HEART SONG JUST RELEASED

HEART SONG has just released by Publishing by Rebecca Vickery and is now live for 99 cents at the following locations:


Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/177196
Monkeybars
https://www.monkeybars.net/PbRJV

https://www.monkeybars.net/monkey/thing/5585f4cdefcaaa1f6d7fabaf22ced78e

HEART SONG will also be available at Amazon.com for .99 any minute.

BLURB:

Facing death might change Gideon’s life.

Heart Song Blurb

Gideon thought he had the perfect life as a musician with a beautiful model as his girlfriend, until he was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Ashamed and afraid he may die, Gideon hits bottom when his girlfriend dumps him for a real man.

Hope comes in the form of his father’s ghost and a person he has just met. Can he beat the odds and survive? And if he does, can he ever find happiness again?

EXCERPT:

Gideon pushed the button in his hand that would bring him relief. 

Maybe it was the morphine that caused him to slip into some kind of hallucination or maybe he was just dreaming—or wishing. The room appeared filled with white fog so thick that nothing remained visible beyond the bed where he lay. A fragrance drifted on the fog almost like a memory of forest, pungent cedar, rich, leaf-covered earth and sun warmed water. 

Gideon knew before the form appeared through the fog to stand at the foot of his bed that his father had come to him. He closed his eyes against the visage and yearned for it to be real even though he knew it couldn’t be. His parents had died two years ago in a car accident. But, when he blinked his eyes open once again, his dad was still there—a slim, tall man wearing waders and a fishing hat over his thick, silver hair. A narrow fringe of white mustache graced his upper lip as he smiled that lopsided way that Gideon remembered so well. He seemed so real that Gideon felt a lump of suppressed emotions form in his throat and wanted to cry with pure joy. All he could manage to say in a whisper was, “Pop? Is that you?” 

I will be giving away a copy of HEART SONG to a commenter  on my blog Sarah's Provocative Ponderings on July 5th. :  http://pasttheprint.blogspot.com/  

I hope you'll join me there.

Sarah

Belated Happy Father's Day

                                                                My Dad back in  the day.
I had so much trouble getting my blogger to work in the last few days that I couldn't write any posts and, unfortunately, didn't get to post a Father's Day note.
I hope everyone had a wonderful day yesterday in celebration of Father's Day.

Heart Song Contracted

Heart Song , a short story, has been contracted with Publishing by Rebecca Vickery for the 99 cent book store. Hopefully, it should be available at the end of June.  I am so excited about this story.

Facing death might change Gideon’s life.

Blurb:
Gideon thought he had the perfect life as a musician with a beautiful model as his girlfriend, until he was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Ashamed and afraid he may die, Gideon hits bottom when his girlfriend dumps him for a “real” man.
Hope comes in the form of his father’s ghost and a person he has just met. Can he beat the odds and survive? And if he does, can he ever find happiness again?

Can A Secondary Character Become A Hero?

When I wrote Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride (time travel/western), I had no intention of using a secondary character as a hero in another story or writing a sequel. As I began to write about the Iron Slipper Saloon in Hazard, Wyoming, a homeless teenage boy named Banjo walked into the story and I couldn't get him off my mind. What was it about him that was so special that I had to give him his own story?


I hope you'll join me today at Nancy Jardine's Blog.

Maybe you've done the same thing with one of your secondary characters. I'd love to hear from you.

Nancy Jardine’s Blog:

http://nancyjardine.blogspot.com

Mother's Day

I haven't really celebrated Mother's Day since 1974 when Mom died. 
I don't have any children so I don't get flowers, chocolate or breakfast in bed.  I suppose, if I were somebody's mom, it might be a happy day for me in spite of losing my mother before she had a chance to grow old.
But I do remember her on Mother's Day.  I light a candle beside her picture and I write a little note or buy her a card and lay it there knowing that, somehow, wherever her spirit resides, she knows I thought of her and love her still.  This is the day I miss her the most. She meant the world to me. . .she still does.
For those of you who still have your moms, I hope you celebrate your love for her today in your own special way.  And if you are a mom, I wish you a happy and loving day with your family.
Sarah

THE CALL OF THE WRITER

Today I am blogging about the thing inside each writer that pushes them to write.  Was it always there? When did you first hear the call to be a writer?  I hope you'll cpome on over to Sarah's Provocative Ponderings at Renee Vincent's place and tell me how and when the writer bug bit you.
Even if you're not a writer, you might want to find out what them critters tick.
I'd love to hear from you.
http://pasttheprint.blogspot.com/

Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day everyone. 

