HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Just a very quick little post to wish you and yours 

a very magical holiday season!!! 

I'm looking forward to 2015 and I hope you are too! ;)

May all of your dreams come true now and into the future! 

With hugs & hearts,

Michele

FIRE & ICE in Bookstores!

I can't believe we're at the end of November already. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the time flies by. Not too long ago we were going on trips to the beach and now we're bundled up in winter clothing, watching the snowfall and anxiously awaiting Christmas.

My booksigning in the Indigo/Chapters Bookstore in Waterloo was a huge success! Thanks so much to everyone involved, it was wonderful to meet everyone who came by! Books are now in stock in the Waterloo and London Chapters location.

I was excited to learn there are still a few more copies of my young adult novel FIRE & ICE left in stock at the Indigo Chapters Bookstore in south London Ontario. And yes, they are signed copies!

For those who've been asking, you can grab your signed copy now for the holidays before they sell out again!

And of course you can still order print and digital copies through Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.UK and Barnes and Noble at the sale prices!

Enjoy and have a super day!!!

Falling into FALL!

I adore autumn, its such a gorgeous time of the year. Plus the fashion... don't even get me started! In addition to writing fall has had me busy sculpting, lots of new miniature polymer clay food. If you've read my previous posts on my <ahem> little addition, you'll know its somethign I do to release stress and sort of zone out, while challenging myself to create with greater and greater realism. Now I have a studio overflowing with miniature food. Time to start clearing house I decided and to that end have listed a bunch of items in my ETSY store, ONCE UPON A FAERY TALE.

Oh and incase you're working about writing updates, I am chomping at the bit to share my big news with you all. Just a bit longer, I promise (and yes I know I've been promising this for ages already) Good things take time and are worth the wait, right!? Trust me, this good thins is!! And as for book 2, of the Faerie Song Trilogy, well the manuscript has been completed and was sold to Astraea Press...  YAY!!! Sooo, I'll have more news for you soon on release dates cover reveals and the like!

Until then, here's a peek at the yummy polymer clay food I've been creating. Let me know what you think. If it makes your mouth water even just a bit, then I've done a decent job! ;)

Happy Autumn Everyone!!

SQUEEE!!! So much exciting news to *almost* share!

Just took a writing break to watch another episode of Pretty Little Liars. It's a show that's all about SECRETS. If there's one thing I'm not very good at, it's keeping secrets. Never was. Never will be. And yet that is exactly what I have to do with the news I'm itching to share with you. Keep it secret. At least for the next couple of weeks. The agony of it was killing me, so I figured I'd write a little teaser post, so I wouldn't have to suffer in agony alone. <insert evil laugh here>.
Actually, I'm probably only torturing myself since there's not much more I can say about the secret, other than, it's BIG.

I mean really really BIG. 

Like, can't believe it, knock your socks off, pinch me I'm dreaming BIG.

SIGH... Just a little while longer, until the big reveal, I promise. Until then, here's another snippet from Bittersweet, the sequel to Fire & Ice.


Enjoy, and remember.........

Shhhhhh...

********

BITTERSWEET:

My shift at the cafe ended at 5:00, but Adrius had arrived at 4:00 sharp, a full hour earlier than planned. Against the monochromatic backdrop of Drearyton Cove he looked exceptionally vivid. Stunning. Seeing him always aroused the same visceral response. Dressed in casual typical teen clothing, he had a sultry elegance no mortal teenage boy could ever achieve. It never went unnoticed. In fact I think since we’d been together, he’s become even more desirable, as if the fact that he could be dating someone like me made him that much more attainable. Yet for all of the ogling and drooling and flirting, that inevitably followed him, he never once looked at any other girls. It still completely mystified me at times. This was one of them as he strode toward me, a vision of perfection from the pages of my fantasy sketch book. It was hard to believe he’d chosen me.

“Do you think this will ever subside, the crazy way my heart races when I see you?” I murmured as he reached me.

He smiled and I flushed with heat.

“I hope not.” He said kissing the top of my head.

“Did I mention I've missed you?” My question came with more intensity than I had planned.

He watched me for a moment and the world seemed to slow. I wondered what caused the flicker of shadow that crossed his eyes. Even his momentary pain caused me pain.

“You deserve so much more than what I can offer you Lorelei. A stronger being would have let you go by now.” His voice laden with guilt over events past.

