Jean Grant Author of Soul of the Storm
Give a warm welcome to Jean Grant author of Soul of the Storm! A Deerbourne Inn novel. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Jean and Soul of the Storm.
Thanks for stopping by Jean. I see you’ve brought guests?
Yes Matiu Christiansen and Charlotte MacGregor from Soul of the Storm tagged along with me.
Wonderful! Let’s start with Matiu. Tell us about the real you—
Kia Ora! Well, that’s a choice question. I’m knackered tonight. Too much time on my feet. Worked two jobs today. Wait, what was the question?
Tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your bed?
Dirty laundry, old (probably important) papers or bills, and a stack of outdoor enthusiast magazines.
……What makes you laugh out loud?
Funny jokes my cuz back in New Zealand tells me.
……What makes you angry?
Feeling judged or when people try to change the real me. They try to take the Maori out of the mate.
What event in your past has left the most indelible impression on you?
A few bad years with the wrong bros while I was in my teens. Back when I lived in New Zealand. I’ve been in Vermont now for ten years.
What do you most value?
Nature. Family. Competence. Ambition.
…..What do you sleep in at night?
Usually my work clothes, as I’m too tired to change out of them and I crash on the couch.
What is the type of woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?
Somebody who loves me for me and doesn’t try to change me, somebody who is sweet, kind, and genuine. A love for the outdoors is a plus. I work at the outfitters, do trail mucking, and offer guided kayak tours.
What do you consider most important in life?
Family and my own inner soul. Keeping to your roots.
What is your biggest secret?
I’m opening a business back home in New Zealand later this year…and I kinda met this gal. She’s sweet. But I don’t know how to tell her I’m leaving.
Thank you so much. Now lets put Charlotte on the hot seat. LOL
Who are you really?
That’s a loaded question. I’m, well…I-I like to keep to myself these days. Not sure who I am anymore.
Tell us three things we’d find if we looked under your bed?
Nothing but emptiness. I’m kind of a neat freak, like routine, (that’s a long story) and I’ve been getting rid of things that remind me of my past. Trinkets, old photos, that sort of thing. Now…inside my closet you’ll find a box tucked away with, well…never mind.
……What makes you laugh out loud?
I don’t laugh much anymore. My sister used to tell the best jokes though especially about her adventures abroad.
……What makes you angry?
My controlling ex. Though he’s long gone.
……What do you sleep in at night?
You mean when I do sleep, right? Well if my OTC meds work and I’m not haunted by nightmares—uh, that’s a long story—I like a thick, warm blanket and flannel pjs. I’m always cold.
Who were the biggest role models in your life?
(silence)
Charlotte?
(sighs) My sister was, but she passed away a few years ago. I’d rather not talk about it. Though she loved life and we used to conquer mountains together.
What kind of man do you want to spend the rest of your life with?
Someone who is not controlling, loves nature, and can see past all my uh, well, my inability to move past something that happened.
What kind of man would you never choose?
Somebody like my ex: controlling, cheating, lying, narcissist. A guy who won’t let me see my family.
What is most important to you in life?
Family.
What is your biggest fear?
(pauses) Mountains.
But I thought you liked to conquer them with your sister?
That was before. This is now. (shudders) No, I just can’t climb another mountain after-after what happened.
Jean, tell us a little about writing this story. Was it fun or difficult? Do your characters always act as you expect? Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants?
This was a fun one to write! My first novella and my first book in a multiple-author series. I live in New England and was excited to write about a region near me. I hightailed it to Vermont to do research, go on some hikes, talk with locals. I also traveled to New Zealand years ago for my honeymoon, so from that amazing experience I came up with my hero, Matiu. I like his backstory. He was adorable and inspiring to write. (I tend to love all my heroes). And Charlotte’s backstory just came to me (some inspired by life, some just felt like it naturally applied to her character), too. She is a woman with a tragic past, but who loves the outdoors, and needs to move past some pain and guilt. Matiu is the perfect fella to help her with that.
A little about Soul of the Storm
Tagline: Will love help her summit one more peak?
Blurb:
Charlotte MacGregor lost the thrill of conquering mountains five years ago when her sister disappeared on a hiking adventure without her. Still guilt-ridden, Charlotte heads for a vacation to rustic Vermont with a friend—where she’s surrounded by reminders of her devastating loss and plagued with unanswered questions.
Matiu Christiansen is an outdoors buff. He works multiple jobs to save for his dream of owning an outfitter in New Zealand. He’s never quite felt at home in the United States and he yearns for his Maori roots, but his attraction to Charlotte puts a kink in his plans to move home later this year.
Thrown together by coincidence, Charlotte and Matiu form a kindred bond through their shared love of the outdoors. Can Charlotte surmount her demons to assist Matiu on a rescue when a late-season snowstorm hits? And can Matiu help Charlotte heal from the pain of the past?
