Come See Me At Once Upon A Word

I'll be blogging at Once Upon A Word about the challenge of creating a hero with health issues. My new release, HEART SONG, has such a hero. Gideon is a musician on the brink of an outstanding career.  He has the perfect life with money and a trophy girlfriend when he learns he has cancer. His life is about to change in ways he never imagined. I hope you'll visit me on July 25 and 26 and learn more about my hero and my book, HEART SONG.
http://onceuponaword1.blogspot.com/
It's on sale for 99 cents.
BUY LINKS:

Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Song-ebook/dp/B008G1GKJ0/
Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/177196
Monkeybars
https://www.monkeybars.net/PbRJV
https://www.monkeybars.net/monkey/thing/5585f4cdefcaaa1f6d7fabaf22ced78e

Happy Fourth of July

It's hot as all get-out here in North Carolina. Still, as far as I know, we're going to have fireworks. I heard on the news that some parts of the USA there is a ban of fireworks because of the drought and heat.  What a shame. My neighbors usually set off some fantastic fireworks that I can see from my deck.  Very nice.
I'm not sure what our plan is for celebrating but I'm sure it will involve some good food. Right now I'm thinking air conditioning and ice cream.  LOL
What you planning?  Do you have any family traditions for celebrating the 4th of July?
If you're driving anywhere, stay safe.

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.