Mae Clair: Rats, Worm Castles and Gettysburg

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Mae Clair

I’ve had some fun stuff going on this week, including a new 5-Star review of WEATHERING ROCK by Dii of Tome Tender. These always get me seriously jazzed and this one was no different. Dii had some lovely things to say about the story and my characters that left me floating on cloud 9 (yeah, that cloud). You can find the complete review here.

I also finished the final round of content edits on TWELFTH SUN, my contemporary mystery/romance releasing in August. It was great to visit with Elijah and Reagan from Twelfth again. I forgot how much fun they were. Wait until you see what those two get up to! 😀

I also managed a new chapter on my current WIP, THE MYSTERY OF ECLIPSE LAKE starring Dane Carlisle and Ellie Sullivan. With all of these characters vying for attention in my head, I ended up with a virtual party. Mixed together, I entertained a Civil War Colonel, photojournalist, marine archeologist, interior decorator, an ex-con and a history teacher. Quite a potpourri of imaginative friends. And then there’s Jesse, Dane’s highly opinionated seventeen-year-old kid who would probably give even the colonel a thing or two to digest. Actually, there’s no ‘probably’ about it. 😀

But we won’t go there. For this post, I want to talk about Gettysburg and Caleb, my hunky werewolfy colonel from WEATHERING ROCK.

Caleb is originally from the 1800s and fought in the battle of Gettysburg on the side of the Union Army. I’m fortunate that Gettysburg is only about a forty-five minute trek from where I live. As a child, I visited the battlefield several times during field trips, then pretty much forgot about it until many years later when I rediscovered history as an adult. Since then, my husband and I have been there many times.

The Pennsylvania Monument at Gettysburg. Notice the person standing on the upper level to the right of the dome.

In WEATHERING ROCK, I mention the Pennsylvania Monument. For those of you who have never been to Gettysburg, it really is the largest and most impressive monument on the battlefield. During one of the visits my husband and I made, we happened to hit the monument at the same time as a busload of junior high school kids. I remember walking up the steps (it’s raised and has two stories) as a young girl came racing down. She must have been the tattler in the group because she immediately rushed up to a woman (who I guessed was the teacher) and breathlessly informed her two of the boys were spitting off the upper level, betting on who could hit someone below.Hubby and I had a good laugh over the whole thing (although not in front of the woman). When I wrote about Caleb and Arianna visiting the Pennsylvania Monument—along with several of Arianna’s schoolchildren—I used the ‘spitting scenario’ at the Pennsylvania Monument. It was too good to resist. But I also had some fun with the kids earlier in the story. Here’s a snippet from their bus trip with Caleb and Arianna:

“Ms. Hart, when are we going to stop for lunch?” Beth Regal asked, joined in a chorus of whiney fidgeting by Lisa and Trudy.

“Soon,” Arianna promised. There was a picnic area a short distance down the road. After that, she could let everyone burn off excess energy by hiking up Little Round Top. “I hope everyone packed a good lunch. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m hungry.”

“I brought a sandwich, soda and chips,” Beth piped up. “And I have oatmeal cookies for desert.”

“What about Slim Jims?” Danny wanted to know. “Lunch ain’t squat without a Slim Jim.”

“Don’t say ain’t, Danny,” Arianna corrected. “And I think you need more than a Slim Jim for lunch.” `

Caleb looked puzzled. “It’s got to be better than hardtack.”

“What’s that?” Scott Albright asked.

“A type of food soldiers ate during the Civil War. It was made of flour, water and salt. Sort of like a hard cracker. Not very appetizing, especially when weevils laid their larvae inside. Most of the men took to calling them ‘worm castles.’”

“Ewww!” Trudy proclaimed.

Caleb chuckled. “If you think that’s bad…” And he went on to relay how as the war progressed and times grew worse–especially in the South where hardships were more severe–people were sometimes reduced to eating things like snakes, rats, locusts, cats and dogs. The girls shrilled their revulsion while the boys found this new information worthy of intense examination.

“You mean like real rats?” Danny was incredulous.

“You could buy a dressed one in a butcher shop in some cities for about two dollars and fifty cents,” Caleb confirmed.

