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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Summer Love Book Giveaway

Summer Love Blog Hop ~ Ends August 30

One day left to enter the raffle for an amazon gift certificate and fabulous book giveaways!

Entering is super easy! Just click on the link. May the odds be in your favor!


You may win a free copy of Spell Check, Book 1: The Teen Wytche Saga!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The Power of Secrets


Did you harbor a secret in middle school? High school?

The power of secrets is my topic today as I guest host on Shea Ford blog. I hope you'll stop by.
The Power of Secrets

If you'd like, comment on your secret celebrity crush, or the secret you wish you had never heard, or the secret that held you in its power.

~Ariella Moon
Friendship. Magic. Secrets. Love.

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Read A Romance Month!

Did you know August is National Read A Romance Month?


I've been so busy with the Pre-Edits for Spell Fire, Book 3:The Teen Wytche Saga, and promoting Spell Struck, that I almost forgot to read for fun. To read the latest articles from some of your favorite Romance authors, go to:
http://www.readaromancemonth.com

And there are still four days left (five if you count today) to enter the raffle to win fabulous romance books, including the first book in my Teen Wytche Saga,  Spell Check.


http://astraeapress.blogspot.com/2013/08/summer-love-blog-hop-two-chances-to-win.html

I'm about to finish Dead to the Max, A Max Starr Novel by Jasmine Haynes. The book is a smart, sexy, romantic thriller. Haynes makes every word count as she unveils the psychological depths of her characters.

Which romance novel is on your August reading list?

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Enter Raffle to Win Amazing Free Books!




Don't miss out on the chance to win amazing books, including some Amazon bestselling romances, Young Adult, westerns, paranormals, and I think a top Regency! If you haven't started The Teen Wytche Series, now is your chance. An ebook copy of Spell Check, the first book in the series, is among the prizes. (Book 3, Spell Fire, is scheduled to release in November 2013)

Super easy to enter the raffle. Just follow this link. August 25-30.

http://astraeapress.blogspot.com/2013/08/summer-love-blog-hop-two-chances-to-win.html

Good luck!

Friday, August 23, 2013

Lynn Spangler Tackles Jewelry Heists in her new novel, Conflicted Jewel


Today I welcome back guest host Lynn Spangler, whose new novel, Conflicted Jewel, just released from our shared publisher, Astraea Press. Here's Lynn:


This story is the second in the On Main Street series. This story features Sage Whitley and Zander Havilland. I loved writing this story because it featured jewelry. I love jewelry and used to sell it as a matter-of-fact. Diamonds are indeed a girl’s best friend but so are rubies, emeralds, opals…well, you get the picture. The mystery/suspense portion of the story came to me after picturing the crime in my head. I took notes on what the ultimate crime would be, and then built the story around the act. The steps leading to the nefarious act just came to me once I had the ending in place. I worked in reverse you could say. I won’t say more as I may give away the highlights of the story. You’ll need to read it ;-). I hope you enjoy my story!


Blurb:

Sometimes trusting your heart is harder than diamonds…


Years separated Sage and Zander. Will their reunion rekindle feelings they’ve long since kept to themselves?

Sage Whitley’s life as owner and jewelry designer for Whitley’s Jewelers was mundane and comfortable until the return of Zander Havilland. Secretly, Sage has had feelings for the handsome gemstone buyer for years and now he’s back in Jonerstown to stay. Sage’s life is soon turned upside down and Zander is there to catch her.

Zander Havilland leaves his high paying job in New York City to return to his hometown to stay with his aging mother. An opportunity presents itself shortly after his return, putting him on a collision course with the lovely, petite Sage Whitley. Soon emotions long hidden for the beauty rush in and Zander is more than ready to accept the inevitable.

Adversity draws them closer together as they try to unravel a mystery involving a large diamond, a rash of thefts, and murder. Can they solve the bizarre mystery before it’s too late and explore the possibility of everlasting love?


Excerpt:

“You’re early,” she said when she noticed Sage.

“Had a hard time sleeping last night. Need the jolt sooner not later,” Sage professed. “Give me an espresso. I need jet fuel instead of gasoline.”

Sherry laughed. “Sure thing. What size? If you’re not used to drinking them, then I’d recommend going no bigger than a medium.”

“Make it so.” It never ceased to amaze Sage how efficient Sherry was at her job. Her steaming drink was before her in no time. “You make preparing my orders look so easy,” she declared, sipping the brew. “Wow, it’s strong.”

“You said jet fuel.” Sherry said and then grinned.

“I guess I did. Thanks. I’ll probably catch you later today. See you,” Sage said before turning to leave. She stopped, rooted in place, when she saw who strolled in the door.
Zander stood in all his gorgeous glory. He was wearing a tailored three-piece suit in a pleasant charcoal color, which showcased his broad shoulders. A white dress shirt and a cobalt blue tie completed his ensemble. His collar brushing, ink-black hair was pulled back into a stubby tail. The corners of his mouth curled upward when his eyes met hers.
His smile made her heart skip a beat. Sage’s knees weakened and she leaned against the counter for support. She knew she’d never see a more perfect male specimen than the man standing before her.

