Death Cheater by Danielle Thorne

Available Wednesday, February 15th is Danielle Thorne's new 'Sweet' Young Adult Paranormal.  Be sure to check it out.  Danielle is a fantastic author!  Visit her website to learn more about her other books.

Athena Gray lives vicariously through her sister because people in general avoid her. Whether it's strange things like dead butterflies fluttering to life, or the time she saved her dying grandpa just by willing him to live, Athena knows that she is different. The only person who doesn't seem to think so is Dan, the most popular boy on Omega High School's baseball team. But even Dan can't understand the reason she acts haunted, until a spirit roaming the local historic burial mounds takes an interest in people Athena cares about.


EXCERPT

A low rumble echoed around me, and the tall, dark trees went still. Not even a leaf stirred. My heart hummed, and a tingle of apprehension made my palms damp. A snarl came from the shadow of a tangled thorn bush, and soft, padding footsteps shuffled in the late afternoon gloom. My breathing went ragged with fear. Maybe it was a raccoon or an angry squirrel.

Athena.

Whipping around, I stared hard into the murk. A voice. It sounded gentle, but at the same time it sent chills down my arms. I glanced up through the hooded canopy of tree branches and tried to see heaven.

God?

There was a growl, and the terror I'd been holding at bay zipped up my spine into my skull. I was sure my long hair stood on end, like when kids touched the electrostatic generator at the science museum.

Something was coming for me, and it wasn't something from the woods. It'd been following me all day. Maybe even my entire life.

Danielle Thorne's Holiday Tour

Hi Anne! Thank you so much for letting me stop by your blog on my Goodie Tour! It's been a blast sharing my favorite sweet treats this holiday season to compliment my sweet romance novels . Today, I'm really excited to post a deep dish pudding treat that is very popular at my mother's house -- and with me! Easy Éclairs is absolutely decadent and so darn easy! It's very popular in the South, so if you haven't come across this one before, you are in for a treat!

EASY ÉCLAIRS
2 small boxes of instant vanilla pudding
9 oz. of Cool Whip
1 box of graham crackers

Frosting
1 cup of sugar
1/3 cup of cocoa
1/8 teaspoon of salt
¼ cup of milk
¼ cup of butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla

Mix the pudding according to package directions. Fold in Cool Whip. Set aside. Layer the bottom of a 9X13 pan with graham crackers. Add half of the pudding mixture and spread. Add a second single layer of crackers. Spread remaining pudding mixture. Top with a third single layer of graham crackers. Frost.

Frosting Directions

Mix sugar, cocoa, salt and milk together in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for one minute while stirring. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Mix well. Cool slightly to spread. The warm frosting will set if runny. Chill frosted dessert before serving and keep refrigerated.

SWEET READS
If you fancy a sweet romance to go with your dessert, check out my romantic adventures. Just released, JOSETTE, a Jane Austen-inspired Regency, is available now.

Josette Price sees her future in Beddingfield Park, while her brother, George, needlessly pursues a naval career. But dark, brooding Captain Carter rides into their lives with news that ruins everything: George has been lost at sea. Only Captain Carter and his delightfully spinsterish relatives can stop the Price sisters from making a choice that would be the greatest tragedy of all.

Amazon: JOSETTE: http://www.amazon.com/Josette-ebook/dp/B004EPYY4K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1291502934&sr=8-3-spell

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31982

Or, if a Caribbean holiday is more along your lines, you will want to find out all about BY HEART AND COMPASS and its lost pirate ship.

When Lacey Whitman buys a restored Victorian home, she never dreams discovering an antique diary will lead her back to sea and into the arms of the dive bum she’d rather forget. Her habit of living in the past comes to a screeching halt as diver Max Bertrand and the diary of his ancestor take Lacey on the quest of a lifetime: To discover and raise the privateer ship, Specter, and bring the treasure and legacy of a true hero home again. But will finding it cost her heart?

