How Do You Say Goodbye?

Hello once again, Readers!!!

I know I have been MIA for some time now, but that is because I have thrown myself into finishing this trilogy. Guess what!? Last night I finally reached that moment where the final two words were written.

The end.

*tear*

I am beginning to feel separation anxiety. How do I say goodbye to my characters who I have become so close to? How do I move on to another set of characters?

I have my WIP from NaNo just waiting for me to jump back into, and for a while I couldn’t wait to finish this trilogy so I could get back to it, but now that my first draft is complete…ahhh.

There is so much pressure with this one. This is it. There will be no fourth. Every idea, every foreshadow, every minor plot, they all have to come together in an explosion of epicosity. The final battle between good and evil. Deciding their fates from that point on.

When I started this whole idea back in 2009, I had no idea that it would actually get published. I had a faint idea of where the story was going, but never all of this. I approached the second novel with a heavy mind, wondering if I could do it. Would I be able to write another? And I was surprised once again by how easily the words flowed out. The characters took me places that I had never imagined before. They wanted their story told.

Which brings us to the third. From the Embers.

Last night I finished it; the final chapter in Aurora’s story. My heart pounded and my hands shook as I typed those last two words. My throat felt tight. I couldn’t tell if I was delighted or sad. I didn’t know if I wanted to do a happy dance or cry. I thought maybe I was having a bit of a panic attack. So I went to bed.

My characters have literally been put through hell. The story and all its many layers have unraveled, and the ending sentence is dangling before me. Am I being a bit dramatic? Maybe, but this is my first real ending. This was my first project. This idea that sprung to life is what changed my life. I will forever be grateful to these characters for showing me where my path rested in life.

Okay, now I am getting emotional so I need to stop. I still have a ton of editing to do with it. It is, after all, the first draft. I still have many more months to spend working on them between wrapping up and publishing Embracing the Flames, and then getting through my own personal edits and read-throughs to send From the Embers in to my publisher for review.

So it’s not really over yet. I just can’t believe how everything turned out. Bittersweet and definitely not what I had expected in the beginning. I mean that in a good way. To all of my readers, you are in for a surprise.

Any who, that is all for now. Now to leave you with a question: Who’s ready for Game of Thrones!?

Echelon out ♥

Teaser Tuesday: Embracing the Flames

Hello once again, Readers! Guess what!? It’s Teaser Tuesday (in case you didn’t sum that up from the title of  today’s post). Hey…I’m just looking out for you, you know.

Any who, I thought I would share a snippet from Embracing the Flames since it is so close to being released. My publisher is currently reading through it, making her notes and edits, so what you read may not be exactly the same when it’s finally published.

This particular scene is from chapter 6. Fenn and Aurora were spending some quiet time together which turned into playing a form of hide-and-seek. As usual, Aurora is a magnet for trouble. She heads into the forest behind Astral’s house, but instead of finding Fenn, she finds her first encounter with a Necromancer-a race she has been told to stay clear from.

When she finds Fenn, she tries to tell him about the man in the forest and that they need to run, but he decides he needs to take a look (typical guy). When he finds nothing, they start to leave, which is when Shiron decides to show himself. After a few attempts of dispelling him with magic, Fenn and Aurora discover that Necromancers are immune to Mage magic.

That is when all hell breaks loose and that is all I will give up! Here it is:

 

Shiron’s face scrunched for a moment before looking at Fenn, assessing the threat. He pursed his lips and said, “Oh? And who’s going to stop me? You?” He was quick, the daggers already in his hands, as if they had appeared there by his will alone.

“Run!” Fenn yelled as he punched the guy, using the shock to jump on top of him. They fell to the ground with a heavy thud, rolling through the muck and brush, fists flying in the midst of the leaves.

At first, I did as he said, running from the pure fear of death, but then I heard Fenn’s pained cry. I stopped suddenly, muck flying up around me, and I turned back, thriving on anger and rage.

My dragon spirit was already trying to push forward, fueled by the desire to kill whoever was hurting my mate. I couldn’t let anything happen to him. I knew I had to let my dragon side take over in order to protect him. With regret, I let go and slumped into the darkness that came with not being in control.

 

When I came to, I was lying on the soft grass underneath the Jacaranda tree. Fenn was huddled over me. “Aurora, wake up please,” he said, his hands shaking.

My first thought was to make sure he was okay. “I’m fine, I’m fine,” he confirmed, his lip caked in blood and both eyes swollen and black. “You saved my life.”