He ambled over toward her and stopped about a foot away.

Every one of Sage’s nerve endings seemed to fire at once. Her pulse fluttered and the pit of her stomach tingled.

“Good morning,” he said.

“Hi,” she managed and then sipped her espresso. She frowned slightly. “This is stronger than I’m used to.”

Zander leaned down and sniffed the brew through the opening. “You drinking the high octane stuff?”

“Huh…” Sage couldn’t seem to form proper words. “Yeah,” she said when her synapses worked again. “I had trouble sleeping last night.”

“You too?” He flashed a brilliant smile again. “How is the espresso?”


Buy Links:



Author Bio:

I live in South Central Pennsylvania with my wonderful, loving husband and my beautiful daughter. I also have a son who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy. I have a cat named Kolzig and a dog named Cede who allow us to live with them.

I love to write and read. I also make jewelry when the mood strikes. I'm a huge sports fan. I love football, NASCAR, and hockey. I'm also a bit of a game show freak. I love old game shows from the 70's and 80's like Match Game and $25,000 Pyramid. Television shows like Criminal Minds and Rizzoli and Isles are also favorites of mine.


Find me:

Monday, August 19, 2013

August’s Full Sturgeon Moon

August’s Full Sturgeon Moon ~ Video




Aquarius Full Moon, August 20, 2013; 9:45 pm Eastern Daylight Time


Names for the August Moon:
·      Corn Moon
·      Sturgeon Moon
·      Grain Moon
·      Red Moon

Technically A Blue Moon?
Yes. Allow me to explain:

I’ve always followed the rule that a Blue Moon is the second full moon occurring in a single month. James Hugh Pruett stated the definition in his 1946 article in Sky & Telescope, “Once in a Blue Moon.” He wrote:

"Seven times in 19 years there were — and still are — 13 full moons in a year. This gives 11 months with one full moon each and one with two. This second in a month, so I interpret it, was called Blue Moon."

Pruett had based his definition on a misinterpretation of a 1943 Sky & Telescope column penned by Lawrence J. Lafleur.  Lafleur, in turn, had quoted the 1937 Maine Farmer’s Almanac, which had defined a Blue Moon as occurring when "one of the four seasons would contain four full moons instead of the usual three." Since Lafleur hadn’t provided specific dates, Pruett misinterpreted Lafleur’s definition.
The “two full moons in one month” became nationally solidified when Deborah Byrd used it in a 1980 National Public Radio broadcast.
Source: Joe Rao, Skywatching columnist, Space.com
Folklore Beliefs About the Full Moon
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac:
   Clothes washed for the first time in the full Moon will not last long.
   If you glimpse the new Moon over your right shoulder, you will have good luck.
   To have a project prosper, start it during the new Moon.
      Babies born a day after the full Moon enjoy success and endurance.



Saturday, August 17, 2013

Spell Fire, Book 3: The Teen Wytche Saga Coming Soon!

Great news!

I just signed the contract with Astraea Press for Spell Fire, the third book in my YA series, The Teen Wytche Saga. Spell Fire introduces a new school and new characters, but the spell book and two characters from the earlier novels return.

Spell Fire will release by early November.

Expect dragons, demons, and sparkly Dorothy shoes!

~Ariella Moon

Friday, August 16, 2013

Will Work For Chocolate


Will Work For Chocolate


The Writer’s Block
Since submitting my manuscript for Book 3 of the Teen Wytche Saga, I’ve been reworking the first manuscript in my upcoming Middle Grade series. For two nights I have been blocked on a particular chapter – one I knew needed a lot of rewriting to crank up the tension. I woke today determined to tackle the beastly block.
Phase One: Procrastinate
Writers have to eat, right? And since the temperature was supposed to hit the 112 degree mark today, that meant grocery shopping had to be moved to the top of my To Do list. Once I had found a parking spot in the shade (score!) I reasoned, The bakery is just across the street. Why not buy my bread there?
Unwilling to relinquish a shady parking spot, I donned my hat, waded through the heat waves rising off the asphalt, and finally reached the six-lanes in all directions intersection that stood between me and a loaf of honey oat multi-grained bread. The metal signal button burned my finger. The automated recording yelled, “Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait.” My blood pressure maxed. Finally the automated voice switched to “Walk sign is on. Walk sign is on.” Holding the brim of my hat, I speed walked to the far side as the voice counted down to one.
The Mirage
Aspen Mills Bakery and Deli makes some of the finest brownies on earth. So I really couldn’t just buy a loaf of bread, right? I knew you’d agree.
Purchases in hand, I hiked back to the intersection. When I first glanced up, I saw a motorcycle cop standing next to his bike in the middle of the intersection, his hands raised in a stop position. A quick sweep of the traffic revealed no accident.The traffic lights must be out. I looked back at the cop. He had vanished. I blinked.
I’m a shaman as well as an author. Yes, it was noon, I was hungry, and it was hotter than Hades. Any non-magical person would assume her eyes were playing tricks on her. But shamans can’t ignore visions. So I did a quick stop at the supermarket, then headed home, avoiding the intersection with the phantom cop.
Raising the Stakes: The Bargain
A bargain with yourself is easily broken (Who besides your dog and the gods would know?), so I went on Facebook and posted today’s house rule: No chocolate until I deal with the centaurs.
An earlier post had mentioned I was happily back writing about fairies, Vikings, and other magical creatures, so when I said centaurs, readers knew I referred to my Middle Grade trilogy. Those who know me, are well aware of my chocolate addiction. The stakes were high. The pressure huge.
Will Work For Chocolate
I kept the brownie in its little brown bag, stashed it in the pantry, ate lunch, and ignored the little dessert as it you hoo-ed from the cupboard. Back in front of the computer, I groaned as the word “brownie” kept appearing in the chapter (one of the main characters is a British brownie, a little man/ house elf) but I remained tough. 
What I Learned 
I can be hyper-focused and amazingly productive when chocolate is at stake. I drew upon reserves I didn’t know I had, and powered through until I had wrestled those centaurs to the ground. I wielded the Delete button like a sword, excising text that slowed the action, and cutting a faulty subplot. Sure, I still have to hunt down the thread to the subplot and do some rewriting. But I kept my word. I dealt with the centaurs.
Now if you will excuse me, there is a brownie calling my name. And I have to figure out the shamanic meaning behind the phantom cop. I suspect he symbolized, Stop procrastinating and finish your rewrites!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Heather Gray Hosts Spotlights Spell Struck