Publisher: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-96/By-Heart-and-Compass/Detail.bok

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/By-Heart-and-Compass-ebook/dp/B003U8AFIG/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280802562&sr=1-10

Thanks again for having me, Anne, and Happy Holidays to you and your readers!

Danielle Thorne
http://www.daniellethorne.jimdo.com/
http://www.thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com/

Danielle Thorne Interview

Joining us today is contemporary romance author, Danielle Thorne. This is Danielle’s second visit so I’ve changed things up a bit.  Well sort of :-).

[Anne] Welcome back, Danielle! Why don’t we start with you telling us a little about yourself?

[Danielle] Thanks for having me again, Anne. You have a great blog. As far as myself, I'm a Southern sweet romance author who enjoys working history and sea themes into my stories. I've been writing since I could hold a pencil and won my first award when I was a tween. I grew up with four crazy brothers and have four sons of my own. Having a family and my books makes me feel complete. As far any hobbies, I try to garden and cook, love to travel and scuba, and I am really into geocaching right now.

[Anne] I hear you have a new release. Congratulations! Will you tell us about it?

[Danielle] Of course! BY HEART AND COMPASS is my newest sea romance adventure. Here's a little blurb: When Lacey Whitman buys a restored Victorian home, she never dreams discovering an antique diary will lead her back to sea and into the arms of the dive bum she’d rather forget. Her habit of living in the past comes to a screeching halt as diver Max Bertrand and the diary of his ancestor take Lacey on the quest of a lifetime: To discover and raise the privateer ship, Specter, and bring the treasure and legacy of a true hero home again. But will finding it cost her heart?

Anne] What inspired your story?

[Danielle] I really enjoy learning about sea exploration and pirate ships. Since I wrote my first Caribbean privateering novel, I've always known I'd want to do a contemporary romance about discovering a shipwreck. The wonderful documentaries on the Titanic and the current Queen Anne's Revenge undergoing excavation, get me super excited. The sea holds so many secrets and some of them are from our own past.

[Anne] Do you ever suffer from writers block? If so, how do you usually move past it?

[Danielle] I’m a plotter, so I don't have too much trouble with writer's block. When I do, I take a break and concentrate on my hobbies and things that inspire me. Watching movies and reading some of my favorite authors almost always re-lights the fire.

[Anne] I know we all grow as writers through the years. Is there anything in particular you know now that you wish you’d known before being published?

[Danielle] I certainly like to think my story telling has improved! The more you write, the more you learn, so the formula comes with experience. I can't say that I have any regrets, because every step has been a learning process, even the ugly ones.

[Anne] What is the neatest thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

[Danielle] The biggest blessing in my life since being published is actually pretty personal. I’m not someone who was born with a plethora of talents, so having the one thing I ever felt like I was good at be recognized is a wonderful reward. It certainly has done wonders for my self-esteem, and also, I can honestly say it continues to help me overcome issues of shyness and anxiety that I have always struggled with. Still do.

[Anne] I can’t imagine you being shy, Danielle. You seem so outgoing, and you’re such an inspiration for so many. What is the hardest lesson you’ve learned?

[Danielle] The hardest lesson I have learned as a person AND as an author is that no matter how kind or professional you are to someone else, it doesn't mean you will be treated the same way in return. I am developing a thicker skin.

[Anne] Is there anything new on the horizon for you—anymore releases coming out this year?

[Danielle] Yes! I am thrilled to have my first Regency romance coming out this winter with Whimsical Publications. Titled JOSETTE, it is my tribute to Jane Austen and all her stories and characters. JOSETTE is about a spunky young woman who falls for a less than charming sea captain and how she must weather all of her obnoxious relatives. It's my way of saying "thanks" to Jane.

[Anne] Where do you see yourself as an author five years from now?

[Danielle] Hmm. I am a rather quiet, subdued person but I dream big dreams. In five years, I would like to have at least a dozen novels out, including the first juvenile fiction story I wrote as a young mother and a chapbook of my poetry. I also have goals to win an award for a best historical or contemporary novel, and I want to eventually start my own editing business. I love giving feedback and helping people, just as much as I love writing.

