HUNTING THE MOON, BY REBECCA BOUCHER

Today we have a really insightful and fun interview from NA Paranormal Romance Author Rebecca Boucher.  Her studies in Criminal Justice combined with her deep inspiration from living in a little town in Massachusetts built a solid foundation to write upon.  Add to that her love of reading, instilled by her father, and, well, you get the idea…Becca, as she is known by her friends, has all the makings of a truly talented author.  Her debut novel is garnering some great reviews…so hit the links below and enjoy meeting Rebecca Boucher.

ps. TO ALL YOU FAERIE HOPPERS OUT THERE…I just found out that the end of the book is a showdown between Faeries and Angels…! who doesn't love this kind of battle!

Print Length: 194 pages

Publisher: Write More Publications; first edition (December 10, 2013)

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Language: English

ASIN: B00H9P7XW2

Our Interview

       1.  So Becca...how did you come up with the idea of the ghost of a murdered husband linked in with Celtic lore?

Well I didn’t at first. When I started the book Daemon was supposed to be the bad guy, but he had other ideas. Then I had to figure out a unique reason why this ghost was so stuck between worlds. I have always been fascinated by Celtic tales, and fairies, and Ireland, and I had just started learning about Wicca. So I said why not? I think I have combined so many elements, it certainly makes it original. 

         2.  I understand you have a degree in criminal justice...did this background assist you in the writing of this paranormal romance?

Absolutely! I think that’s why I started with a murder. It’s something I have a connection with. Along with nutrition and long term care centers. I also have a certificate in nutrition and worked in that field for sixteen years. So I really tapped into all my life experience for this one. 

           3.   Are your characters purely fictional...or do they have bits and pieces of you or others you know?

Each character reminds me of someone. Though they are not totally based on real people, I had people in mind. Lol, Doesn’t every writer. And I have to say there is a lot of Lilly in me. I started this book at a transition period in my life when a lot of things were falling apart. So Lilly got the brunt of that.

4.   Once you established your characters, was it an easy dialog for you to write?  Meaning, did they become “real” for you while you wrote them? Did the flow of the story simply unfold?

It did. I’m not a planner per say. I develop the characters, but I don’t outline the story. I let the characters drive the story. I think it comes across as really authentic that way. Kevin for instance. He says some goofy things. And I had a lot of fun writing him. And Kat became so much of a character in my mind she is getting her own book.

5.  What kind of response have you been getting from readers?

           I have been honestly brought to tears by the response. I can’t believe it is getting five star reviews on Amazon, and    even the readers who contact me personally with their reactions have just floored me. I really wasn’t expecting people to like it as much as they are. 

6.  What do you hope to accomplish from this journey?

I have always loved to write. And along that lines I have always said it doesn’t matter to me if I get rich, or have a following, I just want someone, somewhere, to read what I have written. I hope readers see all the emotion and pain that goes into a story, and connect with it. I guess I would say I hope to accomplish hitting the NYT best seller list once in my life. Lol

7.  And finally, your dedication which reads, “This book is dedicated to everyone who believes that there is something else out there.  Never stop believing in the magic around you...”, which completely caught my attention...I’m all about the magic, however, what does this mean for you?

Magic to me is anything that gives you faith and hope. My dad was a big influence in that department. He read and researched magic, and spirit guides, and ghosts. Told me my first ghost stories, and told me that we are not alone in this universe. I think we all use magic in some way when we try to reach our goals. To me magic is all around us, tapping into it, and the way it manifests, is different to each and every one of us. But it’s there if we look for it. So not magic in the traditional sense, but maybe magic in the spiritual sense. 

BIO:

Rebecca Boucher was born and raised in Worcester Massachusetts. Her father instilled an early love of reading in her and encouraged her when she started to write. Rebecca earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Quinsigamond Community College, but her love has always been writing. After the birth of her first child, she moved to a quiet little town on the edge of Worcester County, in the heart of Central Massachusetts. Living there has inspired her to write most of her current projects. In fact, readers might recognize some of her locations. Currently, Rebecca is a freelance writer and blogger. Her first novel is Hunting the Moon (The Moon Series). Rebecca is also the Write More Publications blog tour coordinator and an avid Beta reader. When she is not writing, Rebecca is the mother of two boys, ages 10 and 13. Her youngest son was diagnosed in the Autism spectrum, and a lot of her volunteer time is spent raising awareness and promoting education for that cause.