Amazon Best Selling author Heather Gray, (currently #1 for Inspirational Romance), features my second YA novel, Spell Struck, on her blog today. Heather has been rocking several Amazon charts with her books and short stories, including Mail Order Man, Ten Million Reasons, His Saving Grace. and Late for The Ball?.

I hope you'll stop by and visit Heather's blog: Heather Gray Spotlights Spell Struck. And leave a comment ~ we'd love to hear from you!

For those of you who are new to the Teen Wytche Saga, you can catch up on the story with the ebook version of Spell Check, Book 1: The Teen Wytche Saga, on sale now for $.99.


Saturday, August 10, 2013

12 Things No One Told Me About Sex After Rape ~ An Excellent Article by C.J. Hale

Rape has always been on my radar. Its evil has struck friends, family members, and clients. I've waited with a traumatized rape victim for the police to arrive. I've lost sleep while an infamous serial rapist terrorized the area where I lived. Through Lafayette Juniors, I helped raise funds for a one-stop medical treatment room at a rape crisis center. Victims of rape and molestation have come to me through my shamanic healing practice.

As a mother, and as an author of Young Adult fiction, I've observed the sexualization of pre-teens, and the peer pressure tweens and teens face to lose their virginity earlier and earlier. When I first set-up this blog, I included a FYI page with information and links about abusive teen relationships. Today, I'm renaming the page:  "Your Body. Your Mind."

Here, and on that page, I'm adding a link to one of the best articles I've ever read, C.J. Hale's,
12 Things No One Told Me About Sex After Rape

If you have been raped, or are in a relationship with someone who has been raped, please take a moment to read Hale's article. It may change your life, give voice to your experiences, or help you navigate the future.

Love and light,
~Ariella Moon

Friday, August 9, 2013

Goodreads: A Source of Frustration and Trolling or an Author's Best Friend?

I'll be the first to admit that Goodreads is low on my list of social media sites. I love the idea of Goodreads. I just wish I found the site easier to navigate. And since it often frustrates me, I don't visit it as often as I should. I always feel like an iMac girl in a PC world when I'm at Goodreads.

But as this recent Huffington Post article by Penny C. Sansevieri demonstrates, authors should embrace Goodreads.
But as the comments to the article warn, there are some solid reasons to avoid the site.
How to Become a Goodreads Power User (and why you would want to)

Authors? Readers? What has been your experience with Goodreads?

Book Covers and My Quest For A Teen Johnny Depp

What do book covers, Wales, Merlin, and Johnny Depp have in common? Quite a lot, as you'll see in my guest blog today for Felicia Rogers, author of Beyond A Doubt.
http://feliciarogersauthor.weebly.com/blog.html

It all began when I left the country for a Celtic pilgrimage in Wales two weeks before my second novel, Spell Struck was due to release. By the time the trip ended, I had immersed half the tour group in my nightly quest for the perfect book cover.

Thank you, Felicia Rogers, for loaning me your blog to tell the tale.
~Ariella Moon

Thursday, August 8, 2013

At What Cost ~ New Book Video




J. Andersen, whose award-winning YA book, At What Cost, was spotlighted here in July, has a new book trailer. The choice of narrator surprised me. But I think you'll agree, the pick added power and interest to the video.
https://vimeo.com/71696245


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

UK Author Karen King Spotlights Spell Struck, Book 2: The Teen Wytche Saga


UK children and teen author, Karen King, features Spell Struck on her blog today.
http://www.karenking.net/blog/

If you scroll down on my blog, you'll be able to learn more about Karen King and her intriguing new YA novel, Perfect Summer.