Fancy A Cat Fight?

I'm reading a fantastic book at the moment - Dead Radiance by T. G. Ayer. The book is filled with so many great characters. I've fallen in love with some of them and I'm growing to dislike a couple... one in particular is Astrid. Man - she is one mean cow. I love it!

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I'll never have to meet her in real life, but as I was reading last night, I thought about how much fun Ayer must have had creating this character. There is something so deliciously vicious about a mean female. I don't know what it is, but girls have a special talent for nastiness.

I really want to see Bryn (the heroine of Dead Radiance) put Astrid in her place. I want to relish that triumphant moment when good wins over evil. I think that's why writing a spiteful villain can be so satisfying, because you know, eventually they are going to "get there's"... and it is going to be sweet!

Have you come across any fantastic female characters lately? You know the ones you'd like to put into a room together and see what explosions issue forth?

Personally I'd love to see a face off between the likes of Astrid and... I don't know, the White Witch from Narnia. That'd be fun :)

Friday Favourites ~ Type of guy

I've been thinking about what sort of guy I like as the hero. Do I like them brave or cocky? Strong or sensitive?
Do we have to be attracted to the guy in a book to like the story?

Obviously Edward in Twilight is gorgeous, but is he too perfect? I must say, I got tired of Stephanie Meyer always describing him so perfectly, I know he's a vampire, but COME ON... no one is that perfect. No wonder Bella had a complex about why he even liked her! Jacob on the other hand, was described rather plainly and it wasn't until the movie came out that 'Team Jacob' started.

In Forbidden Territory (our book due out in July) we have two completely different guys. One is strong and independent and a total spunk. The other is more sensitive and a gentler type of guy. It is fun to write different kinds of guys... but I would be interested to hear what the reader prefers. Are you an Edward person (gorgeous, talented, sensitive) or Jacob (muscles, tough, cocky)?

In a book do looks matter? Or can you get away with a plain boy with an awesome personality?
Let us know your thoughts. If you know other teens, send them to our page so we can get their thoughts too!!

Character Description

Do you like a character to be described in full details: ie: hair colour, eyes, height etc... or do you like it to be left to your imagination?

I've read books that have both extremes.
1. Pages are spent describing every detail, from the way the blonde hair curls, right down to the tiny gold flecks in her eyes or
2. Nothing is mentioned apart from a fleeting comment about perhaps long or short hair

I prefer something in between these extremes. Hair colour and style, perhaps an eye colour, but gradually as the story builds, not all in one paragraph like the author is making a list of the character's attributes. Without even being aware of it, my mind will make up a picture of this person and sometimes when I watch the movie of a favourite book I'll be trying to marry my mind's picture with the actor and it doesn't always work.

In Twilight, I had pictured Bella's father sooooo differently to 'Charlie' in the movie, that it took me a long time to see Billy Burke as Bella's dad.

What about you? Do you like lots of description? and are there any movies that a character looked completely different to what your imagination had conjured up?

Have you ever read a book that would make a great movie?

When I write, I see the story play out in my head like a movie.

So when I see books like Hunger Games and Twilight come to life on screen, I get really excited.

Have you ever read a book that you thought would make a great movie?
What was it?
Why do you think it would work so well on screen?

Personally (and I know this will probably sounds biased!), I think the Time Spirit Trilogy would make excellent movies. The stories are fast paced and have good action sequences. I'd love to see the history brought to life. Every time Gemma travels back in time she gets to go to some very cool places. It would be so much fun to see it all on screen. A total dream come true.

I'm also reading another great book at the moment that would work well on screen - Dead Radiance. It's about a teenage girl who is actually a Valkyrie. She gets to meet Odin and discover this amazing world. I'd love to see it brought to life. It would be amazing.

So - what do you think?
Any books out there that should be brought to the attention of Hollywood?

Introducing T G Ayer... and her gorgeous creation, Bryn

WELCOME TO THE DEAD RADIANCE BLOG TOUR

For as long as she can recall Bryn Halbrook has seen a golden aura around certain people, and it is only when her new best friend Joshua dies that she understands the glow means death. Bryn struggles to adapt to a new town and a new foster home while trying to deal with the guilt of being unable to save her friend. Until mysterious biker-boy, Aidan Lee arrives.

When Aidan unexpectedly takes off he leaves behind a shattered heart, a tonne of unanswered questions and a mysterious book that suggests Bryn is a Valkyrie. Bryn is faced with questions about Aidan’s real identity, the real reason he came to Craven, and that Odin, Freya and Valhalla just might be real.

As if accepting her new wings, new life and new home in Asgard isn’t difficult enough, Bryn is forced to find and return the precious necklace of the Goddess Freya.. The only problem is – if she fails, Aidan will die.

The mystery of a Mythology is easy to enjoy. The reality is much harder to accept.

It is my absolute pleasure to be able to introduce my friend, T G Ayer. We met a couple of years ago at a writer's conference. We soon became critique partners and now we are in contact daily. We have been walking this writer's journey together, supporting each other and becoming great friends.
In short, T G Ayer totally rocks :)

And so does her writing...

Dead Radiance is T G Ayer's debut novel. It is amazing. Her writing is elegant, sophisticated and pulls you into the story straight away. She has created a world of diverse characters - some lovable, some not so much. It is a great mix for this unique story. I taught Norse mythology at school one year and loved it, so when I found out Tee was writing a story based on this, I was very excited.

Trust me when I tell you, that you really must add this book to your reading list. It is a fascinating read filled with mystery, wonder and action. Bryn, the gorgeous MC drives this story forward with gusto. She is a strong, yet compassionate girl with a sharp tongue and a clever wit. Although she's just a teenage foster kid, she is also a warrior... a Valkyrie.