I tried to sit up but was hit by an overwhelming pain throughout my left side. I reached over and felt dampness on my conjured shirt. Slowly, I brought my hand up. It was covered in blood. “I’ve been stabbed,” I panicked.

“I know,” Fenn rushed out. “I’m going to open a portal and take us back, okay? I wanted to get you dressed first.” His face was pale, and his voice was full of worry. He was shaking all over. I tried to reach out to his misted eyes in an attempt to ease his worry.

“Okay,” I said, taking his hand instead. As I stood, I felt faint. “I’ve depleted myself,” I admitted. A nauseous wave struck me hard. I stumbled forward, unable to hold myself up any longer.

My vision started to falter, and my heart pounded against my chest in a rush. “Something’s happening. Oh no.”

Fenn was right there, catching me before I hit the ground. “I need you to go get Astral,” I muttered as the pull of my Oraculus weighed on me. “Zordon-”

“Hang on,” I heard him call. And then, as usual, everything went black.

And scene.

There is way more to this scene, but of course that will come with reading the book when it is published. Hope you enjoyed!

Echelon out ♥

Tagging Thyme Meme: 11 Weird Questions Answered

Hello once again, Readers!!! I was nominated by Story Addict for the 11 Weird Questions Meme. I didn’t have anything else to post today so I figured why not?

Let us begin!

1. What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten in public?

I can’t think of anything that was strange. I don’t stray too far from the norm when it comes to food.
2. If you had to go on an adventure, with elves, dwarves, or hobbits, who would you take and why? 

My husband for sure. He knows everything there is to know about each of them and would probably fit right in. He has hobbit feet. I would totally be safe.
3. You are at a rural retreat lodge somewhere deep in Wisconsin or Canada. You are approached by a taxidermist who hands you a stuffed badger and asks you to put it in your lap. What do you do next?

I would most likely say no because I don’t like touching dead things and I especially wouldn’t do it for a stranger who approaches me by asking me to hold something dead. *shudder*
 4. If you were given biscotti, would you prefer it with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?

Coffee…Irish cream flavored. Yum.
5. In your opinion, who is the funniest man or woman alive today (comedian)?

I’d have to go with Dane Cook. The Kool-Aid man was one of my favorite skits.
6. If you were given thirty seconds on television to say something, what would it be?

I would probably freeze up and stare at the camera like a weirdo lol.
 7. What is your idea of the most romantic date setting ever?

A late-night picnic under the stars followed by camping. No distractions and hours of good conversation.
8. If you could go on one date with a movie or television star, who would it be and why?

Sheesh. I wouldn’t because I love my husband, but since this is not real and it will never happen, I would have to go with Ryan Gosling because I love his movies.
9. What is the worst song you have ever heard?

Lol. Umm…I usually stick to what I like and branch out in genre so I haven’t really run into anything that I would say was the worst.
10. If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?

Somewhere over seas. At least that is my dream. I have no idea if I would like it and I would probably miss home, but for now, that is where I would go.
11. Who- in your opinion- was the greatest person to ever live?

Gosh, I don’t know. I don’t really think that way about life. There are a ton of people for many different reasons that I respect and am grateful for their choices and influences on the world though.

Now to tag. Muhahaha. I am tagging anyone and everyone who reads this!

Echelon out ♥

 

Born in Flames Playlist

photo credit: Fey Ilyas via photopin cc

Hello once again, Readers!!!

Let’s start this baby off with a quote today.

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent” ― Victor Hugo

How do you like that….huh…huh? Powerful stuff right?

I know, which is why I am writing about music today or more specifically, about the playlist for my novel, Born in Flames.

I love music. It is the single most powerful art form that moves me. The next would be dance, and then paintings… I digress.

Every note, every key, it all pulls me to a place that is indescribably beautiful. A place where words are never enough. Only the sound of the music and the way it makes you feel on the inside. Exactly like what a good book does. And when I think of my story and try to sum it up, the emotional part of it I mean, there are a few songs that hit home. So this would have to be the playlist for Born in Flames.

1. Active Child – Hanging On.
2. Florence + The Machine – Drumming Song.
3. Christina Perri – Arms.
4. The Knife – Heartbeats.
5. 30 Seconds to Mars – Alibi.
6. The Xx – Shelter.
7. Paramore – Adore.
8. M83 – Another Wave From You.
9. Mutemath – You Are Mine.
10. Blondfire – Walking With Giants.
11. Ellie Goulding – I Know You Care.
12. Gary Jules – Mad World.