[Anne] Name three of your all-time favorite books you’ve read.

[Danielle] Easy!

1. POST CAPTAIN by Patrick O'Brian

2. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen

3. HARRY POTTER by J.K. Rowling

[Anne] If you could meet any author (living or not) who would you choose?

[Danielle] I would love to sit down in a cozy cottage along the Irish coast and listen to Patrick O'Brian tell me all about the sea stories he read and the papers that inspired his work in the MASTER AND COMMANDER series.

[Anne] Where can we purchase your new book?

[Danielle] BY HEART AND COMPASS is available at www.DesertBreezePublishing.com.

[Anne] How about on the web?

[Danielle] Amazon, Barnes and Noble and many other online bookstores.

[Anne] Now for my final question: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you that you’ve never shared before in an interview?

[Danielle] I guess I will dig deep for this one, Anne. People may be surprised to know that I am a passionate genealogist and that is because my mother grew up in an orphanage outside of Chicago. Even at a young age, I dreamed of finding her family and that dream came true and then some. I have all but one of my mother's lines traced back to the 1600 and 1700's, through the Civil War, the Revolutionary War and overseas. Whoever you are and wherever you are from, when you have times that you feel like nobody, go back to your roots and find out where you came from. It can give you a whole new outlook on life!

[Anne] Thank you so much for joining us today, Danielle. I wish you great success in all your writing endeavors!

Thanks, Anne!

I'm Guest Blogging Wednesday about Ebooks

Drop by Joy T. David's blog, http://www.edgyinspirational.blogspot.com/ and read my article on why I'm Proud to be an E-book Author. 

Then on Thursday night, you're invited to come join me in the Chat & Scavenger Hunt w/ the Sweetest Romance Authors.  The chat begins at 7pm (CST) at our chat room http://sweetestromancechat.blogspot.com/2009/06/welcome-to-our-chat_9789.html. I’m this month’s hostess and my special guest will be author/pro editor Barbara Warren. I used Barbara’s editorial services on two of my first published books. She’s an awesome editor and author! We’ll also have our monthly scavenger hunt. The winner will receive our #1 Sweetie Award to display proudly on your blog or website. See mine.

Now here are the rules of the hunt: I’ll ask a question at some point during the chat (a really easy one) and all you have to do is answer correctly.

1) Answer will be three words.

2) Three different blogs will hide one of the words.

3) These words will be highlighted in the color red.

4) Each word links to another blog.

5) When you have all 3 words, arrange them in the correct order.

6) Last blog will return you to the chat room.

Now doesn’t that sound like fun? So be sure to come join us! Miss Mae might even have a pitcher of her Grandpappy Beauregard’s famous Lemon Brewed Elixir. WhooHoo!

And Friday, Danielle Thorne will be visiting us here on Suspense by Anne to talk about her new release, By Heart And Compass.

Danielle Thorne Interview & Book Giveaway!!!

Joining us today is historical and contemporary romance author, Danielle Thorne. Danielle has also written for the Mid-West Review, Every Day Fiction, Arts and Prose Magazine, The Mississippi Crow and is the 2009-2010 Co-Chair for the New Voices Competition for young writers. She is active with online author groups such as Classic Romance Revival, and moderates for The Sweetest Romance Authors at the Coffee Time Romance boards. She lives with four sons and her husband in Atlanta, Georgia. Together they enjoy travel and the outdoors, Marching Band competition, and BSA Scouting.

[Anne] Thanks for joining us today, Danielle. Let’s begin with how you get started in writing. How difficult was your journey to publication?

[Danielle] I was fortunate to not only be an avid reader, but to have teachers who encouraged my poetry and attempts at short story writing from the time I was very young. When I won an Honorable Mention in grade school for a National Scholastic writing contest, I knew in my heart what my lifelong dream would be.

Later, I published poetry and freelance work, but novel publication was put on hold until I felt I could balance motherhood with a career attempt. I was very busy raising four boys! My third manuscript and Caribbean novel, THE PRIVATEER, had several close calls in New York for a period of over a year, until I decided to pursue the new electronic venue. Awe-struck Publishing picked it up immediately in 2007. I’ve had two books published since then, with two more due out this year.

