, you will meet some wonderful creatures and come to learn why Cassy was chosen to face the Evil Queen.

Sometimes, the hero comes in a form least expected.  Follow Cassy as she discovers her destiny and what the future holds for her.

You can find The Dragon's Blood Key on Amazon in Digital and Print.

FUN...FUN...FUN!!!

I am so excited to have Filmmaker/Director Randall Dark joining us again on Deadly Reads Radio.  The last time Randall was on with us, we learned about all of the exciting advancements he's been a leader in with the digital media industry.  This time, Randall will be sharing with us the behind-the-scenes of his latest project, A Brother's Badge which he is directing.

Listen to Randall on Deadly Reads Radio using this LINK  Our call in number is (646) 668-2716

I know this will be another great show with Randall.  He's not only a leader in his field but he's a fun and entertaining guest.  I hope you will turn in tomorrow evening, July 21 at 9 pm Central Time for an evening of lively conversation.  Randall also has a surprise for you listeners, one I know you will enjoy.  No spoilers here, so you'll just have to listen to the show, but I promise you'll be pleased that you did. LOL

Deadly Reads Radio - Journey into the Night is on Blog Talk Radio each Thursday evening at 9pm Central Time (10 eastern, 8 mountain, or 7 pacific)

I will also be adding Randall's show to our YouTube channel after Thursday's airing so you can share it with others.

I hope you will join us tomorrow evening and call in to speak with Randall.