Links: http://www.beccab8.blogspot.com/

           http://www.bbtourservices.com/

 link to the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hunting-Moon-Becca-Boucher-ebook/dp/B00H9P7XW2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1388977585&sr=1-1&keywords=hunting+the+moon

The World of Faeries, from author Lionrhod

I would like to share this very interesting folklore information about Faeries gathered by Fantasy/Wiccan writer Lionrhod, who is writing a series titled Witches Gates Saga.  The first book, available now as an ebook on Amazon, is titled Dark Moon Gates.  Please enjoy this provocative explanation of the world of Faeries.

Faeries 

The forest is dark, brooding. You had not meant to be alone on this trail. Your journey home was delayed till a late hour, and now you regret leaving the comfort of the inn's warm hearth.

Empty tree branches rattle and sigh, and the moon provides your only light, limning a path between trunks. Tales are told of this forest, and of the moors that encircle it. Travelers who never made it to their destination. Of those few who did return, years after they set out. And invariably changed and strange.

Then in the distance you see a flicker of light. You quicken your pace, hoping it is from a cottage, or at very least, a camp where a kind traveler might allow you to share the warmth and light of their fire.

Now, above the sound of your own harsh breathing and the crunch of leaves underfoot, you hear the thready notes of a flute and the beat of a drum. Yes, a campfire. The wind brings you a scent of smoke and roasting venison and your belly groans and gurgles with hunger. You hasten closer.

In the clearing ahead, several bodies sway and move to pounding beat and skirling tune. It is like no music, like no dance you have ever heard or seen before. Primal and ethereal all at once.

You halt at the edge of the trees, taking in the sight of the the folk. Tall and lithe and beautiful, but with an otherness to their features. And does that one have...horns? They seem to capture the light of fire and moon, glowing almost from within.

The storytellers' tales come back to you and fear lances your heart. Yet your feet continue forward, as if willed by something other than you. Fighting your own body, you step from the trees.

And the clearing is plunged into darkness.

Faeries are found throughout most (if not all) cultures worldwide. In Germanic folklore they are called kobolds, in Italy they were known as the fatae, in Japan they are the yosei. and in Iceland, the huldu folk or "hidden folk." In North America, the Ojibway tell stories of the Star Maiden, while the Shoshone speak of a tribe of little people they call the Nimerigar.

In the British Isles, they are called the Sidhe (prounounced "shee") which translates to "People of the Hollow Hills," named for the many barrow sites that dot those lands. As it was believed unsafe to invoke them by their true names, people instead spoke of the Good Folk or the Fair folk, from whence we get the term "faeries."

What these folk are is unknown. They may be the ancestors and descendants of the Old Gods, and some may even be the Gods themselves. They could be the indigenous people of the various places they come from. For instance, the Pritani, who gave Britain its name. They may be spirits of the land and nature itself, or perhaps visitors from another dimension beyond our own. This last theory is supported by much of the lore of places such as Avalon, and by tales that suggest Faery is a separate realm, into which humans can sometimes cross. It is possible that more than one of these theories are correct.

In most cases, faeries are seen as at very least uninterested in humans and quite possibly malevolent. Among the many faeries of lore are the Leanhaun Si, a vampiric muse who would inspire their lover, but often send them to an early grave; murderous Redcaps, "drowning faeries" such as Peg Powler and Jenny Greenteeth; and the the Bean Si or "washer at the ford" whose mournful wail presages death. Stories tell of children, stolen from their cradles, and replaced by "changelings" who must then be reared by their human hosts, such as in Yeats' poem, The Stolen Child. One of the more famous tales, is that of Tam Lin, who was taken by the Faery Queen, and rescued years later by his beloved who held onto him until his body was transformed into a glowing coal and then tossed him into a well, thus returning him to humanity.

