Author Interview with Lucy Pireel

Hey everyone! Today I have author Lucy Pireel on the blog, just answering my list of twenty and giving you some insight into her new book releases, check it out first here!

1. Describe your book in twenty words or less.
Short story collection on obsession, want, control, or lack thereof, and death.

2. What were some of the biggest obstacles that you had to overcome while writing?
Making the message clear without muddling it with unnecessary details.

3. Are you also a reader? And if so, what’s your preferred genre?
Avid, voracious, and my preferred genre is a book that grabs you by the throat and drags you through its pages without letting go for a second.

4. If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Dinner? Now that is my favourite pass time, after writing and reading and yoga. Person to have it with? My loved ones. (I don't do hero admiration)

5. Do you have any weird little habits that get you in the writing mood—downing a bottle of wine, eating an entire bar of chocolate, fornicating on a porch swing?
Hahaha, I like the fornicating on a porch swing bit, but I have no porch, and no swing. Bugger! But to be honest, no, none at all. I just sit down and start to type until I need to pee.

6. What sets your book apart from others in the same genre?
Erm, it's mine, that's for a starter, but it also has more than one layer. It's not just horror to make you wet your pants or lock doors and windows at night, but I like to think it has a message. Like fairy tales do.

7. Okay, so I bet you secretly hate one of the characters in your novel. Who is it and why?
Yes, I seriously disliked the main character in Reunion. Why? Well, she's the good guy. And I kind of have a thing for the baddies, unless the good guy had a serious bad attitude or does something seriously bad. Like the main character in Permanent Fix. :-)
If you want to know what I'm on about, you'll just have to read A Menu of Death.

8. You’re on death row and it’s your last meal. What will you choose to eat?
White asparagus with steamed potatoes and salmon, a bit of sauce, Hollandaise. For dessert a rich, dark chocolate two layer cake, filled with ganache with ground pistachios, covered with a layer of ganache and a pattern of pecans.
All washed down with the appropriate wines.

9. Tell us three crazy things about yourself that you wish no one else knew (I promise I won’t post this … but I lie).
-I love eating herring for breakfast, or mackerel.
-I love to do a funny dance when I'm happy.
-I laugh loud, I mean really loud.

10. Are you a scruncher or a folder? (Yes, this is a toilet paper question)
Folder! Oops, that's my tiny streak of OCD kicking in, things need to be folded, even empty juice cartons. (This should be at the previous question)

11. If you had to pick one song to be the soundtrack to your novel, what would it be and why?
Bloodshed in the woodshed by The Moulettes. Or all of their music really. Their lyrics and the music have given me inspiration and great fun too.

12. Do you have any future projects lined up that you want to tell us about?
I do! There's a vampire erotica flick coming up, and a paranormal romance/mystery/detective novel

13. E-book or paperback, what’s your preference?
E-book, trees should not be cut down to make paper from when we can all enjoy books digitally.

14. What books or authors have most influenced your writing style?
No doubt, there is influence from what I've read in the past and am still reading now, but I try to be as original and me as can be in my writing and life.

15.          If you were stuck on a deserted Island would you choose:
a)            A total hottie to keep you company over the lonely nights ahead.
b)            A solar powered Kindle with limitless reading potential.
c)            Tom Hanks and Wilson to help get your ass off the Island.
A hottie that brings the solar powered Kindle with limitless reading material. :-) And he must also bring wine and cheeses.

16. Where can we find you?
Here! Erm, I mean, on my blog, website, Google Ploo (Plus), Twitter, The Book of Faces, Booklikes, and AuthorsdB, Goodreads

17. Who has been your biggest support on your writing journey, and please, feel free to add my name here …
Kristy Berridge! :-) There with that settled on to the next question. Oh, you want a serious answer? Who says I wasn't serious? Okay, you want another name. I have been my biggest supporter, because I firmly believe in the fact that you have to first and foremost believe in yourself for others to believe in you.

18. What is one of your favourite scenes from your novel? Feel free to provide a small excerpt to entice the readers.

My fav scene? Difficult, it's short stories and they all have a scene I particularly like, but I can do an excerpt. Or rather a very short quote from one short story in the collection.

"He won’t call the police, he’ll no longer be able to control me if he does. But I don’t have to obey him anymore. That big hole in the back yard he’s been digging to install the new septic tank has given me the perfect solution."

19. If you had to cast your characters, who would you reconcile to play their parts?
Helena Bonham-Carter has to be in it, and the rest? Well, what's his face from fightclub, not Brat Pitticus.

20. Any last words? (feel free to write Kristy Berridge is super awesome right here)
Kristy Berridge is a super awesomestst blogger and writer!
And I love chocolate and would like to say "Hi" to all who like reading and do pop over to any online bookseller near you on September 30th to pick up A Menu of Death.

Skin Deep Reveal by TG Ayer

TITLE: Skin Deep

SERIES: The Darkworld Series, Volume: 1
GENRE: Urban Fantasy
PUBLICATION DATE: 30th APRIL 2013
FORMAT: Paperback, E-Book & Hardback
PUBLISHER: Infinite Ink
PAGES: 390


EXCERPT:
"The cold cocking of guns set my body on fire.
It also did something worse. With mortal fear gripping me, my imminent Change wasn't taking second place anymore. My body churned the fear and my Panther grasped at the visceral power of the adrenalin in my veins.
I ran.
A gunshot echoed around the garden, the sound ping-ponging off the aging brick walls of the surrounding apartment buildings.
I gasped as a blast of searing pain slammed into me.
As a bullet buried itself deep within my shoulder."

DESCRIPTION:
Panther Shape-shifter Kailin Odel just wants to be normal. Leaving her clan, and her Alpha responsibilities, to live with her grandmother in Chicago had been the best thing for her. Only then did she discover her ability to track and kill the soul sucking undead creatures called Wraiths. Now she protected the humans, and had something to be proud of.
But, when she discovers the body of a murdered shape shifter, Kailin has to come to terms with the reality that her own kind are just as vulnerable as the humans.
The closer Kailin gets to the killer the more she has to face the intricacies of her people. When the time comes can she accept who and what her real purpose is?

CHAPTER ONE:

Icy pain sliced through my bones, the muscles of my arms, and the flesh of my back. My spine and thighs rippled, shifted. Changing.

Damn. Too fast.

I spared a rueful glance at my new leather pants. And ran faster.

Had to make it to the Rehab Center a few blocks away. I ran, my speed super-human, my need super-charged, covering ground fast enough to make it to safety before my Panther took over.