Arianna shook her head. “Caleb. You could have picked a better topic before lunch.” But she couldn’t stop smiling at how animated the group had become, the boys exuberantly discussing rats hanging in shop windows, the girls indignant that anyone would consider eating a cat or a dog. Somehow, despite the subject matter, everyone managed to down a sandwich when they stopped at a shaded picnic area.

~ooOOoo~

As someone who’s hiked Little Round Top numerous times and stopped for a sandwich at some of Gettysburg’s shaded picnic areas, I can tell you it takes more than a few hours to observe. You can take it in by horseback if you prefer and there are plenty of bike trails. Because the park is so large we usually drive it, stopping here and there for short hikes. I haven’t been back since they redid the visitor’s center, but will probably make a trip this summer. If I’m lucky, I might even run into a blond-haired colonel from the 1800s, a harried school teacher, and a group of kids discussing rats and Slim Jims (although I’d be more than happy to settle for the colonel).

I’ve lost track of the historical sites I’ve visited over the years. How about you? Have you ever been to Gettysburg? If not, where else have you been that the ghosts of history still linger?

Mae Clair’s New Year’s Eve Blog Hop GIVEAWA*Y

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Mae Clair

177

Happy New Year and welcome to the second annual New Year’s Blog Hop! Can you believe another year has passed?

Well we authors, readers, and bloggers sure can’t. And to celebrate the New Year with a bang, we’re going crazy and sending out so many prizes, fun parties, experiences, and other goodies, that it’s a bit scary. Each author has a favorite New Year memory, book, idea, or way to party and we’re going to show you!

And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. There will be over 200 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger. For a complete list of participating authors and bloggers and the giveaways they’re offering, click here.

But that’s not all….

We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!

Now what are those prizes? Check these out:

Here, ON THE PEN OF MAE CLAIR, I am giving TWO prizes to ONE lucky winner:

A $15 Gift Card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice) plus an ebook copy of my time travel/paranormal romance novel WEATHERING ROCK in Kindle or Nook format (winner’s choice).

So, let’s talk 2013 for a minute.

The New Year has officially arrived, and ushered in a horizon of possibilities. Each January most of us start fresh with a brand new set of goals and, usually, several resolutions (we don’t always end up keeping). I have two this year: hop back on the exercise bandwagon and publish two new titles. My husband and I were fairly strong P90Xers several years ago but age and the daily routine of life gradually crowded out the time we’d reserved for that. Feeble excuse, yes, I know.

Daily workouts dwindled to sporadic exercise to ‘ugh-maybe-I’ll-tackle-the-health-thing-tomorrow.’ Well, part of getting older is realizing the ‘health thing’ (which includes exercise) has to become a priority. So it’s back to P90X for us (albeit slowly at first as our bodies readjust).

As for the other goal, I have a novel releasing in August through Lyrical Press called TWELFTH SUN. A contemporary romance, it revolves around an older woman, a younger man, and a treasure hunt for a marine artifact. The other title I hope to finish and have under contract (or indie pub) is a mystery/romance with a strong emphasis on family relationships, called THE SECRET OF ECLIPSE LAKE. That one involves an unsolved murder, a free-spirited photographer, and an ex-con (now a successful businessman) who returns to his hometown fifteen years after cutting all ties with his family. My plan is to pull off both of these before 2013 rolls to a close. As a writer, I’m finding goals are good to have.

Case in point: 2012 saw the publication of my debut novel, WEATHERING ROCK a novel of romantic suspense, interwoven with elements of time travel and the paranormal. Publication was a goal I’d set for myself at the start of 2012 and one I succeeded in achieving (yay, me! :)) Check out the blurb:

Weathering-Rock-mockup2 Drawn together across centuries, will their love be strong enough to defeat an ancient curse?

Colonel Caleb DeCardian was fighting America’s Civil War on the side of the Union when a freak shower of ball lightning transported him to the present, along with rival and former friend, Seth Reilly. Adapting to the 21st century is hard enough for the colonel, but he also has to find Seth, who cursed him to life as a werewolf. The last thing on Caleb’s mind is romance. Then fetching Arianna Hart nearly runs him down with her car. He can’t deny his attraction to the outspoken schoolteacher, but knows he should forget her.