[Anne] That is great, Danielle, congratulations! Please tell us about your latest book.

[Danielle] My latest ocean-themed romance is TURTLE SOUP. This contemporary story is about two people with hearts of gold. Jack is a marine biologist trying desperately to save the sea turtle population and Sara has just fulfilled a dream by opening her own soup deli in downtown Atlanta. They are ambitious personalities, but both have grief issues having lost loved ones in the past. It takes a lot of building up and tearing down, but Jack and Sara finally find love.

[Anne] Where did you come up with the concept for your story?

[Danielle] I have always treasured Atlanta, Georgia, years before I ever had the opportunity to live here. My father brought us down from Tennessee on business trips. When the Georgia Aquarium opened, I knew I had a wonderful setting where my sea-roving characters could come home. In addition, a snorkeling experience in St. Thomas with sea turtles was all I needed to bring the concept together. Incorporating a deli owner was simple. Besides the ocean, I love to cook, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to incorporate into a novel.

[Anne] It sounds like a wonderful story, and I love the cover. Okay, say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?

[Danielle] I do a lot of daydreaming when I first get an idea for a book. Then I pound the keyboard to release the first few pages. Those opening ideas lead the way and show me which direction I want to take the story. After I let the genie out of the bottle, I settle in and outline my plot. I definitely have to write with an idea of where I am going. No panster here. My plot map is my compass. I love romance and I love adventure--intertwining the two is a fun challenge.

[Anne] In your opinion what are the most important avenues an author should take in promoting their works?

[Danielle] I think with today’s changes in our society (going digital), it’s very important to be available. Advertisements and reviews are great, but being involved with readers and related organizations, makes you “real,” and gives a novel credibility. Whether this is book signings or just socializing online and having a webpage where readers can contact you, both realms seem as important as ever.

[Anne] What is one of the most memorable thing’s that has happened to you since you’ve become a published author?

[Danielle] Probably my first perfect review. To have someone read your book, get it, and then write kind words to recommend it, is icing on the cake. Reader recommendations make the heart glow. Authors need to hear if their work is appreciated. It’s the gift (and motivation) that keeps on giving.

[Anne] Now for a little fun! Do you have any unusual or not so unusual hobbies you’d care to tell us about?

[Danielle] Actually, I do! Recently I have taken up geocaching (www.geocaching.com). I have a good friend who is a pro and she’s always willing to help me out. I’m not very good yet, but I enjoy making a “find,” plus it’s a nice way to spend time outdoors. For those who don’t know, geocaching is using a GPS and finding a hidden cache, or treasure, that someone else has hidden in a public location, leaving the coordinates to it online. It’s becoming a very popular pastime. One thing I have learned so far is I need to get better at reading maps or get a better GPS.

[Anne] You and I have talked about this before. I think it’s very fascinating and it sounds like a lot of fun. I know what I’m going to be doing this summer when I’m not writing. What snack are we likely to see sitting next to your computer when you’re typing away on your next best seller?

[Danielle] When I’m working on a first draft, I have to have something to stop and munch on. I swear I can actually feel it sparking my brain cells, lol. My favorite snacks are LAYS baked potato chips or a few pieces of chocolate.

[Anne] Now let’s pretend you’ve been stranded on an island somewhere in the Pacific. What are three things you would miss the most?

[Danielle] If I had food, shelter, and my family, not very much (grin). The three things I would probably wish for would be books, some good television like “24” or “Fringe,” and chocolate.

[Anne] Great choices!  What advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?

[Danielle] A rather graphic image comes to mind whenever someone asks me that. I once saw a cartoon of a frog in the mouth of a large bird. The frog looked to be a goner, but his legs were free, and wrapped tightly around the bird’s throat so that he couldn’t be swallowed. Below was the caption, “Never, never, never, quit.”