I took the corner of the street behind the Center at breakneck speed, and headed for the nearest of the gaping holes pockmarking the rusted fence.

The wind changed before I stepped off the curb. My ears peaked and I skidded to a halt, panting slightly, my backpack thumping against my side. The scream of tires on blacktop echoed on the night air, shattering the silence as it grew ever louder.

Closer.

Followed in tandem by the whining wail of sirens. A battered sedan scorched down the street, suspended on the turn on only two wheels. The angry whip of charred rubber spiked the air. Horizontal again, the car jumped the curb and skidded sideways, avoiding a collision with the fence by mere inches.

I shrank into the shadows at my back, expelling a long, stale breath. My Panther, still confined within my body, bucked and jerked, craving release.

I let her surface.

A little.

For now, super-sight would be welcome. Unlike the ability to run like the wind while still in my Human skin, tapping into my Panther's sight required a partial transformation—a risk I needed to take as my gut screamed danger.

Adrenalin surged, different again from the calm fervor of my wraith hunts. I blinked. Heat nipped at my corneas as I released my Panther sight—enough to give my eyes feline vision.

Sight, which sliced deep into the black nothing hugging the sidewalk, transformed my eyes into a solid Panther emerald. For the moment, plain old Kailin Odel was back to being Kailin of the Clan Panthera.

My cat sight adjusted, focused. The blackness surrounding the darkened vehicle changed depth and color, became lighter, clearer.

Someone shoved the rear door open, and I cringed as it creaked and complained. The occupants remained shrouded in the shadows of the vehicle's interior. Something large, long and heavy hit the ground with a dull thunk. Then the sedan revved as unseen sirens drew closer, louder, and it spun around and skidded off the curb.

The battered car roared off, a police cruiser close on its tail with sirens screaming blue murder. It didn't take a genius to figure out the parcel had to be awfully incriminating, for them to chuck it into the garden in such a flaming hurry.

My nostrils twitched at the stench of exhaust smoke, and my heart thumped as I waited to cross the street. I flicked a furtive glance at the dull red glow of taillights disappearing into the darkness. A breeze skimmed the sidewalk, ruffling my hair, and I hurried across the street as the sounds of sirens faded in the distance. I paused a few meters from the bundle, released my Panther's nose and sniffed. Whatever I'd expected to scent on the air, it wasn't the tang of copper drifting toward me—strong, rich and intoxicating.

Blood. Fresh blood. A luscious odor, laced with tendrils of the familiar.

I moved closer, my mind warring with my emotions. This was no bundle of rags, or some stolen junk those thugs had thrown away, but a living being. The blood surely meant the person now lying on the sidewalk needed medical attention.

I stood over the bundle, the cloying odor of the blood filling my nostrils, and hesitated in a moment of doubt and fear.

Now or never.

I took a deep breath and crouched beside the silent form. My hand quivered as I reached out and touched the scratchy, ragged fabric covering the shoulder of the silent figure. At first it resisted my tug, stiff against my touch, but one more gentle urging turned him toward me.

I gasped, my throat closing on the sound. My heel caught as I pulled away, and I staggered backward as hot horror burned through my veins. The face glistened, bloody and mangled. Raw muscles and ligaments lay exposed, bare. A low moan of horror echoed around me. Chills streaked up my spine when I realized the stricken sound had originated from my own throat. The familiar richness of him clouded my mind, clogging my throat and drugging my senses.

A Skinwalker.

My throat spasmed, silencing a shriek as he stared at me. His breath whispered—shallow, irregular, the sound ragged as he labored in his final moments. He gripped with desperation to the disappearing threads which held him to this mortal earth.

His face held my gaze, and somewhere behind ribs of ice my heart clenched, threatening to implode. My own face stared back at me, reflected from within eyes as blue as oceans. Eyes filled with excruciating pain and desperate fear. He didn't speak, just studied me for a few moments with those glorious eyes.

Recognition. Gratitude. Relief.

Then... release.

Life flickered and sputtered out of his beautiful eyes—eyes unable to close even after his soul departed his mortal body. Eyes stark and ghastly within a face flayed of every inch of its skin.

Mere seconds had passed, although I would have sworn it had been hours. Screeching tires again interrupted my horror, and the sedan skidded beside me before I could do much more than scramble away from the body. The killers had managed to lose the cops, and now they'd returned to retrieve the body.

They hadn't bargained on having a witness.

The cold-cocking of guns set my body on fire.

It also did something worse. With mortal fear gripping me, my imminent Change refused to take second place anymore. My body churned the fear and my Panther grasped at the visceral power of the adrenalin in my veins.

I ran.

A gunshot echoed around the garden, the sound ping-ponging off the aging brick walls of the surrounding apartment buildings.

I gasped as a blast of searing pain slammed into me, as a bullet buried itself deep within my shoulder.

ADDITIONAL EXCERPTS

"These last few minutes had felt like days of agony and fear. My breath still came in little hysterical hiccups. Where had the cool, calm wraith hunter gone?
Things changed when hunter became prey."

***

"What have you gotten yourself into this time?" (asked Anjelo)
"Wasn't my fault...." Hard to bristle with indignation while I lay sprawled and bleeding at the feet of my scolder. I'd be wasting my breath. We'd argue again later, as I was way too tired to make the effort now.
"When is it ever? Always said one day you'll get yourself hurt. And wasn't I right?" He waved his hands at both my torn body and shredded clothes, sighing as if he were the one shot and bleeding out pints.
Oh, the drama.