Arianna finds Caleb bewildering, yet intriguing: courtly manners, smoldering sensuality and eyes that glow silver at night? When she sees Civil War photographs featuring a Union officer who looks exactly like Caleb, she begins to understand the man she is falling in love with harbors multiple secrets–some of which threaten the possibility of their happiness.

Finding a decent guy who’ll commit is hard enough. How can she expect Caleb to forsake his own century to be with her?

I’m hoping a few of you find it interesting enough to add to your TBR list on Goodreads and/or consider purchasing through:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Lyrical Press
iBooks

I’m happy to award an ebook copy (Kindle or Nook) to one winner along with a $15 gift card to Amazon or B&N. Comment WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS to be eligible for the grand prizes being offered. Tell me the one thing you’d most like to accomplish in 2013 (it doesn’t have to be a resolution). Use the Rafflecopter link below for more ways to win the prizes on my blog.

When you comment, don’t panic if it doesn’t appear immediately. Comment moderation is on, but I promise your comment won’t get lost and will materialize as soon as I check in. 🙂

Happy New Year! May all your dreams and goals meet with success!

A Rafflecopter giveaway

Mae Clair’s Wizards with Words: Debbie Peterson

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Mae Clair

A beam of light shines out from an open book Before I introduce you to today’s guest on Wizards with Words, I’m pleased to announce the winner of my giveaway during the Purrrfectly Giftastic Holiday Blog Hop. Congrats to Marlena Fein who won a $10.00 gift card to Amazon. Santa and his elves have a wondrous cache of gifts at the North Pole, but Amazon comes in a close second! 😀

Speaking of blog hops, I want to rewind to the month of October because an interesting thing happened to me on the way to the Halloween Garden Hop – I found a book that I knew I HAD to have! There I was, hopping around, checking out all the goodies authors were promoting, adding to my growing TBR list in the process. Among all of those, I came across the blog of author Debbie Peterson. She was giving away a copy of her book SPIRIT OF THE REBELLION. I was immediately intrigued by the cover and the blurb, which combined several elements I loved – a Civil War hero, a modern day heroine, paranormal elements and Norwegian folklore.

I signed up for the giveaway but was impatient for it to end. I knew if I didn’t win a copy, there was no question I was purchasing it. During the three day wait, I finished the book I was reading, then hopped back to Debbie’s blog only to find that someone had won the hop. No biggie. Off I went to Amazon, bought the book and dove into it that night. Of course I devoured it. And, of course, I knew I wanted Debbie as a guest on my blog to talk about the book, her wonderful characters and *romantic swoony sigh* especially her hero, Captain Tristan Jordhal. Without further ado, please welcome Debbie.

Thank you Mae!

Debbie, I’m so excited to have you here. I didn’t think I’d ever find another author to combine the Civil War with the paranormal and modern day. Discovering SPIRIT OF THE REBELLION was like finding a glittery package under a Christmas tree. Before we talk about the novel, can you share a little about yourself and when you started writing?

Debbie: Well, I live in Southern Nevada with my beloved husband, children, grandbabies, and large extended family in close proximity. It seems we’re always a party waiting for an excuse to happen. As far as my writing goes, I can’t ever remember a time when I didn’t make up stories. Somewhere along the way, my husband encouraged me to start writing them down. However, my journey to published author is another lengthy story altogether and one that was several years in the making.

In scoping out your blog, I’ve noticed you have a passion for history and myth. I love when an author blends past and present and can toss something otherworldly into the mix. How about sharing the blurb for SPIRIT OF THE REBELLION?

Souls touch and emotions flare when a historian and an embittered spirit form an unlikely alliance to investigate the centuries-old riddle surrounding his death…

Ready for a fresh chapter in her life, Shae Lynn Montgomery accepts a job translating a cache of Civil War documents from Wisconsin’s famous Norwegian regiment. The assignment takes her to Chickamauga’s haunted Starling Plantation and face-to-face with a handsome captain—its angry ghost in residence.