Yet not all faeries harbor ill will to humans. There are also stories of "shoemaker elves," brownies and similar faeries who aid tradesmen and housekeepers. Many tales tell of meeting someone in the woods or along a road who, and doing them a kindness, then being rewarded with wealth, beauty, talent or some other gift. Faeries are said to have a great appreciation for generosity, honesty, kind heartedness and courage.

Never lie to nor attempt to cheat the Sidhe, as will win their instant disfavor. Do not seek to do good for them only for the sake of what you may receive, as they loathe avarice and are swift to punish it. And should they tell you that you must not look upon them at a certain time, or follow some other rule, take heed that you do as told, however great your curiosity.

Do not eat faery food unless accompanied by a Druid or experienced magickal practitioner (And we DO mean experienced!) who is well studied in Abjuration (the science and art of cleansing and removing unwanted energies) or you may be trapped beneath their Hollow Hills.

They are especially attracted to music, flowers, bells, or water features. They also appreciate gifts of milk, wine, honey, food, crystals, jewelry and cloth.

The Making of Dark Moon Gates

Dark Moon Gates was born out of a dream. In one part, insect-bodied faeries were staring in at me through the window, their eyes glowing like huge jewels. Later in the dream, I found myself running through a park. My younger brother was cuffed to a shopping cart and I was trying to wheel him to safety. Yet another part of the dream introduced me to Willa and the fact that prophecy said she would be blinded attempting to save her brother.

I tend to work on several projects at once, and at the time, was focused on writing the first edition of Spellcraft Secrets. I wrote the first few chapters about Willa and brought them out to polish on occasion, but was stumped by how--and if--she would manage to save Arrie without being blinded.

Another breakthrough came when I was taking a Runes class. We were working on the second Aett (the second third) and my teacher asked us to write a story using that Aett in order. This and a true-life incident where I nearly got myself and my siblings drowned as a kid, led to the river crossing scene.  Now I had the kids out in the wilds of the mountains, hiding from the Dark Sidhe. I had and no idea how I'd get my characters there or what would happen when I did.

When I write, the characters become living, breathing entities. I ask them what they're up to and hopefully they tell me. About two years ago, Willa came to me and said it was time to finish her story. The rest of the book that had sat in my drawer for years, pulled together with her help. I finally discovered the secret of her blindness amongst many other things.

The magick in the book is based on my own magickal practices. As a witch for the past 35 years or more, I wanted a story where the effects of magick were subtle and worked much as they do in the real world. I theorized that coming from the realm of Faery, the Sidhe would be unfamiliar with our technology, (riding bicycles and stags rather than cars) and that while still a great sorceress, Bria, leader of the Dark Faeries would be hampered by the fact that the human world had far less natural mana (magickal energy) than the realm of Faery.

Willa and her mom Hailey's coven itself, is based on several covens that I've been part of, and the characters I encountered there.

My favorite surprise while writing the book was Mrs. Ornstedder. She started out as just a mention as one of Willa's teachers, aka the Bitch of Bio and the Crone of Chemistry. I had no idea that she'd show up, ragged pink nails and all for a manicure and help to turn the tide of the story.

At the moment I'm working on the second book in the Witches' Gates Saga, Unquiet Memories. Willa and her family and coven are recovering from their encounter with the Dark Sidhe, who loom in the background, waiting for another chance to close the Gates to Faery. Meanwhile, Willa has been adopted by the ghost of a long-ago suicide intent on clearing her name. Willa's stepdad is also back on the scene, trying to win back his family, and causing havoc with her heart. 

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! BOOKING EVENTS BEGIN!

Just a quick update to all our followers….PLP has begun booking authors for interviews and special guest posts and posts of interest all surrounding the world of YA Fantasy Novels.

I'm super excited to have received the amount of response that has come in from YA Authors, mainly through Twitter and a couple of people who have graciously promoted this blog…please visit both,  Liz McKeown and Ashley Barron... just because.