***

"Clutching the phone, I whispered Anjelo's name into the device. The darned thing promptly advised me to speak more clearly, its tone annoyingly authoritative, seeming to laugh at me.
Damned machine.
Clearing my throat, I spoke his name again, this time restraining the urge to shout at the piece-of-crap phone.
Dial tone. Thank Ailuros.
"Kailin? What time is it?" Anjelo grumbled, his voice thick with sleep, grumpy and perplexed. He loved sleep, even more than his widely known love affair with Italian pasta. Nothing the school cafeteria supplied would ever tempt his taste buds. Anjelo had gourmet taste.
All he would've heard was my grunt of pain as I slid further to the floor, the phone suddenly too heavy to hold to my ear.
"Kailin, you okay?" His voice gurgled as if I were underwater—hollow, strange.
I took a deep breath and gripped the phone, pulling on every last dreg of energy, and said, "Sure. Shot. Bleeding. But okay."
My voice cracked on each syllable, and I barely heard his urgent request for my location. I scowled at the phone, again so heavy it began to pull my hand to the floor, inch by inch.
Why was he shouting at me? I could hear him perfectly.
I spoke with a false calm. "I'm at the center." Then I let the phone fall, unable to bear its incredible weight.
Scrambling. The knocking sounds of someone bumping into things in the dark. Muffled oaths, and then a slamming door.
Good. Anjelo's coming."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I have been a writer from the time I was old enough to recognise that reading was a doorway into my imagination. Poetry was my first foray into the art of the written word. Books were my best friends, my escape, my haven. I am essentially a recluse but this part of my personality is impossible to practise given I have two teenage daughters, who are actually my friends, my tea-makers, my confidantes… I am blessed with a husband who has left me for golf. It’s a fair trade as I have left him for writing. We are both passionate supporters of each other's loves – it works wonderfully…

My heart is currently broken in two. One half resides in South Africa where my old roots still remain, and my heart still longs for the endless beaches and the smell of moist soil after a summer downpour. My love for Ma Afrika will never fade. The other half of me has been transplanted to the Land of the Long White Cloud. The land of the Taniwha, beautiful Maraes, and volcanoes. The land of green, pure beauty that truly inspires. And because I am so torn between these two lands – I shall forever remain cross-eyed.

The Damned is Coming ...

Hey guys,

Guess what? I finally have my files for The Damned, the second installation in my Hunted Series. And because you've all been waiting so long for this release, it is my gift to you to provide 5 free days of Kindle downloads of The Hunted to get you ready! (Go here for Download)
Yes, you heard me. I am putting the first novel The Hunted for free on Kindle for five days!
This is your chance to grab a copy, tell your friends and family and generally just share the information so when the Damned is released everyone is ready for round two.
The promotion starts on the 23/2/2013 and will run until the 27/2/2013. Remember  these promos run on Pacific Standard time, so keep checking in if it's not registering free when you read this post.
If you've never heard of The Hunted series, check out the two trailers below to whet your whistle, view the upcoming cover for The Damned and read the synopsis's right here!
Cheers guys, thanks as always for your support and don't forget to share, share share!

The Hunted Book Trailer (Book one)

The Damned Book Trailer (Book two)

The Hunted Synopsis:

Elena Manory is by no means an ordinary teenage girl. Being born with the ability to heal herself from any injury, and with the knowledge that on her eighteenth birthday she will become a Vampire, Elena is aware that she is more than a little different from other girls her age. 

It isn’t until she meets William Granville, an alluring and impossibly handsome vampire, that she begins to question her destiny and what secrets the Institute of Magical Intervention and her adopted family have withheld—secrets that could change the fates of not only her own life, but of the lives of all the immortals.

As events spiral out of control, William may be the only person Elena can place her trust in. He, and Elena’s magical family, must fight to save her, joining forces to defeat a common, deadly foe. For William, it is his chance to save the girl that he has searched eternity to find.

The Damned Synopsis:

Life for Elena Manory skipped past ordinary just over a month ago. Discovering she was born a practically invulnerable vampire-werewolf hybrid was shocking enough, but she’s also become a target. Elena is being hunted by the Alpha werewolf Roshan, who’s fixated on the properties of her unique blood and the pleasurable possibilities of her flesh.

Moving to the Institute of Magical Intervention in Romania was supposed to provide her with protection and anonymity, but Elena soon realises her enemies are legion. None are as they seem, with no agenda truly without nefarious intentions. 

A strange twist of fate and the actions of a vampire previously pressing for her affections lead Elena into the arms of another—one whose middle name spells trouble. Himself a vampire, Sebastian is perplexingly familiar, handsome, and arrogant. He introduces Elena to a world she never thought possible, uncovers a past believed long buried, and unearths a future she may not survive.

Kristy :)

Book Review: The Shadow Of Tiamat by Sean Poindexter

Let me start this review with my laugh-out-loud moment. Picture this, a dark, stormy night and two dragons battling it out for supremacy - one trying to kill an innocent woman, the other in love with her. The sky is filled with the shadow of their menace and the surrounding scrub is littered with their spilt blood. While the human - Megan - watches on, the dragons fight using everything in their surroundings to inflict carnage.
Now, during this intense moment, a spined tail flicks out, secures Megan's car in it's grip and hoists it into the air, spinning it with impossible force and strength at its opponent. A semi-serious moment and Megan yells out, 'Hey! My purse was in there!'
I was seriously in stitches for about twenty minutes.
The Shadow Of Tiamat is a surprising novel, best described as a Paranormal Romance that puts Sean Poindexter right up there with some of the best - Kerri Arthur and Sherrilyn Kenyon.
I was surprised how easy the novel read, despite that I was originally prejudiced about a man writing romance from a woman's perspective. Granted Megan did like to touch herself a little more than a confused teenage boy, but the ever evolving emotions explored between characters, interlaced with the telling of what I believe will evolve into an interesting plot, sells the author's intent.
The Shadow Of Tiamat follows multiple person perspective so you are never shy of the action or any necessary information, though it does mostly follow the story of Megan - a human (or is she?) and Garrett - a dragon.
Pulled together by a twist in fate, Megan has already found herself entangled unknowingly in the world of supernatural element. Discovering Garrett's secret and opening her mind to the possibilities of his existence also invites the acceptance of other creatures and their agendas.
Mostly a novel wrapped in the heady scent of sex and romance, there are some strong foundations for a an easy continuation in the series. With the introduction of vampiric elements and a seriously twisted agenda from higher ranking dragons, Sean Poindexter has crafted a novel with enduring possibilities.
Although I did cringe at some of the character interactions - jarred by the sometimes inconsistent use of language and often confusing switch between demure female lead, and dirty porn-mouth sex kitten, I still rather enjoyed the intensity of the romance, the solidarity of Garrett and his character consistency, as well as the off-hand commentary that regularly made me laugh or smile.
I happily rate this novel three out of five fangs.

Synopsis:

On a dark Ozark highway, two souls meet in tragedy and find their lives are connected to things bigger than them both. Megan Crunk, a social worker from Joplin, uncovers vampires preying on a small community. That same day, she meets Garrett, a fascinating stranger who is clearly more than he seems. But, as Meg slowly learns, so is she...
Garrett Terago is an ancient dragon, and until now, content with the secluded Ozark mountains. Disguised as a human, but rarely paying them heed, until he meets Megan. He offers her love and protection from the vampires but can he keep her safe from his own kind? 
War looms between the dragons. Some long for a time lost to prehistory, when they were worshiped as gods, masters of the world. Somehow, Garrett is instrumental to their plans and Megan is in their way.