Tristan Jordahl, falsely accused of treason, has no use for the living—not even the lovely translator invading his home. Despite Tristan’s best efforts to frighten her, Shae Lynn refuses to leave, and reluctantly, Tristan enlists her help to clear his name. But as they grow closer to the truth—and to each other—an evil spirit makes it clear he will do anything to stop them.

Can a love that transcends time overcome all obstacles?

I love it! A haunted mansion, romance, a horrible unjust wrong, and a vengeful spirit. Did you find yourself having to do a lot of research given the topics you chose to intermingle?

Debbie: Yes, and in all honesty I probably did far more research on the Wisconsin 15^th Regiment portion of the story than what I needed. And during it all, I lost my heart to the men that made up this regiment. Let me share a passage found in the Annals of the Army of the Cumberland, written in 1864 concerning these valiant men:

“They are amongst the best and the bravest of our soldiers. Descendants of the sturdy Vikings of medieval times, they have in the long lapse of years lost none of that daring valor, power of endurance, and remarkable coolness in times of excitement, which characterized their ancestors. Next to bravery, their most marked quality is calmness. Always cool and collected, they act with the same deliberation and forethought in the trying hours of danger as in the transactions of every-day life. Temperate and virtuous, obedient and well disciplined, they are in every respect model soldiers, and challenge the admiration and respect of all whose good fortune it is to mingle with them.”

Wow! Reading that, I’m not surprised why I fell in love with Tristan. Not only did you choose one of my all-time favorite names for a male lead 😉 but there’s nothing more romantic than a noble hero, wrongly accused, who has suffered as a result. And I like friction, so I was glad that he initially wasn’t thrilled having Shae poke around in his past, and they butted heads. Which came first, plot or characters?

Debbie: For me, it’s always the plot. At the most random and unexpected times, I’ll see little “movie’ snippets inside my head. From there I’ll extend the scene in all directions, and then write my story around it…if that makes sense.

You have another novel currently available called SHADOW OF THE WITTE WIEVEN which pairs a 17^th Century sea captain with a 21^st Century female agent working for the DEA. And then there is SPIRIT OF THE REVOLUTION, currently in final galley with the Wild Rose Press. Once again, you’ll be weaving past, present and the paranormal, this time with ties to the Revolutionary War. How do you choose your time periods?

Debbie: Most of the time it comes from those “movie scenes” we just talked about and the way I see my hero dressed. At least this far, it’s always worked.

Given the amount of research that must surely go into one of your novels, approximately how long does it take you to finish?

Debbie: About six months or so.

Let’s go back to SPIRIT OF THE REBELLION for the moment. If you had to pick a favorite scene, what would you choose?

Debbie: The scene where Tristan and Shae actually come together for the first time and talk things out.

What did you find the most difficult part to write?

Debbie: Tristan and Shae’s reunion, because I wanted it to be perfect.

How about sharing an excerpt:

He caught sight of Shaelynn’s trembling hand as she finished reading the message given to Colonel Moore over a century earlier.

“If he had only followed the order as given, he need not have died in such a cruel manner,” she whispered. Then just as she picked up one of the fragments to toss it away, she gave it a second look. She placed the fragment beneath his name on the letter she had just read and gasped. “The handwriting is different.”

She stared straight ahead for a moment and turned at once to her computer with a look of sudden resolve. Comprehension dawned. She already knew. Somehow, somewhere she learned the story of his death, the circumstances surrounding it, and connected it to him. Unquestionably, she now looked for the document matching the fragment. Above all, he did not want her reading that damning report. At least, not if he could help it. Not yet. Not until he had a chance to explain it to her first. He just needed a moment.

Despite his wishes, Shaelynn selected the next batch of documents and sent them to the printer. He hastened to interfere with its function. The machine responded with grinding sounds, clicks, and whirrs. The first of the papers rolled out smeared and unreadable. She turned toward the printer, brows furrowed.

Then, before she could assess the problem, he caused blank paper to spew out of the printer. He sent the sheets hurtling across the room in every possible direction. She gaped at the torrent in total dismay.