 Let's take care of her 'cause she's all we got. . . unless one of ya'll has a ticket to Mars or something.

The Light of Valmora: Page 77, 7 Sentences after line 7

Here is my answer to the Facebook challenge via tag to post page 77, the last 7 sentences from my WIP.  I have submitted The Light of Valmora but my next WIP is only at page 11 so here goes:
Page 77 from The Light of Valmora, 7 sentences after 7 lines down:

Falcon saw the confusion in her eyes as if she realized to her horror that she just kissed the wrong brother.


The violin stopped playing. A unified gasp escaped the crowd and filled the air followed by expectant silence. A menacing hand pulled at Falcon’s arm and forced him to release Izabelle. Falcon turned to confront the intruder and glared into Peregrine’s enraged aqua eyes.

Izabelle stepped back and pressed the back of her hand against her mouth. Falcon couldn’t miss the shock on her face as he turned to confront his brother.

Using Real History In A Story--And A Prize

While researching the history of World War I for my latest release, For Love of Banjo, I came across some very interesting facts about the Fifteenth Calvary Regiment that I used when I sent my hero into battle.  I even found the insignia used by the Fifteenth Regiment Calvary of the United States.
I'll be giving away a choice of a PDF copy of one of my books, The Violin, Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride or For Love of Banjo to someone who comments.  I hope to see you there.

http://theworldofheavenoshey.blogspot.com/?zx=c0ac59d49f1acd18

Sarah

I'll be at Sweehearts of the West March 22--Prize to give away

Thursday, March 22, I'll be at The Sweethearts of the West talking about The legend of The Ghost Ship on the Platte River in Wyoming. To some it is known as The Ship of Death and foretells the death of someone close to the person who sees it. *shiver*


I'll be giving away a copy of my new release, For Love of Banjo, to one of the commenters. Be sure to add your email address for a chance to win. I hope to see you there. Just follow this tag:

http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com/

Sarah J. McNeal

My Irish in America Blog and a Prize

I hope you'll join me tomorrow at Judy Nickles' blog.  I'll be talking about the Irish in America--they weren't alway lucky or liked.  I'll be giving away a copy of my western time travel book, Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride to a commenter so be sure to leave your email addy in your comment for a chance to win.  Here's the tag to her website:

Judy Nickles:   http://www.judythewordplace.blogspot.com/

I hope celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with me and maybe win a book while you're there.

Slan's beannachd!

(Health and a blessing!)

For Love of Banjo to Release March First

The sequel to Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride will release on March first--tomorrow.  For Love of Banjo is the story the homeless teenager that saved Lola's life and almost died.

Here is the excerpt from Harmonica Joe when Banjo tried to save Lola from the killer:

Excerpt:

“Don’t you sass me now, Callie. I’ve come to collect what belongs to me. If I don’t git my money, I’m taking you with me and make you work it off.” He gripped her tight around the waist and started making for the door when a voice called out, loud and clear halting his retreat.

“You let her go, Taylor. That’s not Callie you fool. Her name is Lola and she hasn’t done anything to you. Let her go, I say.” Banjo walked toward them with a big butcher knife in his hand that he must have picked up from under the bar.

Lola’s fear doubled into a knot that sat in her throat and threatened to cut off her breath. “It’s okay, Banjo. I’m okay. I’ll just go along with Weston for now and we’ll talk things out.” She took a shaky breath trying with all her might to summon up her courage. “I’m sure, once I talk to him, he’ll know he has the wrong woman.”

“Get out of my way, you good for nothing snot nosed boy. I ain’t got time for wet nursing right now.” Weston spewed spittle when he talked turning Lola’s stomach until she thought she might throw up right then and there.

“Shut the hell up, Taylor. Let her go, or I’ll put this knife right through your heart.” Banjo inched closer and closer.

And here is a Banjo's own story, For Love of Banjo:

Deceit stands between Banjo Wilding’s love for Maggie O’Leary and his search for the father he never knew.


Blurb:

Banjo Wilding wears a borrowed name and bears the scars and reputation of a lurid past. To earn the right to ask for Margaret O’Leary’s hand, he must find his father and make something of himself.

Margaret O’Leary has loved Banjo since she was ten years old but standing between her and Banjo is pride, Banjo’s mysterious father and the Great War.