Excerpt
She went to feel her ring on her finger with her thumb…but the ring wasn’t there. That old habit would not die even years later.
A dog bark intruded. The man crossed to the back door. “Reka, sweet girl, take your nap. Only a few hours here and then home, okay?” He spoke to her like a father to a toddler. The dog barked again. “A swim and walk this morning weren’t enough for you?”
He approached the dog, petted it, and whispered affections.
Charlotte made a soundless “Aww” and kept perusing.
The man returned, nearer. Residual sweat traced his brow. He pointed to a selection of books in the middle. “These are the best. Depends on what you’re looking for. Honest reviews or glorified fantasies?”
“Honest reviews, always.”
He stroked a hand through his neck-length black hair, the longer top layer falling over his forehead. He squatted and withdrew a few books from the lower shelf. “You could go with the popular or famous names, sure, but I like these authors.” He handed her one.
A book on South America sat in her hands. She muttered, “Thanks. Don’t need that one.”
“Oh, already been there, eh? All good, all good.” He took it and shoved it back on the shelf. “Where do your dreams lie then?”
She swallowed. No, I wasn’t there in that way. I was supposed to have been there. Five years ago. Instead she said, “Well, Vermont for now.”
“You’re in luck. I’m from Willow Springs.”
Buy links for SOUL OF THE STORM:
About the author:
Jean’s background is in science and she draws from her interests in history, nature, and her family for inspiration. She writes historical and contemporary romances and women’s fiction. She also writes articles for family-oriented travel magazines. When she’s not writing or chasing children, she enjoys tending to her flower gardens, hiking, and doing just about anything in the outdoors.
You can find Jean on her Social Media links:
Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Bookbub ~ Amazon Author Page ~ The Wild Rose Press
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Soul of the Storm!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Contemporary Romance, Deerbourne Inn Series, Jean Grant, Soul of the Storm by Tena Stetler with 15 comments.
Interview Sandra Dailey Author of The Co-Parent Project
Give a warm welcome to Sandra Dailey author of The Co-Parent Project. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Sandy and The Co-Parent Project.
What inspired you to write? I had to stay in bed for several weeks after a surgery. I was so bored. I’d read every book I owned. I found a book someone had left in a closet before we moved in. It was horrible. I forced myself to read the first three chapters. It didn’t get any better. I grabbed my laptop and decided I could do a better job. I hope I have.
Do you see yourself in your characters? Absolutely not. I think many of my characters are people I wish I could be. Writing is an escape from the things that haunt me. I’ll write a book about all that someday.
Who is your favorite character of all of the books you’ve written and Why? That would have to be Brett Silverfeather, from my first book, The Chief’s Proposal. He was so determined not to fall in love, but he couldn’t help himself. Brett had the glibbest sense of humor. I still have friends who’ll mention him now and then.
What makes you laugh out loud? Children and dogs. I love both. My husband and I have combined—four children, thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Thank goodness we only have one dog.
Tell us something about yourself and allow us to get to know you. Some people consider it odd that I write books. I have dyslexia and can’t type. This post will probably take a total of 3-4 hours to put together.
SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:
Favorite movie: The Philadelphia Story (Kate Hepburn, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart)
Favorite book: Rebecca (Daphne De Maurier)
Last book read: A Magic Redemption (Tena Stetler) truth
Favorite color: Green
Stilettos or flipflops: flipflops
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: Audiobook
Pencil or pen: Pencil
Favorite song: What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
Streak or not: Not anymore
Favorite dessert: Applesauce cake
Favorite junk food: Peanut butter
Favorite thing to do to relax: Crochet
Champagne or gin: neither, diabetic
Paranormal or Historical: Paranormal
Wonder Woman or Top Model: Wonder Woman
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Hot or cold: Hot
POV: Multiple
I’d die if I don’t have: A home in Florida
Review or Not: Absolutely
TENA’S NOTE: While I’ve not finished The Co-Parent Project yet, I am truly enjoying the story. The setting, characters and situation suck you in from page one. The laugh out loud moments are many. The book is well written and a joy to read. Complete review after I finish the book!
I finished the book and it was great! My review: This is a fantastic tale of a hero and heroine from vastly different backgrounds thrown together to raise their nephew, a trouble teen, after the death of his parents. This story has many exciting layers, twist and turns which I loved. From the very beginning I was swept into their world and captivated by the multidimensional characters and their situations. There were several moments you had no choice but to laugh out loud at the characters antics. Then there were other times you wanted to strangle them. The story kept me turning pages as I tried to unravel the mystery of who caused the plane crash, who blew up Luca’s house, and who set fire to Joy’s business, then the stunning conclusion you won’t see coming. I truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I highly recommend The Co-Parent Project. Great job Ms. Dailey! 5-stars
Tell us a little about The Co-Parent Project:
Luca Wolff and Joy Sullivan are competing for guardianship of their estranged, teenage nephew, Eric, after his parents are killed in a plane crash. Evidence shows the crash wasn’t an accident. Neither was a recent explosion that destroyed Luca’s house. When a fire is intentionally set in Joy’s home, suspicion points to Eric–and that’s not the end of their trouble.