He whirled around to face her. Before he could form the words for his defense, she rose from her seat, stomped to the center of the room and spun around.

“Stop it!” she demanded angrily. “Just stop it. Exactly what are you trying to accomplish with all of this? Is this your pathetic way of trying to erase your contemptible deeds from history? Do you think I don’t know who you are and what you did?”

At that moment in her tirade, the room grew increasingly colder. Shae could feel the rising anger of the spirit with each frosty breath she took, and she braced herself to face it head on.

“Why don’t you enlighten me with your newfound knowledge, Miss Montgomery?”

The hard, steely voice sounded directly behind her. Without question, the moment she turned around, there would be no more than a foot between them, and he would be completely visible. Nevertheless, she refused to budge from her rigid stance. “For starters, you betrayed your country as well as the trust of those who served under your command. In all likelihood, you are directly responsible for the Union defeat at Chickamauga and heaven only knows how many of the deaths that took place there. And last, but certainly not least, you killed your best friend in cold blood. You sir, are none other than Captain Tristan Jordahl!”

Having said her piece, she whipped around ready to face him. She gasped in shock as he leaned down, bringing his face close to hers. To say he was not at all what she expected would have been a gross understatement. The sight he presented diffused all further comment and all further thought as she stared up into his mesmerizing, deep blue eyes. The smile he gave her was at once terrible and frightening.

“Ever at your service, Miss Montgomery.”

So now let’s talk about Debbie 🙂 What are you currently reading?

Debbie: Celtic Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what five books would you want with you?

Debbie: I don’t know…stranded means a long time, so how about the complete works of William Shakespeare, and Edgar Allan Poe to keep me busy. Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre because they’re two of my favorite classics. And I’d probably have to take Myths and Legends of the World…

Those would definitely keep you busy for a while! 🙂 If you could have a cup of coffee with a famous historical person, who would you choose and why?

Debbie: Another tough question. That particular list could fill a book all by itself. But since I just finished the final galley on Revolution, I’ll go ahead and choose George Washington, with Colonel Daniel Morgan coming in a close second.

Washington has always fascinated me, along with a number of men who fought during the Revolutionary War. When you’re not reading or writing, what do you enjoy doing?

Debbie: I’m a genealogy buff. I love delving into my family history, finding things out about my ancestors and then study all the historical events surrounding their lives.

Love that! We definitely have a lot in common! Some quicksilver questions and answers:

Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite color: Sapphire Blue
Favorite rainy day activity: If not standing out in the middle of the storm in order to enjoy it (I live in the desert), then I’d probably be reading.
The last movie you watched worth recommending: I really enjoyed the Avengers. ; )
Dream vacation spot gifted to you by a fairy godmother: Great Britain with an emphasis on Scotland and Wales.

Thanks, Debbie. That was fun! Before we close, do you have any works in progress you’d like to tease us with 😀

Debbie: My editor now has possession of “Spirit of the Knight,” a paranormal romance about a cursed fourteenth century knight, the lovely artist who comes to paint his castle and the dark magic that envelops them both.

Thank you so much, Mae, for inviting me over today! I have had a ball!

I did too. And I can’t wait to get my hands on your upcoming titles!

photoDP Author Bio:
Debbie has always had a soft spot for fairy tales, the joy of falling in love, and happily ever after endings. Stories of love and make believe filled her head for as long as she can remember. However, it was her beloved husband who encouraged, cajoled and inspired her to take up a pen and write some of them down. Her journey to published author could fill quite a few pages, but in June of 2010, she submitted her debut novel, “Spirit of the Rebellion” to her wonderful, patient, editor at The Wild Rose Press. A few short months after Rebellion’s release, her second novel, “Shadow of the Witte Wieven” was published through InkSpell Publishing. Her third novel, “Spirit of the Revolution” will be released in 2013, through The Wild Rose Press.

When she is not busy conjuring her latest novel, Debbie spends time with the members of her very large family. She also pursues her interests in family history, mythology, and all things ancient and historic.