In the meantime, the minute I have my schedule booked for January I will post the dates on the sidebar to the left here…thx again for everyone's tremendous response to help elevate PLP to becoming the number one blog for YA Fantasy Reads…yay!  and have a safe New Years Eve!

ps. anyone interested in booking a date contact us through the link above, under the header…cheers!

BLOG CHANGES

Keep your eyes on our blog….Pressed Leaf Publishing is making some big changes.

I've decided I really need something more from this process…I really need to include other authors that need a platform to present their YA and NA fantasy novels.  We're opening the doors here!
So the next few weeks will find some substantial changes to this blog and the goals we are heading towards.

The first thing I'd like to share is getting the word out that PLP is looking to host, interview, and expand knowledge with other authors in this genre'.  Here's a tweet from today, that has already had some retweets…let's keep this moving…thx for your tremendous support thus far…see you soon with the new improved Pressed Leaf Publishing Blog..Home of the Benjamin McTish Series…june

@thejuner, looking to host #YA #fantasy #adventure #dystopian #steampunk #authors on my #blog, let's get the word out about great #writing!
— June M. Pace (@TheJuner) December 17, 2013

Benjamin McTish Xmas- part two- the Den

Second installment from the home of author June M. Pace, sharing the magic and inspiration of the holidays…enjoy!   ps. the one is shorter, just getting the swing of how to set these up, thx for your patience and  support…!

Benjamin McTish Xmas

Sharing some of the inspiration and magic of the holidays with my fans….enjoy!

Book Two Coming Along

I've been hard at work attempting to finish up the second book in the McTish series, The Wizards of Coranim,  before the holidays...getting close...doing my best cause I know there are many of you waiting to get on with what's happening with the Muskydeers.

Here's a sneak peek at the cover...much to finish..but wanted to share...keep the magic alive!

BOOK EVENT

Tomorrow...Saturday, Nov 16th..."Friends of the Scotts Valley Library" are hosting a book introduction and talk by...me...from 3-5 at the library....gift packages go out to the first 15 guests to purchase their own copy of Benjamin McTish at the special event price.....so let's hope for a good turn out for Benjamin!

Book Tour From Girls Heart Books-The Unknown

PHOTOS ACCIDENTALLY REMOVED MONTHS AFTER THE TOUR…SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE, PLEASE VISIT LINKS FOR MORE INFO..THX PLP

Here we go with another book to introduce from Girls Heart Book Tours...this is romance so get ready to dive in.  Pressed Leaf Publishing passing along another chance to find a new author and her work...enjoy!

Book Info-

Title-The Unknown

By-Lara Henley

Genre- Romance  
Publication Date- November 7, 2013

Blurb-

Misty found out early in life that things just don't come easy. She has learned to trust no one, and that you can't depend on anyone but yourself when the chips fall. Finally free of the states clutches she sets out on a whirlwind adventure called LIFE....

But she never expected Drake....

Drake... is use to being in the limelight just graduated from college. Wondering what's next? Misty is a welcome surprise. So different from his everyday mundane experiences..

Can two completely different people share a journey that could change both of their lives forever? Or will they end up destroying each other in the process?

Escape to The UnKnown  

EXCERPT

We walked inside the restaurant of the very small Angelo’s. It was busy because it was a Saturday night. The walls were painted a very dark red and each table was outfitted with a matching red table cloth with a lit candle sitting on top of it.

“Very romantic, Mr. Mitchell.”

“I try my best, Miss Scott.” The waitress walked over and took us to a very small, quiet booth in the back of the restaurant. When we reached it there were a dozen white roses sitting there. I was confused, had he planned this?

“Drake, you have already given me flowers. This is too much.”

“I can never give you enough. I want to give you the world. Do you know what the white rose signifies?” He pulled me down into the booth with him.

“I don’t, but they are just as beautiful as the red ones you gave me.”

“The white rose signifies purity and innocence. The red rose signifies love, beauty, courage, and respect. And together they signify unity. Baby, you are those things to me. You are my heart.” He kissed the back of my hand. “You are as pure as the driven snow.” He kissed it again. “And you are as beautiful as an angel descending from heaven.” Drake’s eyes danced with hope and love. I could see that he truly loved me. Where did this man come from? Tears were beginning to form in my eyes.