Book Review: Personal Demons by Stacia Kane

For me, picking up the first book in this 'demonic' series was a no brainer. It's no secret that I'm a massive Stacia Kane fan, won over by the intricate and confronting stories of Chess Putnum from the Downside Ghosts series. Unfortunately, I didn't love this book as much as I'd hoped. Don't get me wrong, I drew plenty of pleasure from this twisted little tale, but I was left wanting when it came to the writing and almost predictable nature of the story.
Personal Demons is the first book in this series, following the story of Dr Megan Chase, a psychiatrist who is partner in a successful practice and recently signed by a local radio station to psychoanalyze and help burdened souls for ratings. A brazen career move, Megan's success blooms from hidden talents, specifically her psychic senses - her ability to read minds and even seek answers from the past. The only problem with such an extraordinary talent and a new radio label known as 'the demon slayer', Megan now attracts negative attention - attention of the DEMON variety.
Suddenly finding herself victim of a zombie attack and more specifically, under the spell of a fire demon known as Greyson Dante, Megan suddenly has her hands full. Between understanding this new realm and those that are trying to kill her, leading a career unaffected by the torment of her present, and trying particularly hard not to succumb to the charms of Mr Dante, you have yourself a fun, fiery little story with a few sexually entertaining highlights if you're partial to the paranormal romance genre.
As always Stacia Kane is an eloquent writer, a clean mix of descriptive text balanced by on point conversation and clear, consistent characterisation. I never question Stacia Kane's plot deviations or character reveals, knowing that every word planted within her stories eventually unveils the point of its existence.
Unfortunately, I had expectations based on her current popular series. I expected the same level of excitement, twisted horror and sexual tension. I was left wanting despite the fact that Personal Demons was entertaining and relatively action packed. Perhaps it was both protagonists Megan and Greyson, the two interwoven into a story screaming repetitive expectation - their interaction so similar to those already starring in a million other paranormal romance novels. Alas, I can only rate Personal Demons three out of five fangs. I liked it but I didn't love it.

Synopsis:
Megan promises listeners to her new radio call-in show that she'll "slay their personal demons," and they believe her. So do the personal demons... although she doesn't know it, Megan is the only human without a demon on her shoulder Megan and her allies - a demon lover who both protects and seduces her with devilish intensity, a witch with poor social skills, and three cockney guard demons - have to deal not only with the personal demons, but a soul-sucker, ghosts of Megan's past, and a reporter who threatens to destroy Megan's career.

Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour - Donna Joy Usher

Today I have the fabulous Donna Joy Usher stopping by my blog as part of her international blog tour for her latest release novel "The Seven Steps to Closure". 
I have persuaded Donna to answer twenty random, silly but sometimes serious questions to delve a little deeper into the mind of this illustrious chick lit author! So please read on and  take a look at the previous review I compiled some months ago when I first got my hands on this great little number.

Kristy :)


Describe your novel in twenty words or less.

With help from her friends, 30 year old Tara goes on a quest to find closure on her failed marriage.
Haha – I did it! *Am jumping around the living room high fiving myself*

What were some of the biggest obstacles that you had to overcome while writing?

The Seven Steps to Closure is my debut novel, so I’m guessing I was plagued by the normal confidence problems of an inexperienced author. Probably convincing myself that what I was writing was interesting enough to make it worthwhile finishing was the hardest part.

Are you also a reader, and if so, what’s your preferred genre?

I’m an avid reader – as you’ll find out in question 15, and although I do love chick lit I also adore fantasy and horror.  The series I am currently working on is YA urban fantasy.

If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I’ve had a good, hard, 5 minute think about this and I would have to say Angelina Jolie. I really admire her as a philanthropist and humanitarian and I think she would be fascinating to talk to. Plus I’d be hoping hubby Brad might stick his head in to say hi.

Do you have any weird little habits that get you in the writing mood—downing a bottle of wine, eating an entire bar of chocolate, fornicating on a porch swing?

Geez – now you’ve got me thinking about porch swings. Maybe I should buy one? But until I give that a try I would have to say that I love nothing more than sipping a glass of Malborough Sav Blanc while I write in the evening. Ice-cream has also been known to do it for me and chocolate and a hot cup of tea works well. Okay - as long as it’s yummy I’m eating it while I write.

What sets your book apart from others in the same genre?

I think a lot of chick lit novels leave you with the impression that you can’t be happy without a partner, and that marriage is the be all and end all to life. My book is more about my protagonist, Tara, finding herself. Don’t get me wrong, there is some romance in there for her, but she realises along her journey that she has to be able to be happy by herself. I think that is an important message to take home.

Okay, so I bet you secretly hate one of the characters in your novel. Who is it and why?

No secret here – I despise her ex-husband Jake. He’s a downright, dirty, manipulating bastard. I hate those sorts of people.

You’re on death row and it’s your last meal. What will you choose to eat?

Okay – death row – so no need to worry about weight gain or food intolerances.
I’d start with some excellent salty blue cheese and crackers, before moving onto an entrée of seafood risotto with fresh parmesan, served with a bottle of savvy B. (I mean I am about to die, I may as well die happy.) Then for main I’d have a rack of lamb with roast vegetables and a bottle of Claire Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I’d finish up with my special home-made caramel ice-cream topped with freshly roasted, salted macadamias served with a botrytis dessert wine. 
After that I’d be so full and drunk that I probably wouldn’t even notice my own demise. 

Tell us three crazy things about yourself that you wish no one else knew (I promise I won’t post this … but I lie).

When I was a small child I used to eat sand. I don’t know why – it just tasted good.
If I’ve had visitors staying for a while, when they leave I like to do a nude run throughout the house.
In winter I dress my dogs in fluffy pink jumpers – it keeps them warm and me amused.

Are you a scruncher or a folder? (Yes, this is a toilet paper question)

I’m a fruncher. I start out by folding the length of paper in half, then into quarters, but by then I’m out of time so I just scrunch it and use it like that.

If you had to pick one song to be the soundtrack to your novel, what would it be and why?

‘50 Ways to Say Goodbye’ by Train. I love this song so much, and it’s about having trouble saying goodbye and moving on, which sums up Tara at the start of the novel.

Do you have any future projects lined up that you want to tell us about?