“I’m just as strong as you are.” I reminded him. “And I would never have let you let me go.” Reaching up I stroked the chisel of his cheek. “We went that route already... it didn't end well.”

His jaw relaxed under my touch, and I felt silent gratitude that I still had that effect on him too.

Our few moments alone together seemed too few and too short, but we always held onto the magic that lured us together in the first place. The bond that neither time nor space nor threats of death could break. And although in fact Adrius was bonded to Venus, I knew that it was our connection that would endure. Not theirs. I just had no idea how.

“Come on, I want to take you somewhere. Will Neil let you leave early?”

Neil had been trying to get me to take some time off for days now. But I’d refused. Working kept me busy and busy what what I needed to keep from missing Adrius too much.

“Pretty sure that won’t be a problem,” I said untying my apron. “Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

The corners of my mouth turned down.

“What's wrong? Afraid to be alone with me?”

“Just not crazy about surprises. You know I feel completely safe with you.” I smiled hoping to ease the tense set of his jaw.

The twinge of angst that hid just behind his eyes returned. “You'll never be completely safe when you're with me Lorelei.”

“Ok, so our situation isn't perfect… and curses binding you to psychotic ex-girlfriends aside, we have some... challenges to overcome, I get that.”

He gave a humorless laugh.

“We'll find a way to overcome them.” I insisted. The trauma and drama was all worthwhile, because in the end, I knew we'd be together. Even the darkest fairytales ended in happily ever after, didn't they?

********

Booksigning Fun!

I am thrilled and so grateful to report that my very first bookstore book signing was a HUGE success. I mean, according to Chapters Indigo Bookstore, it is unprecedented for an independently published author to completely sell out of books... within the first hour of a signing! Crazy! I felt a strange mix of regret for those who didn't get a copy and delight that they all sold and so quickly. Just as well it was busy, what with being located so dangerously close to the Starbucks and all. ;) But I barely had time to sip the White Mocha Latte my darling hubby bought for me.

Of course for me the exciting part was meeting all of the wonderful people who came by! So grateful to all of my readers, old and new, and I'm looking forward to the next opportunity to connect with everyone!!!

Thank you all for helping to make this event so much FUN!!!

Until next time, enjoy the photos!!!

GOT INK? Prepping for my first BOOK SIGNING!!!

Whoot Whoot, have to say I'm more than just a little excited!!! I'm prepping and pen-testing for my first book signing tomorrow at Indigo/Chaters Bookstore. Hope to see you there!

Post by Chapters South London.

A Mini Update and a Sneak Peek

So it's been a while, but I wanted to stop in to say I've been terribly busy finishing off edits for Bittersweet, (book 2 of the Fire & Ice trilogy) Yes, I know I've been editing forever, yes I know I promised it would be done before now, no I'm not going to commit to a firm deadline, but I do promise it will be this summer. :) So in the meantime heres a peek at the back cover blurb from Bittersweet. Hopefully that will keep me from being stoned. ;) Truly though, I am so grateful for your patience. And if its any consolation, these books are so long it's really like getting two at once.


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BITTERSWEET 

Faerie Song Trilogy book 2

To save the Faery world and her mother’s life, Lorelei sacrificed everything, and the dangerous bargain she made in Nevermore had lasting repercussions. Now safely back in her own world, Lorelei seems the same to her highschool friends and her supernatural boyfriend. Yet love across dimensions is complicated, especially when an invisible Veil between the two worlds—the only bridge that links the pair, is sealing, threatening to separate Lorelei and Adrius forever.

Determined to find a solution, Lorelei resorts to using her new found powers. But when her friends succumb to the same mysterious illness that nearly took her mother’s life, Lorelei can’t help but wonder if her own dark magic is responsible.

Still, the nightmares from Nevermore continue their icy hold. Someone from Adrius’s past arrives, determined to destroy Lorelei’s world starting with those closest to her, and Lorelei is forced to choose between her family and friends and a love that was ill-fated from the start.

********

Stay tuned!! 

Reasons to Dance in the Rain

It's raining.

Again.