“And together,” he pulled out a single white rose and a single red one and laced the stems together. “We are strong. We can’t be broken.” By the time he finished I was a blubbering fool. I was so happy in that exact moment.

“I love you with all my heart,” he whispered lovingly.  I closed my eyes and savored his every word. I hadn’t ever known love like this. I never wanted to let it go.

“Baby, you ok?”

“Yes. I love you so much. I can’t believe you did this. My makeup is probably running.” I wiped the tears from my eyes. Who knows what I look like right now, but I couldn’t help it. This was just all too wonderful not to cry.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18368349-the-unknown?from_search=true

Trailer- http://youtu.be/7GNm_5J9x60

Kindle- http://www.amazon.com/The-UnKnown-Novel-Lara-Henley-ebook/dp/B00GIOABYC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1383846240&sr=8-4&keywords=Lara+Henley

Amazon Paperback-

http://www.amazon.com/The-Unknown-Lara-Henley/dp/1492235512/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1383846240&sr=8-2&keywords=Lara+Henley

About the Author-

Lara Henley was born in the Midwest. She holds a degree in Fashion Marketing and loves all things creative. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her first love is writing and hopes to make it her full-time career. She first began her career as a writer with children's books and has since transitioned into writing young adult and adult romance.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7092327.Lara_Henley

Blog-

http://www.larahenley.blogspot.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/laraisadiva

Facebook-www.facebook.com/larahenl

Giveaway Info-

I'm terribly sorry, I was not able to upload the giveaway raffle...please go to one of the blogs on the list below and enter the giveaway for a copy of the Unknown...sorry for any inconvenience...ppl.

Facebook Event- https://www.facebook.com/events/233506886816084/


Here's the rest of the tour...follow along...

November 13th-

Pressed Leaf Publishing- Excerpt/Spotlight

It Started with a Book Blog- Excerpt/Spotlight

Paperrdolls-Excerpt/Spotlight

November 14th-

Crazy Beautiful Reviews- Review

Queekie Girl Reads-Excerpt/Spotlight, Playlist

November 15th-

Romance, Fantasy & Magic- Excerpt/Spotlight

This Redhead LOVES Books- Review

November 16th-

A Crazy Vermonter’s Book Reviews- Review

The Avid Reader-  Excerpt/Spotlight, Playlist

November 17th-

The Girl Bookaholic- Excerpt/Spotlight

Book Tour from Girls Heart Books...The Elemental Prophecy

SORRY ALL PHOTOS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THIS POST, ACCIDENTALLY, MONTHS AFTER THE TOUR…PLEASE VISIT THE LINKS TO SEE THE COVERS.

So here it is, our first author book tour hosting event. Pressed Leaf is opening up to facilitate other authors into getting their books seen.  

I'd like to introduce Nikki Narvaez who is writing The Elemental Prophecy. We are featuring the first two books in the series, Envisioned and Emblazed...intriguing covers don't you think? The concept sounds really interesting..I can't wait to get into the first book and see where it leads me.  

In the meantime please enjoy reading a bit about Nikki and a small excerpt from the book as well as her choice for "who would play the main characters in a movie". Then follow along on her tour, you'll find author interview, character interviews, top ten lists, even a few reviews and more...enjoy!

Book Info-

Title- Envisioned

Series- The Elemental Prophecy Book # 1

By- Nikki Narvaez

Genre-New Adult /Paranormal Romance

Blurb-

Brielle De Luca thought she was just an average girl, despite her nightly dreams of an impending apocalypse, along with a gorgeous man that pulls at her soul.

However, on the night of her 18th birthday, everything changes when she is thrown into the Elemental World, a world where she is supposedly the One that is spoken about in an ancient Prophecy; a Prophecy that states she is the key to preventing an apocalypse.

Now she must learn to control her power over the four elements, all while dealing with the love and intense passion of her bond to the man from her dreams, Jace Vasquez.

Piece of cake, right?