Excerpt:

“Did Daddy swear he’d beat the tar out of you if you tried to seduce me?” They both laughed but Maggie’s skin heated at the idea of being alone with Banjo in the warm seclusion of her home.


“You know Sam, it was more than that. He swore he’d hunt me down, strip the skin from my hide and then he would shoot me if I took advantage of you.” He grinned then the smile slipped away and, in the moments of silence after, Banjo grew serious as he gazed into Maggie’s eyes. “I admit, Maggie, it would be worth a hide-stripping to spend a night with you in my arms.”

Heat gathered in her abdomen and moved down between her legs at the very thought of Banjo with his hands on her bare flesh. “Did you promise Daddy you wouldn’t?” Her words came out breathless and rode on little foggy clouds in the cold, crisp air.

“I’m afraid so.”


BUY LINKS:
For Love of Banjo:
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/136814


Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=for+love+of+banjo+by+sarah+mcneal
For Love of Banjo will be available at other bookstores very soon as well.
 
For Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride:
Available at Western Trail Blazer Novels


http://westerntrailblazer.yolasite.com/online-store.php

Available at Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=harmonica+joe%27s+reluctant+bride+by+sarah+mcneal&x=20&y=22

Lulu Book Store:

http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?search_forum=-1&search_cat=2&show_results=topics&return_chars=200&search_keywords=&keys=&header_search=true&search=&locale=&sitesearch=lulu.com&q=&fListingClass=5&fSearch=harmonica+joe%27s+reluctant+bride&fSubmitSearch.x=5&fSubmitSearch.y=9

Smashwords:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53550



and Barnes & Noble

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Harmonica-Joes-Reluctant-Bride/Sarah-McNeal/e/9781461087731?r=1,%201&if=N&cm_mmc=Goodreads-_-k117601-_-j12871747k117601-_-Primary

Both books may be ordered in e-book, Kindle and paperback

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope you're all celebrating with your special someone.  I have a little list of things I'd like to have today starting with Mr. Ben Mouse and his lovely banjo tunes...

Then a few red roses wouldn't hurt...

And a big ol' box of delicious chocolate ought to just about take care of my Valentine's Day list.

So what's on your list of Valentine's Day delights?  Maybe a knight in shining armor?

Well, whatever your desires are today, I hope they all come true.  Have a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Log Lines and a Contest

Some readers may not know what a logline is. Besides serving as a torment to authors, loglines give the essence of a book boiled down to one sentence that is less than 25 words long. Kind of tricky. It used to scare me to death but then I started practicing doing it in ten words or less.


Today I am at the Logline Blog with the logline from Harmonica Joe’s Reluctant Bride, Yeah. I know. The title is almost a logline. Any way, if you come over and leave a comment, you will be eligible to win a gift certificate for Amazon.com or ARE for $20. They give away a monthly prize of a gift certificate so that’s a nice little bonus.

Here’s the tag to get there:

http://theloglineblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/harmonica-joes-reluctant-bride.html

I hope I see you there.

Sarah

Chance to Win $20 Gift Certificate

On Thursday, February 9, my log line for Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride will post at the Log Line Blog.  Just for commenting, you will have a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com or ARe.
On Thursday go to this tag: 

http://www.theloglineblog.blogspot.com/

I hope to see you there.

Sarah

The Violin (revised edition) received a 5 Star Review

Manic Readers reviewer, Alberta, gave the revised edition of  The Violin a 5 star review.  Thank you so much, Alberta, for making my day.
Here is the complete review:
Full Review from Manic readers:

Release Date: 12/04/11

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 215

Publisher: Rebecca J. Vickery
Review:

I love time travel romances, and I loved this one. Genevieve is a product of the foster child system, a repressed, self-conscious, shy, unloved and unlovable teacher with dreams of an unknown man that recur nightly.

When she sees an auction for an old violin, she feels compelled to buy it, behaving totally out of character for her staid self. Inside she finds information about the owner who drowned in 1927. She embarks on a journey to find out more about the man, his family and the violin. She manages to go back in time to 1927, meets and falls in love with John, the owner of the violin.

She is welcomed by family and friends but she knows she must try and save John’s life, before returning to her own time. Their love is doomed to separation by years or death or both.

The Violin is intricately written, and the difference in personality between Genevieve in the present day to Genevieve in 1927 is clearly defined and startling. The whole town seems to know something that she doesn’t, but when she finds out what that is, she can’t or won’t believe it could possibly be true. I loved the characters, both main and secondary, and the conflicts are satisfactorily resolved. I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

To view the complete review at Manic Readers, here is the tag:

http://www.manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=reviews&bookid=21322

Happy New Year!