And scene.

Some you may now and some you may not. I love them all. Each song fits a specific scene and the lyrics all relate somehow to the characters and what they are going through. The fun part would be listening to it as you’re reading Born in Flames, and trying to figure out what song pertains to what.

Now to leave you with a question: If you’ve read Born in Flames, do you have any song suggestions to add to the playlist?

P.S.

I don’t know how many of you are Game of Thrones and Dexter fans, but I sure am. Like mad crazy. When I saw this, I died laughing. Okay, well maybe I didn’t die, but you can imagine my delight!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Echelon out ♥

Scavanger Hunt – Featuring Chemical Attraction

Hello once again, Readers!!!! I have a special treat for you today!! A chance to win some really awesome prizes!!

Say what!?

I know, totally, insanely awesome, I am. *cough* So who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt?? My fellow authors with 48fourteen and I are holding a blog hop where you can win a ton of ebooks! And you can have fun in the process! A two-for-one special! You’ll be like a freaking Pirate or something! Who hasn’t ever wished for that?

I digress. So here is the key…you have to find the hidden word on this blog post. Here’s a hint: It is in the synopsis in bold lettering. Then you follow this here linky-do: http://roxykade.blogspot.com/p/48fourteen.html and click on the other book covers to take you to the other blogs where you will find the other clues. All of these clues need to be entered into the rafflecopter for your chance to win! Super easy and more importantly, super fun! This will run from today until to February 4th.

Now for my clue:

Synopsis:

 

FBI Agent Joe Roberts wants that instant chemistry with a woman like the ones his sisters have with their husbands. After years of searching, he finds it with Dr. Madeline Pierce.

The problem – she’s his contact on a dangerous case.

When Madeline discovers an extensive operation of meth production and distribution within her medical research facility, Joe goes undercover as her boyfriend to determine the degree of company involvement. They determine the meth is financing a volatile nano-drug.

The small West Michigan farming town is in turmoil over horrific animal attacks. Someone is experimenting outside the laboratory. Are human test subjects next? With the help of Joe’s sister, Eva, who works at the local clinic, and her law enforcement husband, Matt, Joe and Madeline hunt for this new bio-weapon. Will Joe and Madeline give in to temptation? She thinks he’s playing her like the men from her past. He needs to convince her otherwise.

Chemical Attraction explores sinister scientific research and the intense chemistry of love and lust.

Praise for Christina Thompson and Chemical Attraction:

 

“Like the spider that spins a beautiful, intricate web, Christina Thompson has spun a beautiful story full of adventure, romance, suspense, and fun.” ~ Kass Hillard

“…hooks you from the beginning and leaves you wanting to join in on the next assignment…” ~ Angie C, Amazon

 

About the Author:

Christina received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, Michigan and a diploma in traditional Chinese acupuncture from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Racine, Wisconsin. She enjoys writing about the physical science, the emotional workings of the mind and heart, and the spiritual energy that taps into our passions. She currently resides with her husband, Kraig, in Michigan.

Connect with Christina:

www.48fourteen.com

www.christinakthompson.com

Twitter

Chemical Attraction on Facebook

Where to buy Chemical Attraction:

 Amazon

Chemical Attraction on 48fourteen

Kobo

Barnes & Noble

 

Excerpt from Chemical Attraction:

           “Depending on how long this has been going on, we’re talking about millions if not billions of dollars.” Joe stood and paced at the foot of his bed in the Blue Room at the B & B. “Well, the proof would be with materials management, right?”

Leaning against his headboard, Madeline nodded. “They would have the master supply list and shipping manifests. Getting those would be a start. The supply list would show the bulk chemicals ordered and the manifest would show the delivery of those actual items.”

“What’s their security like?” he asked, impressed by her knowledge and instincts.

She reached for her iced tea with her left hand and used her right to wipe the condensed wetness off the tabletop. She took a mouthful, swallowed, and sighed. “They have cameras all over the place. The front desk has four screens that they flip through to any area, but security has a room with monitors for every camera.”

He continued to walk the six steps from one side of the room to the other. “They have cameras in materials management?”

“That department has three. If it weren’t for the cameras, I’d walk down there and make copies of the lists. They hang on a clipboard out in the open. There’s even a copier in an alcove next to it,” she said, crunching her ice.

“Where are the cameras placed?” he asked, clenching his jaw at her distractions.