Yep – I’ve just finished writing book 2 in The War Faery Series. I’m pretty excited about this as I love fantasy and it is so much fun to write. Plus I’ve started my next chick lit novel, Cocoa and Chanel, which will also slip into the crime genre.

E-book or paperback, what’s your preference?

I used to be hard core paperback until I got my kindle – now I love e-books. It’s fantastic not to have to lug around 10 books whenever I go on holidays. And as much as I have always enjoyed holding a book and turning the pages, the convenience of my kindle totally overrides that pleasure.

What books or authors have most influenced your writing style?

Marian Keyes and Janet Evanovich made me want to write chick lit. I love the edginess of Janet Evanovich’s books and Marian Keyes’ characters always have so much depth. I’ve also read the Twilight Series a number of times trying to analyse what makes Stephenie Meyers writing so compelling. 

15.          If you were stuck on a deserted Island would you choose:
a)            A total hottie to keep you company over the lonely nights ahead.
b)            A solar powered Kindle with limitless reading potential.
c)            Tom Hanks and Wilson to help get your ass off the Island.

Geez – Hard call…. I’d really like to say a) a total hottie, and make myself sound really exciting, but I’ve been working so hard lately I’d actually pay to be shipwrecked on a deserted island with b) a solar powered kindle with limitless reading potential.

Where can we find you?

Blog/Website: You can find me at www.DonnaJoyUsher.com
Twitter: @DonnaJoyUsher
Facebook: Donna Joy Usher - The Author

Who has been your biggest support on your writing journey, and please, feel free to add my name here …

I’m not brown nosing here but you have been, and continue to be, one of my biggest supports. My Mum would have to be my number one fan though, and she is a huge support always reading my blogs and guest posts before I publish them.

What is one of your favourite scenes from your novel? Feel free to provide a small excerpt to entice the readers.

Hmmmm, there are so many scenes I love in my book - I still get emotional whenever I read the ending,  and there are so many places I still laugh. Here I’ll give you a snippet that won’t spoil the story for you.

(Excerpt)
Ahhhh, the joys of clothes shopping: the smell of the leather shoes, the feel of the fabrics under my fingertips, the sight of my dimpled white ass glowing in the fluorescent lighting. I was a vision to behold in the outfit I had just squeezed into. It had taken me a good five minutes to get the pants up. I had struggled and jumped up and down in the dressing room, until the sales assistant - hearing the moaning and groaning - had come to the door to see if I was all right. 
'I'm just great,' I said in my best now-piss-off-and-leave-me-alone voice.
'How does it look?' asked Elaine brightly, from the other side of the door.
'Fine and dandy, if you like muffin tops.'
'How bad can it be?'
'You have no idea.'
'Are you ready to show me?'
'Promise not to laugh.'
‘You know I can’t promise that,’ she said.
I undid the lock and opened the door just enough to give one of Elaine's eyes access to the disaster in the change room.
'Oh dear,' she said on viewing the pants. 
 I had pulled them up as far as possible but the zip was only one inch long. I mean seriously how were you meant to wear these? 
Exactly what body shape had they been designed for? 
'Jump up and down,' she said.
I jumped about five centimetres off the ground a couple of times. I could feel the part of me flowing over the top of the waistband wobbling on when the rest of me had stopped. It was disconcerting.
'Bend over.’ Elaine was obviously curious as to how far we could push the limits of the shiny, disco club material. I bent over as far as I could without ripping open the back of the pants, which was not very far. When I stood back up, a small amount of pubic hair popped over the top of the pants. I saw Elaine's eyebrows shoot up as she started giggling.
Unfortunately the shop assistant chose that exact moment to join Elaine, and pulled open the door to get a better look. I squealed in horror and held both hands over the offending tuft of hair. Elaine was doing her darndest not to laugh out loud. Her eyes were filled with barely suppressed mirth and her face was turning as red as mine felt. She probably would have made it, if the sales assistant hadn't chosen that precise moment to say, 'Mmmm. They look quite nice.'

If you had to cast your characters, who would you reconcile to play their parts?

This was a hard one but here goes:
Tara – Kristen Wiig (Annie from Bridesmaids)
Jake – Derek Shepard (Mc Dreamy) - he’s got the correct look for this part.
Matt – Without a doubt Daniel Craig - more because I’d like to stalk him on the film set than any other reason. Yummy!
Elaine – Wendi McLendon-Covey (Rita from Bridesmaids)
Dinah – Emily Blunt (The Adjustment Bureau)
Natalie – Katherine Heigl
Tash – Malin Akerman 

Any last words? (feel free to write Kristy Berridge is super awesome right here)

I just want to thank you for hosting me on your blog, even though I know this is not your normal genre. And I want to let your readers know that if they buy a copy of my book during the tour - it’s only $3.99 on kindle - to make sure they send a copy of their receipt to ChickLitPlus.com for five chances in a draw to win a $25 amazon card. There’s two to be won.

Author Interview with Komal Lewis

Describe your novel in twenty words or less.
It’s about a mean girl, and a “freak”. It’s about childhood friends who grow apart and learn to forgive.

What were some of the biggest obstacles that you had to overcome while writing?
I used to be a HUGE procrastinator and would put off the writing. I also had a few health problems which got in the way. Finally, I was just very insecure. I was scared to let people read my work, and it’s still hard if I happen to see a negative review of my book, but I am learning to let those insecurities go.

Are you also a reader, and if so, what’s your preferred genre?
I love most genres, but lately I have been addicted to Contemporary Romances. They make me so emotional!

If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Kurt Vonnegut. I would love to pick his brain about his stories, and by the end of the night I would hope that some of his quirkiness would've rubbed off on me.

Do you have any weird little habits that get you in the writing mood—downing a bottle of wine, eating an entire bar of chocolate, fornicating on a porch swing?
I must have a bottle of water. And I need to be sitting in my “spot” which is actually nothing special, just the sofa.

What sets your book apart from others in the same genre?
I wasn't afraid to make my main character mean. Like, really mean. She’s also selfish, makes stupid decisions, and complains when things don’t go her way. Let’s face it, there are people like that in the world and I’m fascinated by what makes them that way. In many Young Adult novels, the “mean girl” is usually a side character, but I wanted to see how readers reacted when they were placed in the mind of a mean girl.

Okay, so I bet you secretly hate one of the characters in your novel. Who is it and why?
I hate Ashton’s dad for what he did to her mum.