I wish you all a very happy, prosperous, peaceful and love-filled New Year.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing for the holidays, I wish you peace, joy and prosperity and many it continue throughout the year.

Please welcome Stephanie Burkhart

Pleas welcome Stephanie Burkhart with us, the author of paranormal and extraordinary stories to my blog today. She is offering a give-away today with details at the end of the blog.

STEPH: Thanks for having me here today, Sarah. I was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire. At 18 I joined the Army wanting a great adventure. And I got it.  I've been to Germany, France, Denmark, Poland, and Hungary just to name a few countries. I was married in 1991 and left the Army in 1997. Now I work for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. I'm married with two young sons, ages 9 and 5.




You can find me on the web at:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com



My recent novels include:

The Budapest Moon Series

Paranormal/werewolf romance



The Hungarian

The Count's Lair

Danube in Candlelight

The Windsor Diaries

Steampunk romance

Victorian Scoundrel

Moldavian Moon Series

Paranormal/werewolf romance

The Wolf's Torment

Twilight Over Moldavia – releases 1 JAN 2012

Releasing 15 DEC 2011:

The Faberge Secret

A contemporary Christmas Romance



My other Christmas stories include:

Christmas in Bayeux and

Feast of Candles in the 2011 Christmas Collection released by Victory Tales Press

A picture of the Danish Royal Castle


SARAH: How do you usually come up with a story idea? Dreams? Writer’s journal? Eavesdropping on conversations? Newspaper?

STEPH: I don't dream so my inspiration for stories don't come through them. I get a germ of an idea and then I research. From the research I get "what if" questions which form a basic plot. Then I flesh out the characters using bios and establishing internal conflict. I call this "preliminary" work and it usually takes 2-3 weeks to really flesh out.

SARAH: Who or what inspires you when your creative mojo is lagging?

STEPH: It never lags. Sounds scary, doesn't it? There is always an idea in my head.

SARAH: Who is your Yoda—your seasoned mentor?

STEPH: Gosh, I'd have to say, if anything, I want to write books like Diana Crosby – really polished in setting, characterization, and plot.

SARAH: What importance do you place on writing workshops? What workshops would you recommend to us?

STEPH: I think writing workshops are great. Unfortunately, my time is very limited with real life commitments. I wish I could attend more workshops than I do.

SARAH: What person would you like to thank for inspiring you in your writing aspirations? How did this person help you?

STEPH: Dina Hickman. She made me believe I could be a writer.

SARAH: Have you ever used songs for inspiration?



STEPH: You bet! "Astronomy" by Blue Oyster Cult is "Stefan's and Caroline's" song. They are my hero and heroine from my upcoming release, "Twilight Over Moldavia."



SARAH: Do you play music when you write? If so, what kind? Or, do you have to have silence or background noise to set your writing muse free?



STEPH: If I do play music, I like to play Kevin MacLeod's music. It's mellow and peaceful and doesn't disturb my train of thought.

SARAH: Do you read in a different genre than you write? If yes, why? If you read in the same genre that you write, do you feel that it influences your writing in any way?

STEPH: I'll read anything, but honestly, I'm picky about reading paranormals. I really enjoy Karen Michelle Nutt's paranormals and Barbara Edwards because they write paranormals with the focus on the man and not the creature he is.

I'm more flexible with my contemporary writing and reading, and I'll read a wider variety of those, but prefer those with an international setting.

SARAH: What is your process from idea to first draft?

STEPH: Research. Researching gives me ideas. I do a lot of sketching with pen and paper.

SARAH: Have you ever given assistance to a struggling new writer? Has another writer ever come to your aide? How?

STEPH: I haven't given any assistance per se, but I am a moderator on Writing.com. I find it's hard to give assistance to new writers only because they aren't really receptive to feedback. I'm willing to give feedback, but I think that receptiveness comes with maturity as you grow as a writer. As far as another writer helping me, I don't mind. Sometimes they see angles I don't see.

SARAH: What do you consider your greatest accomplishments in your career so far?

STEPH: Publishing with multiple publishers. It lets me know a variety of publishers are interested in my writing and that means a lot.

SARAH: If you won the big lottery, what would you do with the money? Would give any of it to charity? If so, which one?