Another dull and dreary wet wet day. Another chance for the grass and trees to take another step closer to green and further from white (remember all of that snow!?) So what is it about rainy days that makes them feel so blah sometimes? Maybe its perspective. I find that if I let my mood be swayed by the passing clouds and color of the sky, its easy to fall into a state of ennui... feeling melancholic or even lethargic. Which is fine some of the time... I'm all in favour of chill-days. But in spring when we have more rainy days than sunny ones, well there has to be an out or I'd never get anything accomplished. My solution; I've decided to look for all of the wonderful things about rain, and then look for all of the wonderful things about what I do, and then all of the things I love about my life, and before long I'm on a whole different path and feeling a sense of gratitude for the fresh April showers. That was exactly what I did this morning as I drew the curtains to greet a pale grey sky. And low and behold, as I sipped my latte and counted my blessings, the skies began to clear.... coincidence?? ;).

Then I clicked open my email to discover more to brighten my day. My novel Fire & Ice has been nominated for a RONE Award by InD'Tale Magazine!!! It made it to the final voting round to be presented during the RNC in Las Vegas this summer!

So exciting! Any excuse to get dolled up and attend a formal awards banquet... I'm so there! And of course I'm super grateful to everyone who votes and who loves Fire & Ice!

I wonder what other surprises today has in store. Have you looked for them yet? I highly recommend it.

The rain has stopped. The skies are clearing. The trees look happier and so am I. And now, I can share their enthusiasm and let it inspire me back into productivity with the final round of edits for BITTERSWEET, book 2 of Fire & Ice. I just added a scene where Adrius and Lorelei dance in the rain... super romantic.

And while I'm not the most patient person in the world, I've been holding on to some extra exciting news... have to hold it for a little while longer I'm afraid, but I promise to reveal jut as soon as I get the green light!

Have an inspired day today and if you get the chance, remember to dance in the rain! Or at least find reasons to! ;)

Fabulous Author Spotlight- SPARK OF A FEUDLING by Wendy Knight

Whoot whoot, its finally here! The fabulous Wendy Knight's new release in her FEUDLING Saga.... Spark of a Feudling!! I got to meet Wendy at in person at RNC (Romance Novel Convention) last year and she is as wonderful as her books!

Keep reading to learn more about Wendy Knight and her latest release SPARK OF A FEUDLING series and then click the BUY link  (or the book cover) because you are definitely going to want to read this one!!!

Enjoy the teaser excerpt!

Hate can start a war, but a shattered heart can fuel it for centuries. 

Everything Ada does is wrong. She’s the daughter of a Duke but she isn’t proper or formal. She prefers the company of her servants—particularly Christian, the boy she’s loved since she was six years old, and his sister, Charity, Ada’s very best friend in the entire world.

Ada isn’t just the daughter of a Duke. No, she’s the daughter of one of the most powerful Edren sorcerers alive, and no matter how strong she is, it isn’t strong enough. Ada will give up almost everything to earn her father’s pride.

Christian has loved Ada since the day his mother became her governess. But two societies are determined to keep them apart—the aristocracy who say a groom will never be good enough for a Duke’s beautiful daughter, and the sorcerers who say a Carules and an Edren can never be together. Christian will do anything to make Ada his—even drive himself to madness.

When Ada suspects her father of hurting Charity and Christian in his quest for knowledge, she is torn between loyalty to him, and a fierce determination to protect them. The division tears her soul and breaks her heart.

The pieces of her broken heart will start a war that can only be stopped by the death of the most powerful warrior alive by the hand of the boy who loves her.

****

**Bonus Story –Feudlings in Peace**Join  Ari, Shane, Ada, Christian and everyone they love as they chase their happily ever after.

Excerpt:

He sprinted down the path, into the forest, leaping over huge rocks and tree roots and through streams he couldn’t see but his magic told him were there. He had no idea where he was going, but there seemed to be a tether from his heart to hers — he always knew where Ada was. He ran straight to them, nearly colliding with her father’s guards as he raced through the thick trees.

“What happened to her?” he bellowed, jerking Ada out of Davis’s bloodstained arms.

“She was hit, saving me,” Harrison answered. “Can you help her?”

If there had been time, any time at all, Christian would have paused at that. How exactly had his tiny little Ada saved the giant Harrison? But there wasn’t time. He laid her on the thick grass, searching for the wound. But there was so much blood.

“There!” Davis snapped, jabbing the air above her stomach.

Flames roiled across Christian’s hands and he held them above her, letting the flames soothe the skin before he tried to touch it. They swirled through the air, seeping and mending the broken, charred skin.

“Does she breathe?” Harrison asked, crouching close to put his face next to her mouth.

Christian ignored him. He didn’t care if she breathed or not.

She would breathe, or he would die with her.

“She does.” Harrison sat back, relieved.