You’re on death row and it’s your last meal. What will you choose to eat?
My mum makes THE BEST Mexican food ever. It’s entirely vegetarian because she uses lentils, but don’t let that put you off. It is delicious!

Tell us three crazy things about yourself that you wish no one else knew (I promise I won’t post this … but I lie).
I only drink water (which people think is really weird for some reason). I have the mind of a hormonal teenage boy (I can’t believe I just admitted that!). I say randomly weird things that can be taken out of context (like that “hormonal teenage boy” remark).

Are you a scruncher or a folder? (Yes, this is a toilet paper question)
I’m a folder!

If you had to pick one song to be the soundtrack to your novel, what would it be and why?
With Me by Sum 41. The song really inspired me while I was writing Impossible. And I get to see Sum 41 next year at Soundwave (a music festival they have in Australia) so I’m super excited for that!

Do you have any future projects lined up that you want to tell us about?
I have lots of future projects! My Young Adult Paranormal novel, Runaway Mortal is coming out in February, which I’m super excited for as it’s been in the works for almost two years now. I also have the second book coming out in the With Me series, Falling for Hadie. Don’t worry, it’s not a direct sequel, so it won’t be about Ashton (for those people who don’t like Ashton)! And I’m also working on a secret New Adult novel on the side which I plan to release mid next year.

E-book or paperback, what’s your preference?
If you’d asked me this a year ago, I would’ve said paperback, but I’ve changed my tune. My Kindle app on my phone is my best friend. It’s so convenient (and cheap!) buying e-books, but do love paperbacks too. I can’t decide!

What books or authors have most influenced your writing style?
I do love my Australian children’s authors like Andy Griffiths, Morris Gleitzman, Paul Jennings and Emily Rodda. As for non-Australian authors, I love the randomness of Lemony Snicket (A.K.A. Daniel Handler)! C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and Philip Pullman are some influences too.

If you were stuck on a deserted Island would you choose:
a) A total hottie to keep you company over the lonely nights ahead.
b) A solar powered Kindle with limitless reading potential.
c) Tom Hanks and Wilson to help get your ass off the Island.
Ooh, we’re getting down to the tough questions now. Well, I need a holiday, so I’d stay on the island with my solar powered Kindle.

Who has been your biggest support on your writing journey, and please, feel free to add my name here …
There’s this wonderful woman named Kristy Berridge who has helped me so much (Kristy Berridge made me say this!). But, seriously, my husband and my critique partners, Erica and Michelle have been my biggest supporters on my writing journey. I don’t know what I’d do without you guys. *Gets all mushy and sentimental*

What is one of your favourite scenes from your novel? Feel free to provide a small excerpt to entice the readers.
This scene is referred to as the “kitchen counter scene”. It’s kinda steamy!

Her hand touched my cheek and she turned my head so I was forced to look at her again. There was a flash of blonde hair, and then Ash’s lips were on mine. For a split second, I thought I was dreaming. She couldn't really be kissing me, could she?
The tension in my mouth eased and I finally regained control of my senses. I pushed her back and crushed my lips against hers. A moan escaped Ash’s mouth as I pressed against her harder. Those sweet lips of hers were hungrily tearing against mine like she might die if she didn’t have me. Her kisses were driving me insane. Sure, I’d kissed girls before, but none of them compared to this. Maybe because none of those girls had been this girl. 
None of those girls had been Ashton.
I pulled away and Ash looked up at me in surprise, her cheeks a deep pink. Placing both hands on her waist, I lifted her up onto the counter top. Before she had a chance to say anything, I resumed kissing her. She sighed deeply against my mouth and wrapped her legs around me so there was no space between us. I could feel every inch of her body and she could feel every inch of mine.

If you had to cast your characters, who would you reconcile to play their parts?
I never once thought about this while I was writing, but a lot of readers have been asking me this question so I finally did a bit of Googling to find the perfect actors. I picture Alex Pettyfer as Luca. Alex has that longish, messy, unkempt hair that I imagined Luca to have, and I’m pretty sure his eyes are green too. Alex would need a lot of tattoos, and his hair needs to be much darker, but I can see him pulling off black eyeliner and a punk rocker wardrobe. Teresa Palmer (an Australian actress who was in December Boys with Daniel Radcliffe) would be great as Ashton!

Any last words? (feel free to write Kristy Berridge is super awesome right here)
Kristy, you ARE awesome! Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog and for the great questions. I really appreciate it!

And now you can stalk Komal at these locations!

Twitter

Facebook

Web/Blog

Amazon

Goodreads

Awesome Author Blog Hop

Okay, so I’m a crazy person participating in yet another blog hop and on the same night that I already roll around with the Follow Friday crowd. But, I’m a big believer in trying new things and since I’ve been tagged as an awesome author, I’m not exactly going to say no, cause let’s face it, I am freaking awesome *shrieks with laughter*.

So the name of the game is to answer the five questions below and then tag another five awesome authors and hope the random spamming doesn’t encourage a slap on the forehead from my writer buddies.

Here we go:

What is the working title of your book?

I’m going to roll with my up and coming release “The Damned” for these questions.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I’d already written The Hunted, the first in the series but naturally, my wayward fingers kept on going and before I knew it, a second novel was staring at me from my laptop screen. Freaky!

What genre does your book fall under?

Young adult horror

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Okay, I’ve actually done a massive blog post on this before so I’m going to be lazy here and insert a link. There are just too many to write down!

And for the authors I have tagged:

James Garcia Jnr – author of “Dance on Fire” (Blog) @danceauthor

Madison Daniel – author of “Ember” (Blog) @MadisonDaniel13

Nicole Suzanne Brown – author of “Pride” (Blog) @Nicole_S_Brown

John Hundley – author of “The Draculata Nest” (Blog)

Alexia Purdy – author of “Ever Shade” (Blog) @AlexiaPurdy

Follow Friday #48

Happy Friday everyone!

Yes, it’s that time of week again where bloggers unite to participate in the Follow Friday venture. The idea behind #FF is to promote traffic to your own blog, make new friends with other like-minded bloggers and discuss new and interesting topics each week.

Participating is simple. First you need to follow my blog because I’m totally awesome, then you can follow me on Twitter @kristyberridge (actually you don’t have to do this, it’s wishful thinking), but do follow my blog or assassins will get you …

Then you must follow our illustrious hosts Rachel of http://www.parajunkee.com/ and Alison of http://www.alisoncanread.com/ If you want more details on how to enter your own blog in the follow and hop, all directions are on their webpages

Now, once you’ve followed, check out my answer to this week’s questions and don’t forget to leave a comment so I can do the right thing and follow you back!