STEPH: I think I'd square away my mortgage first, lol!! Yes, I definitely support charities. I think the closest ones to my heart involve hemophilia, a blood disease that can now be managed for those who have it, and any charities or organizations having to do with sensory integration dysfunction. My 5 year old son, Joseph, has sensory issues and it's been a challenge to meet his needs at times. (SID) can present on its own, but it is very commonly associated with Autism because a lot of autistic children have sensory issues. A great book to read is "Raising a Sensory Smart Child." It's helped me a lot identify what my son needs regarding regulating his senses. After that, I'd like to support Autistic awareness and research behind autism.

SARAH: What is the best advice you want to give to a new writer?

STEPH: Be receptive about learning the craft. Learn everything you can. Be open to the advice other writers offer.



SARAH: What characteristics do you like to instill in your heroes? What characteristics do you feel are necessary for a good heroine?



STEPH: I like my heroes to be noble. From nobility comes honor, integrity, and strength. I like heroines to be clever. I don't like the typical heroine in distress. I'd like her to make her own choices and decisions. I'd like her to project an inner strength, but show vulnerability when she's alone.



My release in the 2011 Christmas Collection from Victory Tales Press is called: "Feast of Candles." Here's a blurb & excerpt. Enjoy!

BLURB: Drake de Brettville is going to take the biggest risk of his life – because of a bottle of wine. When Drake's brother returns to their home in Denmark with a bottle of wine from the Marquand Winery, Drake finds himself compelled to discover who the wine maker is. Intrigued to learn that the owner is a young woman named Lily Marquand, Drake travels to Napa Valley, California, to meet her. When Drake finds Lily, the sparks fly. Lily is that rare woman who stimulates him like no other, but to win her love, Drake has to shatter the battlements that guard her heart and prove to her Christmas wishes do come true.



EXCERPT:



Drake walked forward, stopping before her. White string lights sparkled on the tree, sending soft shadows over his cheeks. The room was empty. The doormen were escorting guests to their cars.



"What makes me believe it's Christmas is light." His voice was low and purposefully seductive. His nearness made her senses spin.



"Light? I don't understand."



"In Denmark, the sun rises after eight in the morning and sets before four in the afternoon, so light is important in our Christmas traditions. Candlelight drives away the gloom and creates a warmth and coziness for many families during this cold and dark time of year. This last weekend my family gathered to light our first candle on the Advent wreath."



"Family is important to you?" She had to know.



"Very. And you?"



"My mother passed away when I was a little girl, and my father threw his heart and soul into the winery. I have an uncle, but he lives in New York. I grew up not knowing what a close family was like."



His compelling eyes riveted her to the spot as they hinted of sadness. He reached out and cupped her cheek, gently stroking her jaw with his thumb. "I'm sorry. You shouldn't be alone at Christmas."



"I'm used to the loneliness." She closed her eyes briefly, enjoying his touch far too much.



He drew close, pressing the length of his body against hers. Her pulse quickened even as a sense of caution flooded through her. She opened her eyes and placed her hand over his, while placing her other hand over his chest to stop him from drawing closer. Despite her attraction, she wasn't quite ready to allow a kiss.



He stared into her eyes, keeping his hand on her waist. "What's wrong?"



"Nothing." She hesitated. "Everything. You…" her voice trailed off. Silence grew between them. God, what had she been thinking? Was it possible to have a future with him?

BUY LINKS:



AMAZON KINDLE:

http://www.amazon.com/2011-Christmas-Collection-Sensual-ebook/dp/B005Z8VOVG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1323215183&sr=1-1



BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/2011-christmas-collection-vtp-anthologies/1107079792?ean=2940032828143&itm=1&usri=2011+christmas+collection+sensual+spicy



SMASHWORDS:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99059



FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com



TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart



FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166



GOOD READS:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

Contest:  You won't want to miss this!!!!

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and tell me what your favorite Christmas Carol is. I'll come back on the 14th and announce a winner. The winner receives a decorative cloth Christmas tree, candles and chocolate.

For Love of Banjo the cover

This is the cover for my soon to be released sequel to Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride, For Love of Banjo.  It's a World War I story.
Deceit stands between Banjo Wilding’s love for Maggie O’Leary and his search for the father he never knew.


Blurb:

Banjo Wilding wears a borrowed name and bears the scars and reputation of a lurid past. To earn the right to ask for Margaret O’Leary’s hand, he must find his father and make something of himself.

Margaret O’Leary has loved Banjo since she was ten years old but standing between her and Banjo is pride, Banjo’s mysterious father and the Great War.

Will either of them find happiness?