Eric has been in his share of mischief, but now he has a chance to clean up his reputation. That’s hard to do when the only people who believe in you are the ones you’re accused of targeting.
Just as Luca and Joy give in to romance, new information comes to light that could tear them apart along with Eric’s dream for a happy family.
The three have to set aside their grief, personal issues, and disagreements to figure out who is out to kill them…and why.
A peek between the pages of The Co-Parent Project:
As soon as he walked through the door the smell of chemicals nearly drove him back outside. The odor was so strong it made his eyes water. He couldn’t take it anymore. “How can you live with the constant stench in this house?”
“I’m sorry. Mrs. Erving needed a perm today.” Joy walked in through the kitchen door carrying a squeeze bottle of mustard. “I was just making lunch. Would you like a ham and cheese sandwich?”
“No thanks,” he snarled. “All I’d be able to taste is that nasty smell.”
“How can you taste a smell?”
“You’d know if your olfactory receptors weren’t burned away. That stuff has got to cause brain damage.”
“Do you plan to claim it as a way to get Eric away from me? I wouldn’t put anything past a Wolff.”
Buy Links:
Wild Rose Press Amazon Barnes and Noble
About the Author:
From childhood I’ve moved from place to place, from Indiana to Florida, stopping in several places in between. I also moved from job to job; as a waitress, soldier, retail manager, dental assistant, etc… The one thing I never had to leave behind was my imagination. Storytelling has always been my favorite way to pass time. I’ve often been told I should write a book. Finally, I did. It was so much fun: I felt I must write more, so I have. I’ve been a student of Long Ridge Writers Group and once won a short story contest with Harlequin. I currently live in North Florida with my husband, whom I torture with crazy story lines and half written manuscripts.
Contact Info:
Website/Blog: http://www.sandradailey.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sandradailey.author
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sdaileyauthor
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/sandradailey
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6551048.Sandra_Dailey
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with The Co-Parent Project!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged romantic suspense, Sandra Dailey, The Co-Parent Project by Tena Stetler with 16 comments.
Interview Matt Raftis Narrator A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance
Give a warm welcome to Matt Raftis talented narrator of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Matt Raftis and his ability to bring my characters to life in A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance.
How did you wind up narrating audiobooks? Was it always your goal or was it something you stumbled into by chance?
I’ve been into Audiobooks since I was in high school (circa 2007). I would listen to many audiobooks, especially any narrated by Jim Dale. I admired his remarkable ability to make the listener feel as if they we’re in the thick of the action.
I found it challenging to discover how to really get into this industry. What college or university courses do I take? How does one really become an Audiobook narrator? Over the years I have had family, friends, and even strangers waiting in the grocery line complimenting my strong reading voice and projection. This kept the idea alive that I could try my hand at such Audiobooks and see what kind of response I would get.
A close friend of mine mentioned a website called ACX.com about a year ago and I was amazed how many voice acting opportunities there were on there. I sent in many auditions for all sorts of books and was taken aback by the response I received. Presently, I’ve narrated a total of 12 books and get offers for more very frequently. I am very grateful for all the opportunities presented to me, and the connections I have made in the world of Audiobook narrating.
Do you have another job besides being a narrator?
Yes, I do work a manual labor job, clocking in 40 to 60 hours a week. Although it takes time away from recording and mastering each book, I cannot deny the benefits it’s given me. It helps greatly with my stamina for narrating, (and someone’s gotta pay the bills..), but most importantly I see it as a driving force to make Audiobook narrating my full time career down the road.
A lot of narrators seem to have a background in theatre. Do you? Is that something you think is essential to a successful narration career? Why or why not?
I don’t have a background in theatre or drama. I DO believe that having a degree, course or seminar in acting/theatre does help one dramatically for character delivery. If I do ever make it to the point where I can make this my career, I plan on attending open mic nights and workshops on the regular. It’ll be very beneficial!
Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?
Yes, I absolutely enjoy listening to any audiobook. The big deciding factor on if I finish listening to it is largely dependent on the Narrator. I am a very auditory person. I like to listen and really give my full attention to what is being said and, more importantly, how it is being said. At this point, it is safe to say that I have finished more books through listening to them then I have physically flipping through the pages of any hardcover on my shelf.