This week's question: What is a deal breaker for you in a book? For example, do you abhor love triangles? Or can’t deal with bad editing?

My Answer: A shitty story line with so much irrelevant internalising or pointless plot that I want to shove a tooth pick in my eyeball. I hate that some books make me skip whole pages in favour of getting back on track, or worse still, you skip several pages and have missed absolutely nothing at all - a fair sign of a waffler!

Kristy :)

Book Review: The Last Vampire Series by Christopher Pike

Well, it's a little unorthodox of me to review six books at once, and admittedly, I wouldn't normally do this because it's not fair to the plot, complexities of character, or the author's hard slog to create individuality within their story. But The Last Vampire series is relatively short, each book no more than about 180 pages in total, and they do follow on right where the last story left off, essentially making it one big novel that I've decided to measure as one.
The six books in question are; The Last Vampire, Black Blood, Red Dice, Phantom, Evil Thirst and Creatures of Forever. So let's get down to it.

The Last Vampire series follows the story of vampire Alisa Perne, or more commonly known as 'Sita' throughout the series. She is supposedly the last vampire, over five thousand years old and a young woman very capable, very determined, and very dangerous. Like all vampires she is strong, fast, limber, and decidedly attractive. She is smart as a whip, can speak multiple languages, but like the humans she still sometimes preys upon, holds the memories of her past close to her heart and lets them haunt her on a continuing basis.
Her character maintains complete consistency of dialogue - stiff, intelligent, and somewhat emotionless. Her thought processes are convincing for an entity with thousands of years of experience, and her decision making process is methodical and decidedly thorough. My only negative of Alisa was that her relationships within each story were hurried, often unbelievable, and forced. Depth of feeling is very rarely explored between characters other than the mere exchange of seemingly unemotional wording. Touch is brief and chilling, and friendships are somewhat convenient rather than carefully crafted to create depth within the sub-plots.
The series as a whole for me was rather lack-luster. Though each novel did have consistency and flowed with a new story filled with historical influence, I was still unable to be entranced due to the rather cold character relations. At no point did I feel total immersion within the story, which was disappointing considering the obvious attention to detail the writer displayed in his overall plot and historical references. We were often introduced to intense action scenes, dramatic blood baths, and tense moments of personal awakening. But as the story moved forward we were also jack-hammered with immortal priests, satanic dukes, and believe it or not, alien referencing and spaceship travel.
Although I commend the author for his clever ideas and creative imagery, I was not taken with this vampire series and hence will only be rating it two out of five fangs.

Synopsis's:

The Last Vampire: For five thousand years Alisa Perne has been living among and off humans. Alisa hunts alone, thinking nobody knows her secret. But someone is stalking her. Someone wants her dead.
Black Blood: An ancient evil - the first vampire - has returned. Alisa knows that she is responsible for his very existence, and so she must be the one to end his reign of slaughter.
Red Dice: Alisa is on the run. The U.S. Government is pursuing her, intent on obtaining her vampire DNA. But her blood is way too deadly and dangerous to be allowed into the public domain.
Phantom: Alisa has made a discovery that could bring her untold tragedy and danger. And all the time a powerful force is watching. Someone who knows all that ever was, and all that will be ...
Evil Thirst: Alisa has a heartbreaking dilemma. Her daughter, Kalika, has disappeared posing great danger to the human world. But can Alisa bring herself to destroy her own flesh and blood?
Creatures of Forever: Someone means to destroy Alisa, and her only hope lies in reliving the evil of her monstrous past. Then she can eliminate it. Forever.

Book Review: Ever Essence by David Hollands Curran

Let me start by saying that I wanted to read Ever Essence because I personally know the author, and I was dead set curious about his writing skills and the avenue this story would take. Admittedly, this book is right outside my usual desired genre of reading. I've never really been a science fiction/futuristic reader. I adore vampires, werewolves, horror and a bit of paranormal romance.
So, when David Hollands Curran was offering readership in exchange for a review, I jumped at the opportunity, my curiosity would finally be sated. And, now that I have finished reading Ever Essence, I can honestly say that the final chapters were gripping, fast-paced, and had me turning the pages at an alarming rate to get the answers I'd been seeking throughout.
Ever Essence is a very intelligent novel with a wide use of vocabulary, well constructed sentences, and a story line bordering on the impossible. I felt as if I were transported to another time. Not so much the future, but perhaps the present in an alternate universe that was smacked with a 'Get Smart' vibe. The characters were consistent in mannerism and speech, their interactions in some cases mechanical but oddly in keeping with this seemingly emotionless environment.
The plot is phenomenal, clustered by pretzel style twists within the overall scheme of design. I constantly found myself re-reading pages to grasp a better understanding of what was going on. To say Ever Essence is fast-paced is an understatement. There is barely a moment's rest for all characters concerned, and the ever-thickening plot made me scratch my head to the meaning behind every decision, every line of conversation, and every locale explored. To that end, I found it almost trying to get through the first half of the book. It felt like it was an endless exploration of lies and a cluster of strange encounters with scientific creations. Expectation brought about disaster after disaster with subterfuge the answer to behold, and yet, suddenly the characters were in the same position yet again, a different set of circumstances, and a seemingly unending plot of intrigue to unravel.
However, though I found this portion of the novel to be somewhat trying in its constant movement and seemingly endless pursuit of non-answers, I finally reached those last climatic chapters where all mystery began to be interpreted. I started to question some of the characters, and re-assess if I had misinterpreted some of the dialogue, getting excited as the truth worked its way to the surface.
It's almost impossible to give an overview of the story as there is far too much information to relay. But I can say that no one is who they seem, clones may just take over the world, scientific experimentation reaches a whole new level of disgrace, and political agenda proves yet again to be the motivator of destruction.
I rate this book three out of five stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian, science based, politically driven novels - very well written and an asset to the author.

Synopsis: Imagine living longer, being healthy and having a youthful appearance for hundreds of years. How would you spend your extra time? Would it change your thinking? Would it enable you to achieve impossible  dreams? Become part of the movement, the excitement and fascination. 'Ever Essence' will change your life too.