That’s all there is to it. Even if your work truly isn’t ready, the no’s will teach you something and you will get better, and you will succeed.

[Anne] Where can we purchase your books? And do you have a website we can visit?

[Danielle] Purchase option links to my books are at my website. I love having visitors stop by so I can fill them in on all the details of my releases, blogs, and share what I’ve been up to. Stop by and say hello at www.daniellethorne.jimdo.com.

For a direct link to the well-received TURTLE SOUP, visit http://www.awestruck.net/books/turtle_soup.html

THE PRIVATEER NEWSLETTER is a newsletter with news, reviews, sightings, recipes, and more, that I put out monthly. Subscribers are welcome and sought for at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThePrivateerNewsletter/

[Anne] Is there anything else you’d like to add?

[Danielle] Only “thank you.” To be interviewed on your blog, having admired those of your books I have had the pleasure to read, is a real honor. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be spotlighted here. I’d also like to include the free recipe found in the back of TURTLE SOUP for you and your readers. It’s a very yummy treat. Enjoy!

Cherry Whip

1 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple
1 can of cherry pie filling
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 large 16-ounce container of whipped topping

Drain the pineapple. In a large bowl mix the pineapple, cherry pie filling, and sweetened condensed milk. Gently stir in the whipped topping until blended and smooth. Cover. Chill in refrigerator at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.

[Anne] Wow! That does sound yummy…and easy enough that even I could make it. Thank you for your wonderful compliments. It’s an honor to have you join us. Folks, if you haven’t read any of Danielle’s works, I encourage you to check out some of her releases. She’s a wonderfully, talented writer! And to get you started, Danielle has graciously agreed to give away a copy of Turtle Soup. For a chance to win, just leave a comment. The drawing will take place on Sunday. And remember all entries are eligible for my grand prize drawing at the end of the month.

March Madness Contest Coming Soon – Mega Giveaways!

The contest takes place here on my blog. Beginning March 1st, each week you’ll have a chance to win a free book from a guest author or myself. Anyone who comments on one of the posts that week will be entered in the contest (no more than two comments per post, and please leave email address so I can contact you) and at the end of each week one winner will be notified. Entry deadline is Sunday at midnight CST. If you become a new follower of my blog you’ll get an extra entry. If you’re already a follower, tell me in your comment and you’ll be given an extra entry. Guest authors included in the giveaways are John Lindermuth, Destiny Booze, and Danielle Thorne. How sweet is that?

And that’s not all…at the end of the month all entries will be eligible for a grand prize. What is it? Well I hope you like chocolate and you like to read. The grand prize winner will receive an autographed copy of Lethal Dreams, a download of either Journey to Redemption, Dark Alliance, or Reservations for Two (your choice), plus some chocolates. So if you comment on my blog each week, you’ll have your name in the hopper at least four times. Oh, and when I say chocolates, I’m not talking about a dingy little box…I’m talking mega chocolates. A 14 ½ oz tin of Butter Toffee, Truffles and Sea Salt Dark Caramels, luscious Chocolate-Covered Almonds, Peanut Butter Bites, Macadamia Nut Chocolates and more ($30 value) from Swiss Colony. Note: Only U.S. residents are eligible for the grand prize. Sorry!

Now I know there are some of you out there who have already purchased my new releases and are probably thinking Man I wished I’d waited to buy her books. Well you know the old saying the early bird gets the worm. You my friends, get to go on a scavenger hunt. That is if you’ve bought at least two of my books. Here’s how it’s gonna go: I’m going to ask a total of ten questions (two per book) and if you can answer four of them correctly, via email, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate from Walmart, and if you don’t like Wally World then I’ll send you a money order. How’s that?

Note to visitors outside the U.S: You may participate in the weekly contest for free eBooks and the scavenger hunt. If your name is chosen in the scavenger hunt, your prize will be delivered by Western Union minus the delivery fee (I will toss in a free download to compensate).

So mark your calendars now! Contest begins Monday, March 1st and runs till the 31st. Questions for the scavenger hunt will be posted the day of the contest.