Is there a particular genre you feel unsuited for? Have you ever declined a project because you didn’t think you were right for it?
I am at the stage in my career where I have yet to find any genre or project I am not willing to do. I am still building an arsenal of accents and characters to have at my disposal. So, if there are any books that I may need to decline, it may be the ones that have a super diverse characters with largely varying accents (that I still need to practice).
How closely do you prefer to work with authors?
I love to work with authors as closely as I can. Communication is key to getting a product that all parties (and readers) can truly enjoy and be proud of. However, I fully appreciate the authors time and that each party involved can have different visions for the end result. As a Narrator, I love having some creative freedom on a project, but I also know how important the creator’s vision is. Communication is important to making sure the audience enjoys the end result.
Has anyone ever recognized you from your voice?
From audiobooks? No, not yet. However, I do freelance voice acting and voice over for a number of youtube channels. Actually, quite recently I have been recognized by a few co-workers who heard me in a Youtube video for a parody animation of a video game. I was incredibly taken aback and humbled by it.
Have there been any characters that you really connected with?
From “A Vampires Unlikely Alliance”, I connected with Stefan a lot more than I bargained for. I have always been somewhat of an introvert or recluse, some might say. But with the help of my lovely girlfriend (soon fiancée) and close family and friends who believed in me, I have opened up and embraced the many wonderful changes and opportunities that have come into my life.
Like Stefan, I’m eternally grateful to those who helped me get to where I am today.
Do you read reviews for your audiobooks?
Yes. I’m always on the hunt for feedback to improve my abilities. Thankfully, I do have pretty tough skin and the courage to be disliked from time to time. So in turn, I take criticism as it comes without losing heart and giving up this wonderful medium, and instead see it as encouragement for improvement.
What type of the review comments do you find most constructive?
I find the most helpful feedback is often how audiences would have liked to hear it. Or how they themselves imagined the story, scene or character. If they provide examples, then even better! I’m very proficient at mimicking and working off of other material. Having something I can listen to helps me tremendously.
Who is your “dream author” that you would like to record for?
Richard A. Knaak. I read a tonne of his fantasy books back in my High School years. Not all of his work has been made into audiobooks, so I would love to record his books for him one day!
What do you say to those who view listening to audiobooks as “cheating” or as inferior to “real reading”?
To each his own. Some people absorb information easier when visually reading, and can remember it better too. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that I am not that kind of person. It took me a long time to find out that I take in information better (and have a better recollection of that information) when I am listening intently.
I would say that listening to Audiobooks is what GOT ME into becoming a Narrator. And hopefully, with the support of many readers and listeners, I can turn this into a long, prosperous and rewarding career!
SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:
Speed Round (one or two word only answer so we can get to know you a little better):Yep, I know torture!<evil laugh>
Favorite movie: Redline (2009 animated film)
Favorite book: Dune
Last book read: Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future
Favorite color: Red
Stilettos, Tennies or flipflops: Flip flops
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: Audiobook
Pencil or pen: Pen
Favorite song: You Got Another Thing Coming – Judas Priest (1982)
Streak or not: Definitely a Streak!
Favorite dessert: Cookie Dough Blizzard from Diary Queen
Favorite junk food: SmartPop Popcorn
Favorite thing to do to relax: Snowboarding
Champagne or gin: Whiskey (sorry!)
Paranormal or Historical: Historical
WonderWoman, Superman, Aquaman, Batman, Top Model: Batman
Favorite TV show: Twilight Zone
Hot or cold: Cold
POV: First Person
I’d die if I don’t have: My lovely Polish sweetheart, Cornelia.
Review or Not: Definite Yes!
You can find Matt at:
https://twitter.com/MattRaftisVA
https://www.castingcall.club/m/CraftyMatt
https://www.facebook.com/MattReadsBooks/
A little about A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance:
Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…
Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.
Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unraveling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
A sneak peek between the pages of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance:
He needed to hunt. Next to human blood, animal blood had all the appeal of rotten eggs, but it kept him sated and able to work among warm-bloods. Tonight he should’ve hunted, but he didn’t give a damn.
He stepped out into the cold, misty night and closed the door quietly behind him. As he walked down the dark, wet street, he heard footsteps behind him and paused.
“Stefan, what happened back there?” A voice whispered out of the foggy night.
Crouched down ready to spring, he whirled around, sniffed the air, and then stood, relieved yet shocked to see Brandy glide out of the swirling mist into the shrouded moonlight.
Buy links:
Audible Amazon Amazon UK , Amazon AU, itunes, Amazon.CA
It was wonderful having you with us today Matt and giving us a little insight into bringing characters to life through audio. Please feel free to stop by anytime.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance, Audible, Audio Book, Matt Raftis, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 12 comments.