To purchase SPIRIT OF THE REBELLION visit:
The Wild Rose Press
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Strand
All Romance ebooks

Look for Debbie at the following haunts:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Mae Clair’s Purrrfectly Giftastic GIVEAWA*Y

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Mae Clair

Welcome to the Purrrfectly Giftastic Christmas blog hop which runs December 14 through December 17 at midnight. Many thanks to Drea Beacraft for organizing such a great hop. You can find a list of all participating authors here.

Given the cute kitty mascot and the name of the hop, I thought I’d share a few memories of cats at Christmas.

Shortly after my husband I married, one of his co-workers offered us a kitten from a litter of farm cats. I’d grown up with two cats, two dogs and wanted a pet again. I named the kitten Arafel after the Lady of Trees in C.J. Cherryh’s fantasy novel THE TREE OF SWORDS AND JEWELS.

Arafel and McDoogal

A year later, my brother needed to find a home for a beautiful two-year old gray and we took him on a ‘trial basis,’ worried how he would get along with Arafel. It was two weeks before they were able to tolerate one another, but they eventually grew as close as litter mates. Both cats loved climbing our Christmas tree and batting at dangling ornaments. If you saw Cadence Blue’s Pet Safety post on my blog earlier this week, you know these activities can be potentially dangerous to kitties. I remember coming downstairs one morning and finding both cats tucked among the branches of my Christmas tree. I think McDoogal went exploring and Arafel followed.She was the dominate one, but he was insatiably curious.

Onyx, Christmas 2002

For Onyx, the last feline in my life (he died of cancer shortly after New Year’s 2012 when he was thirteen), the allure was artificial greens. It didn’t matter what kind — garland, faux trees, wreathes, etc. And the obsession didn’t stop with Christmas but continued throughout the year, encompassing dried plants, grasses and broom bristles. For the most part I couldn’t keep dried arrangements in the house, and constantly had to make sure my brooms were stored upside down with the bristles pointed skyward.

About five years ago my husband and I began using an artificial tree for Christmas and that presented a momentous temptation for Onyx – a feast of dried bristles. The odd thing was he didn’t look twice at real plants. I even bought him several varieties of cat grasses from a pet store and he wouldn’t touch them.

Wrapping paper was another favorite for all of my cats, good for attacking, rolling in, and using to slide across the carpet. Cats and wrapping paper go together like cats and writers. I always had a cat in my office, on the desk, my lap, or curled up on the floor beside me when I was writing. Onyx was there for the creation of WEATHERING ROCK my paranormal / time travel romance about a Civil War colonel who is transported to the present where he falls for a woman who teaches American history.

For my part in the Purrrfectly Giftastic Christmas blog hop I’m awarding a $10 gift card to Amazon. If you’re interested in winning, I invite you to hop over and “Like” my Amazon page for WEATHERING ROCK. Then leave a comment below letting me know you have.

I’d also love to hear any holiday memory you might have related to cats or pets in general. Don’t forget to include your email address if you’d like to be entered in my random.org drawing. I’ll announce the winner on Tuesday December 18, so be sure to check back to see if you’ve won. Comment moderation is on so don’t worry if your comment doesn’t appear immediately. I promise it won’t get lost. 😀

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

WEATHERING ROCK BLURB
Drawn together across centuries, will their love be strong enough to defeat an ancient curse?

Finding a decent guy who’ll commit is hard enough. How can she expect Caleb to forsake his own century to be with her?

Available for Purchase at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Lyrical Press
iBooks

View Book Trailer for WEATHERING ROCK

Mae Clair: Family and Friendship

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Mae Clair

It’s time to wing off to a new destination! Take flight with me as I flutter over to Joanne Stewart’s blog to share some thoughts about family, along with a brand new excerpt from WEATHERING ROCK.

Caleb DeCardian has a candid conversation with his descendent, Wyn, about his growing attraction for Arianna Hart. It’s up to Wyn to impart wisdom as only a man living with a Civil War ancestor can do.

In other news, I’ve updated the schedule for my blog with a list of upcoming guests, events and giveaways. You can find it here or by clicking the link for Blog Schedule in the black bar at the top. Lots of fun stuff and cool guests are on the horizon. Don’t miss them! 😀

Mae Clair: It’s Howloween HOP Time!