Kristy :)

Author Interview: Madison Daniel

Today I want to introduce talented author and musician, Madison Daniel, the creator of the 'Ember' series and what looks like the pursuer of many interesting future projects that I will undoubtedly be reading!
Now as you all know, I recently read Madison's latest novel 'Ember' (you can read my review here), and I thoroughly enjoyed reading young adult fiction interlaced with drama, romance, and supernatural activity - all from the male point of view! And yet despite rolling violence, action, magic, and love poetically congealed into one enjoyable read, I was taken by the author's clear love of music, and his brimming enthusiasm for life. How could I not want to interview someone who is so active in the writing community, and also a massive supporter of my own debut series The Hunted?
So, I decided to get inside Madison's head and ask him a few of the questions I was curious about. Yes, it's true I have no decorum, especially on the last 'technically' unlabeled question, but I had to know. I am thoroughly weird like that. So here goes;

1. Can you tell us briefly what ‘Ember’ is about and your inspiration for writing it?

MD: Ember is my homage to young love, music and 80’s movies! It’s the emotional story of Max Valentine, a hotheaded fire-starter who is searching for a new start and dealing with a past mistake. A mistake that shapes his fiery existence. On this journey he meets two young women. Asia the cold and beautiful bad girl. She is Max’s opposite. His “fires” other half. And Samantha the sweet and artistic girl next door. She may be Max’s savior and possible soulmate. The story is filled with action, teenage angst, heartbreak and music.

2. Who is your favourite character, and if you pitted them in a fight against another supernatural character, who would you choose to ensure a good slam down?

MD: I LOVE to write Asia Michaels the rainmaker. She’s beautiful, angry, spoiled and a complete bad @ss! I’d love to see her bring the smack down against Storm from the X- Men. Let’s face it, two hot girls fighting in the rain! That’s a win in my book! Ha!

KB: I read this answer to my husband who cracked up laughing, and then proceeded to nod in appreciation. I suspect wet t-shirts may have crossed his mind and ideas that Madison might just be a naughty genius.

3. If you could have any supernatural power, what would it be and why?

MD: The power to sparkle in the sunlight! Wait a sec...that’s already been done? Crap. Alright, I’ll choose “flight”...I guess... :(

4. Your two female interests in the novel are Asia and Sam. If you had to pick one of them to be stuck on a deserted island with, who would it be and why?

MD: Holy moly that’s tough...they’re complete opposites. I guess it depends on if the option of escape is possible or not. If it’s possible, then I choose Asia. She would be able to use her “gifts” to get us off the island somehow. She would make the days and nights fun and sexy BUT eventually she’d get tired of me and my whining about “seafood again” for dinner...ugh! She’d probably kill me. So escaping the island would be a must. If escape is not an option, then Sam. In the long run she would probably make the better “life companion.” She’s smart, comforting, artistic and would be the best choice to grow old with.

5. When writing, do you have any food that you just can’t live without munching on during the creative process?

MD: I’m completely addicted to Chinese food! Noodles, spicy chicken, delicious beef...dang it! I’m getting hungry just answering this question! An ice cold Coke is usually within the near vicinity too.

6. You’ve just been convicted of murder and sentenced to death, what is your last request?

MD: I just want to dance.

7. What is the number one song on your playlist right now, and don’t tell lies if it’s ABBA :P

MD: Luckily, ABBA is my 2nd, 3rd and 4th picks! Whoo! Dodged that bullet! Ha! Ummm...according to my iTunes “Top 25 Most Played” playlist, it’s a tie with “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye and “Eye” by Smashing Pumpkins. They each have 48 plays. Rock on!

8. What other projects are you currently working on?

MD: Too many! Ugh...I need more time! Let’s see, there’s the sequels to Ember. “Downpour” (book 2) is being readied for its late holiday release in November 2012. “Aftershock” (book 3) is in the middle of a second draft. (Trying to get it done...)

I am finalizing the last edit and amazing cover for my NEXT big series called “13 Breaths.” It’s the first in a trilogy.

I have a horror story that I keep trying to find time to work on called “Still.” And I have a half dozen short stories that I am trying to find the best way to release to the public. Probably put them out in an anthology or two that might be on the horizon.

Other than that, I’ve been writing music (for book trailers), practicing my movie editing techniques (for book trailers) and just started painting again. OH! I almost forgot...there’s a secret project that I am putting together with my fellow writer and Dark Prince (Nathan Squiers) that just might change the comic book world!

9. If given the opportunity, would you like to see ‘Ember’ as a TV show or motion picture?

MD: As long as they were filmed like music videos with an emotional edge, I could go either way. I’m not picky! Just show me where to sign! I think I’d prefer the movie version. Each book in the Ember series has been written as if you were watching a movie. BUT if done right...an epic, sweeping TV series would be amazing. Ember is scheduled for a total of 6 books, so there would be plenty of chapters to pick from for TV episodes.

Kristy, you’ve read Ember, which do you think fits best?

KB: Hmm, I want movies and action figures. Wouldn’t Max Valentine make the coolest lighter ever? LOL

10. Who are the people that inspire you the most? (I must be listed somewhere on that list)

MD: Kristy Berridge, Kristy Berridge, Kristy Berridge and 80’s cartoons! Bwahahahaha! (In that exact order!)

KB: Excellent answer. No prompting from me there at all … :P

11. Any last thoughts or weird comments you’d like to leave behind?

MD: First off, thank you for having me! I am a HUGE fan of your blog! It’s one of the few that make me laugh constantly and fills me with knowledge! Second, I would like to leave you and your followers with this...

... “Wise man say, forgiveness is divine BUT never pay full price for a late pizza.”

*          *          *

Okay, so I was going to end the interview there, but then one last question was gnawing at me … Is Madison Daniel a scruncher or a folder? Yes, these are the weird and wonderful thoughts that tunnel through my mind. I apologise.

Alas, I am personally a scruncher because I prefer bulk to tidiness. I come from an entire family of folders, so I’m often the odd one out because of my expedient use of the lavatory without the need for ‘origami’ time.

So I am pleased to say that Madison and I are kindred bathroom spirits, and here is the unofficial question and answer to prove it. I wasn’t going to post it, but Madison’s answer is bloody priceless!

Hehe – looking forward to reading your answers. I wanted to ask if you were a scruncher or folder, but my hubby jokingly punched me in the arm and told me to mind my own business.

MD: Scruncher all the way! I’m a rockstar baby! I AINT GOT TIME TO FOLD!!! You’ve been warned...

LOVE IT! And love Madison Daniel. It is my recommendation that you get that kind of attitude into you right now, head over to Amazon, and pick yourself up a copy of this great read … ‘Ember’. And thank you, Madison for taking the time to answer my crass-ass questions!

Kristy :)