She grinned. “One picks up the clipboard and the hallway. There’s one at the gated door, overlooking the supply room, and the other is directly across from the copier. I have no idea how to get to it by myself.”

He looked at everything in the room, but Madeline stretched out on his bed. He struggled against temptation. “A lot of people work in that area?”

“Four guys are in and out of the department throughout the day except for lunch. Between noon and one, they eat in the cafeteria and leer at women.”

He moved the blue lace curtain to the side and looked at the empty street. In the window’s reflection, he watched Madeline position herself across the bed onto her abdomen. She bent her knees, putting her feet in the air. He turned back around as she propped her head on her hands. He kicked his shoe across the room and watched it thump into the door. Frustrated, he plopped into the chair, folded his arms, and stared at her.

“Why are you doing that?” he finally asked.

She smiled. “Are you mad at me? Your body language says you are.”

“You want fun, huh?” She squealed as he leapt across the bed toward her. When she tried to roll away, he pinned her beneath him. As he hovered over her, he gently moved a strand of her hair away from her face. “I told you. You are too damn tempting.”

Lowering his head, he kissed her. The bolt of lightning shot through him again and, God, he liked it. She squeezed his biceps, making him instantly hard. Her kisses seared his lips. He was definitely playing with fire. As he slowly lowered his body, they heard pounding on the ceiling.

“I better go,” Madeline whispered as she tried to catch her breath.

Suddenly aware of his position, he scrambled to get up. “God, I’m sorry. I’ll walk you home.”

Damn, how could he be so irresponsible? He had worked with many women over the years and had always kept it strictly professional. Now, he was compromising not only his mission and career but her life as well.

Author Interview

1) When did you find out that you wanted to be a writer?

• I wrote, but I didn’t consider myself a writer until my husband pointed it out to me. We were having breakfast at the local diner, and I asked him about a transitioning part in my story. He’s usually a good sounding board. This time, he thought I should kill off one of my main characters. When I thought about that character dying, I started to cry. Having fun at my expense, he suggested some malicious ways to do it. Our discussion received some quizzical looks from the patrons around us. Embarrassed by my emotional outburst, I asked him if I was crazy. Putting a pleasant spin on it, he said I had a passion for writing. I realized the more I wrote the more compelled I was to write. He clarified that for me. I was a writer and wanted to be a published one.

2) Where did you find the inspiration for Chemical Attraction?

• Chemical Attraction started out as busy work. My children were grown, and I worked part-time. I had an idea about a hero and heroine, who were confident in their careers, yet vulnerable in their relationships. I needed to put it on paper. I wanted these characters to feel the chemistry of love and lust. I think we all search for that special connection with someone. What happens when we find it? Do we cherish it or take it for granted? I also wanted to set a good example for my children in that hard work, patience, and perseverance would pay off. Receiving numerous rejections, I wanted them to know that challenging, testing, and re-defining yourself is a productive part of life. I’m still growing and always learning.

3) Did you have to do any research for your book?

• Years ago, I read an article by Carol Ekarius in Alternative Medicine called “Welcome to Nano World.” Carol wrote, “The very things that make nano particles so useful—also make them potentially dangerous.” I remember being fascinated and terrified. As an acupuncturist, I try to be mindful of what I put into my body. I set out on a quest to answer the What Ifs. What would happen if these small particles invaded the body without our knowledge? What if someone could tap into our brain to control our actions? Who would have the courage to stop it? My curiosity and imagination helped me combine the fascinating areas of the mind, body, and spirit. My degree in biology from Nazareth College in Kalamazoo gave me a love of science and a background into the physical realm of the body. I combined that with my diploma in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture from Midwest College for Oriental Medicine, which taught me that the mind and spirit affect the body in powerful ways. Love and laughter have profound healing properties.

4) Your favorite author?

• One of my favorite authors is Robert Jordan and his Wheel of Time Series. I love his intertwining storylines. The more I re-read his series, the more pieces I fit into his elaborate puzzle that I had missed the first time. I tried to create that depth with my characters as their backstories are revealed throughout my
  series.

5) If you were a villain from Disney, which one it would be and why?

• The first villain I thought about was the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. She ruled a kingdom of the insane and was probably the craziest one. Most of the time, I feel like the Queen of Cluelessness in a Kingdom of Social Media. If only I could command, “Off with their heads,” to those who don’t buy our books.

Now to leave you with a question: Do you want to win!? Head on over to: http://roxykade.blogspot.com/p/48fourteen.html for the other blogs!

Echelon out, Peeps ♥