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Friday, February 18, 2011

NEW BOOK COVER!!

I'm excited to show you my new book cover.  March's release will be titled, Hearts Through Time.

When a beautiful woman claiming to be a ghost from 1912 appears in Nick Marshal’s new office and begs for help in solving her murder, he’s intrigued enough to consider her plea. A scandal that rocked Hollywood almost destroyed his law practice, so taking on a client who insists she’s dead seems a good way to refresh his career. The more history he uncovers, the deeper he falls for the ghost. Abigail Carlisle believes Nick is her heart’s true desire, but how can happily ever after happen when she’s already dead?


Wednesday, February 16, 2011

My grandparents

I suppose I should have posted this tender story on Valentine's Day, but that was my grandmother's funeral and I was too emotional. However, I do need to share this.

My grandma lived a long, full life. She had many trials, but her family was always important to her. Her wonderful husband died 37 years ago, and she has loved him every day since. Finally, after all this time, she was able to enjoy Valentine's Day with her husband.

I'll miss her as I have missed him all these years. But knowing they're together now raising their son who died nine days after he was born, makes my heart light. Before closing the casket, I whispered to my grandma to say hello to my dad and tell him I loved him.

I love knowing I'll see them all again!


I'm sitting on my grandpa's lap. Then my brother, Mike, and my sister, Stacey is on grandma's lap.

LOVE AT HOME -  from LDS Hymns

There is beauty all around, when there's love at home.
There is joy in every sound, when there's love at home.
Peace and plenty here abide, smiling sweet on every side,
Time doth softly, sweetly glide, when there's love at home.

Kindly heaven smiles above, when there's love at home.
All the world is filled with love, when there's love at home.
Sweeter sings the brooklet by, brighter beams the azure sky,
Oh, there's One who smiles on high, when there's love at home.


Fawn Twitchell Bills - July 5, 1920 - February 9, 2011

Monday, February 7, 2011

Meet author Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

I'm excited to introduce you to suspense author, Ronda. I met her face-to-face in November when we had a book signing together. She is not only a wonderful person, but an awesome writer! Yeah, I bought her book "Trapped", and LOVED IT!


Ronda, how did you pick the genre you write in?


I have always heard we should write what we love to read, so when I determined to write a novel, I chose my favorite genre: romantic suspense.




Well, I have to say, Ronda, you do a great job writing suspense! Do you plot or do you write by the seat of your pants?

I plot first. Not in total specifics, but I do need to know who my bad guy is and how the book ends, who my main characters are, what their motivations are, and several key plot points throughout the book. If I don’t have those things, I get totally blocked and feel like I’m wandering around in the darkness, wasting my time.




I totally agree with you. What drew you to the subject of TRAPPED ?

What do you mean by “the subject?” If you mean where the story line came from, that came from two very detailed dreams I had, complete with characters and motivations. But if you’re referring to the themes inside TRAPPED, those came from my fervent belief that each person has a specific purpose for good in this world that only he/she can accomplish.




Wow, I loved these answers! So, did you encounter any obstacles in researching it?

Nothing different than I have from any other book/story I’ve written. I “simply” have to go out and find the details I don’t already know from experience. I use a lot of personal experiences from the internet and books.



You do what I do. That's good to know! What was the best writing advice someone gave you?

“You’re value is in your individuality.” This came from my creative writing teacher at Ricks College. Her name is Dorla Jenkins.





I love it! Will you describe your book for us?

My newest novel is a paranormal thriller titled TRAPPED. It’s about a young woman who wakes in the night to find a thief in her home, only to discover she’s actually caught in a deadly trap of evil traditions and a horrifying family curse only she can end. It takes place in the Austrian Alps and includes a bit of romance.


What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

The freedom of letting my imagination take off into unknown, and yet to me, believable places. I also love surprising people.




And I must say, you are VERY good at suprising people! What do you consider your strengths in terms of your writing?

My abilities to create suspense, combine normally unrelated things into something unique, and saying a lot with relatively few words.





You hit the nail on the head there! What do you consider your weakness and what strategies do you use to overcome it?

Characters. I think I’m pretty good with coming up with unique characters, but I seem to have trouble showing/expressing who they are on the inside. One of the best “strategies” I have is my critique group. They’re very good at helping me through such instances.





I would have never guessed that, Ronda. Where can readers find you and your books?

I’m all over the internet, but the easiest places to find me are on my blogs (thewriteblocks.blogspot.com and rondagibbhinrichsen.com) and my website: (rondahinrichsen.com). You can find my books, MISSING and TRAPPED at your local bookstore and online (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.). You can also find direct purchase links on my website. By the way, during the month of February, 2011, I’m celebrating “Library Lovers Month.” If you purchase a copy of MISSING or TRAPPED during the month of February, please send me a copy of your receipt to my email address at rondagibbhinrichsen@gmail.com, and I’ll enter you in a drawing to have a free copy of TRAPPED sent to the school or community library of your choice.


Best of luck with your contest! Thanks, Ronda for letting me grill you for answers! You're the best!

~Marie~

Friday, February 4, 2011

The day in the life of a Victorian model

I had the privelege - and pure enjoyment - of watching a photo shoot. I met Heather Gardner in one of my writer's loops. She was was asked by a YA (young adult) author, Michelle Zink, to take pictures for her newest book trailer. The story that will coming out soon is the third in the Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy and will be released in August of this year. The era for this triology is Victorian... Ohhh, my favorite!!!

Anyway, Heather sent out an email asking if anyone knew of young adults between the ages 18-25 here in Utah to be part of this photo shoot. My oldest daughter was chosen to be in the photo shoot. So today I spent the afternoon / evening with my daughter, Heather, and three other young adults for this photo shoot. It was a BLAST!!!  And cold...but that's okay if I couldn't feel my cheeks when we were done, I had so much fun, as did my daughter. 

So, without further ado, here are some of the pictures I took of the photo shoot. ENJOY!

I couldn't help but think of that movie "The Village" with this cape. hahaha
Okay Chrystal...play dead. (snickers)

Play dead, but look at me...

No sweetie - you're NOT a Vampire! I promise!

I totally fell in love with this mask!!!


Don't you just love this mask??

I told you I LOVED this mask... Thank goodness I wasn't in the photo shoot, huh? lol


I think Chrystal was portraying the bad sister in the book...


Cute group, huh?


Seriously, he could try out for the part of the Phantom, right?

Ahhh... And these two are really boyfriend / girlfriend.


Here's another (sigh) moment!  Ahhhh...

I dare anyone to take on these two guys!!

I hope you had as much fun as I did!!

~Marie~