“Can you not heal at all? Stop the blood flow from her shoulder!” Christian snapped.

Harrison gaped at him. “We’re Edren. We don’t heal.”

“I’m Carules and I can throw a lirik if need be,” Christian muttered under his breath, but he couldn’t argue with them now.

She moaned.

They all froze in shock, and then redoubled their efforts. Davis jerked his shirt off and held it to her shoulder while Christian’s blue flames leaped and danced from his hands, fighting the poison eating through her body.

“Christian. I knew—” she whispered as her skin healed, leaving only pink burns behind.

“Shhh. Don’t speak. You’re still very weak.” He moved from her stomach to her shoulder, pushing Davis’ shirt out of the way. It was stiff with dried blood and she shrieked when he ripped it from the wound. “Forgive me, dear one,” he whispered, his mouth near her temple, kissing the pain away. “Forgive me.”

“I knew… you would come. I knew you… could heal me.” Her eyes fluttered open, dazed with pain, dark orbs barely reflecting the moonlight.

“Always, Ada. Forever.”

*****

All about Wendy Knight and where to Buy her Books:

Author BIO

Wendy Knight is the bestselling author of the young adult series Fate on Fire and Riders of Paradesos. She was born and raised in Utah by a wonderful family who spoiled her rotten because she was the baby. Now she spends her time driving her husband crazy with her many eccentricities (no water after five, terror when faced with a live phone call, no touching the knives…you get the idea). She also enjoys chasing her three adorable kids, playing tennis, watching football, reading, and hiking. Camping is also big—her family is slowly working toward a goal of seeing all the National Parks in the U.S.

You can usually find her with at least one Pepsi nearby, wearing ridiculously high heels for whatever the occasion. And if everything works out just right, she will also be writing.

http://www.amazon.com/Spark-Fuedling-Fate-Fire-ebook/dp/B00J2I06E6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1395110900&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Spark+wendy++Knight

Get Connected, you'll be so glad you did!

Social Media Links:
Blog: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWendyKnight
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wjk8099
Instagram: http://instagram.com/wendyjo99

Pampering Yourself

I admit this post may seem a little off topic.... if there even is a topic for my blog, but bear with me here. Now that January is behind me, I've been feeling a little more excited about the arrival of spring. Okay, so it's still a coupe of months a way in my area of the world, but it seems like a good time for self care. Perhaps its the after effects of Valentine's Day and showing those you love a ton of extra love.... but something got me thinking...how much extra love do we show ourselves?

We've made a commitment to do some self-loving things in our family, like eating healthier whole foods, exercising more, juicing and making smoothies, eliminating GMO's and choosing organic food when possible. So this long weekend found me wanting to take things a little further. With the amount of typing and sculpting I do in a week, my hands, as you can imagine can take quite a beating. Plus I naturally have really dry skin. So off I went to Pinterest (my guilty pleasure addiction, second only to chocolate) to find some really cool ideas. What did I find... recipes for luscious body butters, and nourishing solid cream bars and fantastic lips balms. Which did I decide to make... well true Libran that I am, I eliminated the need to make a choice and made all three. After reading several blends I came up with my own recipes and they all turned out wonderfully. YAY! In case you want to pamper your hands, feet, body and soul a this February, I'm sharing my recipes below.

Now back to work, but with softer, smoother, happier hands!

Have a great February! <3

P.S. Did I mention exciting news regarding my Fire & Ice book series is coming? Im terrible at keeping secrets, but it will be just a little longer (I hope) before I can spill the beans!1 ;D

*************

DECADENT BODY BUTTER

1/2 cup shea butter
1/2 cup coconut oil (organic unrefined)
1/4 cup almond oil or olive oil
2 tsp grated beeswax or beeswax pastilles
Optional: add mixed tocopherol Vitamin E oil and organic essential oils for fragrance and to preserve. (I used a teaspoon of Borage oil for my dry sensitive skin and added several drops of Rosemary essential oil)

Stir over low heat (or in a glass bowl in the microwave) until melted. Remove from heat and add essential oils if desired. Let it cool completely and harden.Then using a hand mixer, whip the mixture, but be careful not to let it get too warm. Then scoop it into jars. (I used cute little glass jars from the dollar store) You could also add herbs or essential oils if you want, choosing whichever scent you like.

Voila, it's ready to use and super healthy for your skin!