Life for her is not easy. She has had to face many heartaches for her young years - the most obvious being the fact that she must stand by and helplessly watch as the people she cares about draw nearer and nearer to death.

Here Bryn takes a few moments to describe what it is really like...

     I've seen the glow all my life. You could say it is the bane of my existence. I mean, how many kids have psychiatrists at age five? My dad was great though. At least he seemed to understand me. He didn't behave like he didn't believe me. My mother, on the other hand - well I'd rather not talk about her right now.
     Besides, I don't have much luck with people. They either die on me or they leave. People just don't waste time hanging with the Freak. The stupid name is more appropriate than the kids at North Wood high could ever have known. What would they think if they knew I saw weird golden glows around people? Bet they'd have a field day with that!

     The thing that upsets me the most is that it had to be Joshua that has the glow too. It was okay until I figured it out. Joshua, the best friend I've ever had, is going to die. Sometime soon, and I can't do anything about it. Risk telling someone what I suspect? You've got to be kidding. I've spent way too much time under a psychiatrist's scrutiny. Not going to happen.

     I've resigned myself to waiting. Waiting for Joshua to die. I have no idea how it will happen. Just that he doesn't have much time left. And in the meantime all I can do is keep smiling, keep acting like nothing is wrong. Keep acting like I can't see the blindingly bright glow around my dearest friend. An achingly beautiful golden aura that hurts so deeply. 

     I am already grieving for him.

     I wish I could change it, prevent it. But I know I don't have the power.

     Joshua is going to die and there is nothing I can do about it.

You can buy either digital or paperback copies of this fantastic book on Amazon - Dead Radiance.


And you can connect with T G Ayer here:
Website: https://tgayer.wordpress.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TG-Ayer-Author/207741835951976

Twitter: @TGAyer Author

email: tgayer@xtra.co.nz

This is going to be such a great tour - make sure you check out the other blogs along the way.

24/2  Friday Feature - Author Interview with Kim Koning http://dragonflyscrolls.wordpress.com 

25/2  Take Ten Questions with Maria V Snyder   http://officialmariavsnyder.blogspot.com

26/2  Melissa Pearl – Author Interview     http://yalicious.blogspot.co.nz

27/2  Excerpt          http://readinglittlebitofeverything.blogspot.com

Guest Post         www.goodchoicereading.com

28/2  Interview With Megan       http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.com

29/2  Syd Interviews Bryn       http://pattilarsen.blogspot.com

01/3  Guest Post + Giveaway   http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com

Review          http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.com

02/3  Review          http://readinglittlebitofeverything.blogspot.com/

03/3  Interview          http://absolutevanilla.blogspot.co.nz/

04/3  Interview          http://noveldtales.blogspot.co.nz/

05/3  Song Post         http://jessie-harrell.blogspot.co.nz/

06/3  Q&A with Mandy       http://twimom101bookblog.blogspot.com/

07/3  Interview          http://www.wovenmyst.com/

08/3  Review and Interview       http://kimberlykinrade.com/category/blog/

09/3  Interview          http://cameorenae.blogspot.co.nz/

Friday Favourites - Scene

As a writer, I have particular scenes that I just love writing. You may be surprised, but I actually love writing a really good argument. It's probably because I am so useless in reality. I get all tongue-tied and flustered. I can never think of the right thing to say and always walk away feeling defeated. Hours later I come up with a myriad of things I could have retorted with, but it's always too late.

However in fiction, I have much more control over how the argument plays out. Sure - one character will often walk away defeated, but I can say which character that is :)

There's something so vibrant and passionate about a heated discourse. Emotions flare, nasty things are said, conflict abounds - so much fun :) And the best part is that after the storm (sometimes WAY after the storm) there is that peaceful, sweet scene where things are resolved.

So - some of my favourite scenes to write are arguments. (Let's be honest, I actually love writing every kind of scene, but arguments are super fun.)

My favourite scenes to read are normally action sequences - the tense, fast-paced kind, or the scenes where someone is rescued. I also love a decent romantic scene - sweet words are spoken, passionate kisses follow in their wake - you know the ones.

What are your favourite scenes to read or write?

Book Cover Reveal!!

We are super excited to show you our book cover for Forbidden Territory (first of the Mica and Lexy series), due for release in July this year!

We are busy preparing the manuscript doing final edits and will be giving it out to our second lot of beta readers shortly. This book has evolved a lot in the last six years to something Melissa and I are really excited about. The girls in this story are so much fun to write and when they get in trouble (and DO they get in trouble!) the actions scenes are fast paced and entwined with romantic angst. All my favourite stuff!

Anyway here is the blurb. Hope you like it!

Mica and Lexy have been best friends and next door neighbours since they were eight years old. They share everything and have no secrets from each other until... Tom arrives on Mica's doorstep. A gorgeous exchange student from England. And Lexy is smitten.

Suddenly both girls are keeping secrets. Mica is hiding news about Tom's English girlfriend and Lexy hasn't got the heart to tell her best friend that her brother Eli, the guy Mica is mad on, thinks of her as only a friend.

After a massive fight, the girls decide the best way to mend their friendship is to spend some quality time together. And what better way than to go camping away from their parents and why not invite along the guys they are crushing on.

So the four teenagers embark on a geo-caching expedition into New Zealand's native bush expecting a long weekend filled with flirtatious fun; instead secrets are exposed as they stumble across a hidden marijuana crop and its gun-wielding watchmen. Forced apart they spend the next forty-eight hours racing blindly in opposite directions as they fight to find each other before the hunters do.

Are there any other books pending release that you are excited about reading?