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17338478-envisioned

Smashwords- http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/315007

Kobo- http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Envisioned/book-kRCkBo1jwUy58_7bn8Kp-Q/page1.html?s=Dfgb1KVz9E6B7swP30AjzA&r=1

B&N- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/envisioned-nikki-narvaez/1115287271?ean=2940044528703

Amazon-http://www.amazon.com/Envisioned-The-Elemental-Prophecy-ebook/dp/B00CQR4OOI/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1371935900&sr=8-1&keywords=envisioned

Book Info-

Title- Emblazed

Series- The Elemental Prophecy Book # 2

By- Nikki Narvaez  

Expected Publication Date- September 20th, 2013

Blurb-

Three days. Three days seems like a lot of time, but not when you are racing to save the one you love. Not when time is against you.

Three days is all Jace has to save Brielle, to prevent both of their deaths. Both have more to battle than they ever imagined while they fight for their lives, their souls, and their love.

Will Jace be able to rescue Brielle, or will the fate of the world die with her?

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17998317-emblazed

Kindle- http://www.amazon.com/Emblazed-Elemental-Prophecy-Nikki-Narvaez-ebook/dp/B00FB1GRI2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382834493&sr=8-1&keywords=emblazed

Nook- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emblazed-nikki-narvaez/1116960417?ean=2940148603597

 

About the Author-

My name is Nikki Narvaez. I was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, where I currently live with my husband, our two dogs, Bella and Oreo, and our cat, Cupcake. I have been teaching for four years, but I hope to become a full-time writer and stay at home mom one day. I am 27 years old, and have three older sisters who have blessed me with four nephews and one niece. In my free time, I love to write and play Texas Hold 'Em poker. I just released my first novel, a New Adult Fantasy/Paranormal Romance titled Envisioned. It is the first in the trilogy of The Elemental Prophecy Series. I am currently working on Book Two, titled Emblazed, as well as another Adult Paranormal Romance trilogy and a Contemporary Romance.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6924556.Nikki_Narvaez

Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nikki-Narvaez-Author/385643278199994

Blog- http://nikkinarvaezwritegirl.blogspot.com/

Facebook Event- https://www.facebook.com/events/640722079281236/


Nikki was asked this question from our tour host at Girls Heart Books...

If “Envisioned” & “Emblazed” were made into movies, and you could cast anyone you wanted, who would you choose?

Brielle: That’s a hard one! I think the closest actress in Hollywood to Brielle would be Odette Annable, but with lighter hair.

Jace: My muse for Jace is MMA fighter Roger Huerta.

Kimber: Julianne Hough

Zane: I don’t have a name for this guy, but he’s the only guy that comes close to Zane :)

Kiera: Ginnifer Goodwin

Here's what's left of the tour...take a look.

November 1st-

Book Bliss-Review of Both Books,  Excerpt/Spotlight

November 2nd-

Litterbox Blog- Review of both books

Bookmarks, Spoilers & Happily Ever After- Top Tens, Excerpt/Spotlight, Character Bio

November 3rd-

Mythical Books- Guest Post

November 4th-

Urban Fantasy Land- Excerpt/Spotlight, Character Bio

Paperrdolls- Review of Book 1

November 5th-

Roxy’s Reviews- Review of Both Books, Dream Cast, Excerpt/Spotlight, Character Bio

November 6th-

As You Wish Reviews-Review of both books, Excerpt/Spotlight

November 7th-

Addicted Readers- Excerpt/Spotlight

Bookworm Betties- Excerpt/Spotlight, Book Soundtrack

November 8th-

Write Away Bliss- Guest Post

November 9th-

Dalene’s Book Reviews- Review of both books, Book Soundtrack, Character bio, Playlist

November 10th-

Raizza’s Book Blogging Adventure- Review of Both Books,  Book Soundtrack

My Family’s Heart Book Reviews- Review of both books, Dream Cast, Book Soundtrack, Excerpt/Spotlight, Character Bio , Playlist

Thx for stopping by and showing your support..please leave a comment...we love comments!!
Happy Reading from Pressed Leaf Publishing...