Posted on October 28, 2012 by Mae Clair

Pumpkin weather is here. Ghost, ghouls and goblins roam the night, and the moon is a bloated orb of crimson and tangerine. It must be Howloween Hop time!

As a new author, this is only the second hop I’ve participated in. I had such a blast the last time, making many new friends, that I’m thrilled to be back and taking part in the latest funfest Drea Becraft has put together.

For a complete list of all participating authors, visit the Howloween Hop Event Page. The Hop runs through Monday 10/29 at midnight. I’ll be announcing the winner of the two prizes I’m giving away on Tuesday, October 30^th, so check back to see if you’ve won.

I’LL BE AWARDING:
A $15.00 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (Winner’s Choice)

A copy of my new PNR/time-travel release WEATHERING ROCK for Kindle or Nook (Winner’s Choice)

So, as long as you’re here, grab some treats from my virtual goodie bag (I’ve got Rice Krispie Jack-o-Lanterns, chocolate spider clusters, peanut butter eyeball cookies, gummy worms, and marshmallow ghosts) and discover how a colonel from the Civil War, rival werewolves, and a modern day history teacher all connect.

I’d like to introduce you to Caleb DeCardian and Arianna Hart, the hero and heroine of WEATHERING ROCK.

As a former colonel for the Union Army during the Civil War, Caleb is used to being in charge and having others respond to his orders without question. Shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg, he’s transported to the 21^st Century by a shower of ball lightning.

When WEATHERING ROCK opens, he’s already been living in the present for three years, hunting for the man who doomed him to life as a werewolf. Seth Reilly is his former friend, now a bitter rival, and the man responsible for cursing him with lycanthropy.

For someone who thrives on being in control, Caleb finds himself at the whim of a curse he’s powerless to resist, while facing the challenges of a new and confusing century. He has a highly defined sense of right and wrong; is noble at heart, but conflicted by what he’s become.

Then he meets Arianna Hart, my heroine, and suddenly he’s battling a different set of feelings. Romantic feelings.

The path to true love and an HEA is never smooth, but these two have enormous odds stacked against them!

WEATHERING ROCK EXCERPT

“Stop it!” Arianna shook off Wyn’s grip, pivoting to face him. “Are you crazy?”

Before he could answer, something slammed against the door. Caleb screamed. The sound knifed through her like the violent jolt of an electrical wire.

“Caleb!” She launched herself at the door, panicked and terrified by the thought of the man she loved in horrific pain.

“Don’t!” Wyn stiff-armed her aside and grabbed the knob, forcibly holding it in place. “Get a chair. Something, anything! We’ve got to keep him locked inside.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Arianna, get a fricking chair. Now!”

There was another crash, and then a bang as something heaved against the door, making it shudder from top to bottom. Arianna heard a snarl that turned her blood to ice. The door rattled in its frame, weakening as something battered against it. Something inhuman locked in the room with Caleb.

A cold fist clamped over her stomach.

“Wyn, what’s going on?”

“Chair!” he spat. “Get me a damn chair.”

The raw urgency of his voice plowed through her confusion. She darted into the dining room, snagged a chair, and dragged it into the hallway. The thing in the parlor was still hammering away, heaving itself against the door in an attempt to burst through. Wyn’s face was white with strain as he struggled to hold the door shut with both hands. He rammed the top of the chair beneath the knob, wedging it securely into place. A blood-thirsty howl exploded from the other side, kicking Arianna’s heartbeat into overdrive.

“My God, Wyn, what’s going on?” She lurched for the door.

“Don’t. You don’t know what you’re doing.” Wyn caught her around the waist and swung her up against the wall.

She tried to squirm free. “I know Caleb’s trapped in there. We have to help him! There’s something in the room. Can’t you hear it?”

He held her wrists, pinning her arms to the wall. “Listen to me!” His eyes were wild, his face inches from hers. With a single frenetic skip of her heart, she realized he was as terrified as she was.

“There’s nothing in the room. Only Caleb. Do you hear me, Arianna? It’s Caleb.”