*********

BLISSFUL BODY LOTION BARS

(similar to the ones they sell at LUSH)

If you've never tried these then you simply must, especially if you have dry skin or wash your hands frequently. They're amazing. It looks like soap, but its actually a solid lotion bar. You just rub it on your hands or anywhere you want a little extra moisture... heels, elbows, you name it. Wonderful stuff & here' how I made mine!

1 cup coconut oil
1 cup shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter (or a mix of all three equal to 1 part)
1 cup beeswax (can add a little extra if you want a harder bar that leaves less lotion on your skin when used)
Optional: Vitamin E oil or Rosemary oil to preserve. And any essential oil fragrance you'd like to add. I added 1 tsp of Borage oil for several drops of Rosemary oil which I really love as you can tell by now) The next batch I'm making with citrus oils.

Combine all ingredients (except essential oils) in a glass microwavable bowl (or use a double boiler, or a glass bowl over a smaller saucepan with 1 inch of water in it.)

Stir ingredients constantly until they are melted and smooth. Remove from heat, add the essential oils and stir.

Carefully pour into molds (you can use silicone molds, muffin tins, small plastic bowls, pretty much anything will work) I used silicone baking mold.

Allow the lotion bars to cool fully before you pop them out of the molds. Put them into a large glass jar or individual containers or even little bags. They last for ages and feel really great on the skin.

***************

LUSCIOUS LIP BALM

(very similar to Burt's Bees)

I made a small batch, but I think I'm going to make this in huge quantities as giveaways for my next book signing event!! ;D


1 part beeswax (1 tablespoon)
2 parts shea, cocoa or mango butter OR 2 parts olive oil, almond oil or vitamin E oil (2 tablespoons)
2 parts coconut oil (example-2 tablespoons)
20 drops of essential oil of choice (or more or less to your preference) I use 15 drops of Wintermint essential oil and 5 drops of Rosemary oil (give or take)
(You could also add colour or flavour for something really fun)
Again, in a glass bowl, melt and stir everything together except essential oils. One melted, add essential and pour into containers. I used both lip balm tubes and little round containers both plastic and metal ones. Use whatever you'd like. Let it harden fully before using.

Soft kissable lips in flash! How does it get better than that!?

**************

Have fun pampering your body this winter! I'm heading back to my writing cave.... umm... probably to write the next kissing scene! ;)

Oh, and here's a link to a couple of suppliers for ingredients and containers: (though check your local health food stores first)
https://www.voyageursoapandcandle.com
https://www.thesage.com/index.html

If you make these wonderful body creams, or anything like them, let me know how they turn out. What ingredients & oils did you use?

Shaking the January Blues

Christmas is wonderful.

January... not so much.

For me it's typically a time to get cozy and hibernate, doing lots of writing and sculpting and whatever other creative pursuits catch my attention. While finished off the edits for Bittersweet (I know, I've been promising its release for ages it seems, and it it is coming soon, honest) and revising an New Adult series called Daring Magic, I've been looking and watching for little things that come along to brighten the winter blahs. Tons of snow and super cold, that's been our winter so far. Short of a trip south, I've had to get creative with the things that bring me joy and add a little sunshine. Here are a few things I've stumbled upon along the way:

Receiving a shipment of my book in paperback: Very exciting!

The first person I've seen holding a paperback version of my book Fire & Ice. Sooo exciting to get that photo!

An awesome fan video for Fire & Ice made by the incredible Natasha Vahora who also helps manage my Facebook fan page! :)

Okay, what else... well there's the collaboration with a company exploring the possibility of producing a toy line with my doll sculptures.... very exciting!

And some other potentially SUPER-exciting news, that I can't share with the world just yet. ;)

Winning a contest to submit my latest manuscript to Entangled Publishing! Whoot whoot!

Rocking a new hair style that everyone compliments me on. :) Love that!

Hiring a personal assistant to help take care of some of the social media tasks for me. Someone to manage my Facebook street team... Golden! Thanks so much Sheri Vidal from Author Accomplice!

Somedays its as simple as having my hubby or son surprise me with a latte in the mornings.

Or receiving a lovely note or positive review from a satisfied reader.

I guess the point is that there are little gifts to make us smile all around if we're willing to look for them. So now it's your turn... tell me, what are you looking for to brighten your day or that makes you smile? No winter blues to deal with, all the better... you get to find things just for the sheer delight of it! 

I guarantee that by the mere act of looking, you're sure to find!

Here's to shaking the January blues.

Happy hunting everyone!
xo