“No!” She shook her head, unwilling to believe what he told her, but another ear-splitting snarl fanned her fear higher. Nothing made sense. Not the stark fear in Wyn’s eyes, the sweat-slickened grip of his palms crushing her wrists or the chillingly inhuman sounds coming from the parlor. The man she loved could never sound so guttural or barbarous.

“I don’t care!” She ripped free of his hold. “I don’t care if he’s by himself or in there with something else. You have to help him!”

She lunged for the door, but Wyn grappled her around the waist, holding fast. They were still struggling when the sound of shattering glass rang through the narrow center hall of Weathering Rock.

WEATHERING ROCK is available for purchase at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Lyrical Press
iBooks

View Book Trailer for WEATHERING ROCK

I hope you’re intrigued!

To be entered into my Howloween Hop gift drawings, leave a comment with your email . . . What’s your favorite part of Halloween?

And, although I’m not making it mandatory, I would really LOVE if you’d sign up to follow my blog, and/or give my Facebook Author Page a Like. Really, guys, you can’t lose! I talk about some interesting stuff! 😀

Mae Clair: It’s Howloween HOP Time!

Posted on October 27, 2012 by Mae Clair

Pumpkin weather is here. Ghost, ghouls and goblins roam the night, and the moon is a bloated orb of crimson and tangerine. It must be Howloween Hop time!

I’LL BE AWARDING:
A $15.00 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (Winner’s Choice)

A copy of my new paranormal / time-travel release WEATHERING ROCK for Kindle or Nook (Winner’s Choice)

I’d like to introduce you to Caleb DeCardian and Arianna Hart, the hero and heroine of WEATHERING ROCK.

Then he meets Arianna Hart, my heroine, and suddenly he’s battling a different set of feelings. Romantic feelings.

The path to true love and an HEA is never smooth, but these two have enormous odds stacked against them!

WEATHERING ROCK EXCERPT

“Stop it!” Arianna shook off Wyn’s grip, pivoting to face him. “Are you crazy?”

Before he could answer, something slammed against the door. Caleb screamed. The sound knifed through her like the violent jolt of an electrical wire.

“Caleb!” She launched herself at the door, panicked and terrified by the thought of the man she loved in horrific pain.

“Don’t!” Wyn stiff-armed her aside and grabbed the knob, forcibly holding it in place. “Get a chair. Something, anything! We’ve got to keep him locked inside.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Arianna, get a fricking chair. Now!”

A cold fist clamped over her stomach.

“Wyn, what’s going on?”

“Chair!” he spat. “Get me a damn chair.”

“My God, Wyn, what’s going on?” She lurched for the door.

“Don’t. You don’t know what you’re doing.” Wyn caught her around the waist and swung her up against the wall.

She tried to squirm free. “I know Caleb’s trapped in there. We have to help him! There’s something in the room. Can’t you hear it?”

“There’s nothing in the room. Only Caleb. Do you hear me, Arianna? It’s Caleb.”

“I don’t care!” She ripped free of his hold. “I don’t care if he’s by himself or in there with something else. You have to help him!”

She lunged for the door, but Wyn grappled her around the waist, holding fast. They were still struggling when the sound of shattering glass rang through the narrow center hall of Weathering Rock.

WEATHERING ROCK is available for purchase at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Lyrical Press
iBooks

View Book Trailer for WEATHERING ROCK

I hope you’re intrigued!

To be entered into my Howloween Hop gift drawings, leave a comment with your email.

Mae Clair: It’s Howloween HOP Time!

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Mae Clair

Pumpkin weather is here. Ghost, ghouls and goblins roam the night, and the moon is a bloated orb of crimson and tangerine. It must be Howloween Hop time!

I’LL BE AWARDING:
A $15.00 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (Winner’s Choice)

A copy of my new PNR/time-travel release WEATHERING ROCK for Kindle or Nook (Winner’s Choice)

I’d like to introduce you to Caleb DeCardian and Arianna Hart, the hero and heroine of WEATHERING ROCK.

Then he meets Arianna Hart, my heroine, and suddenly he’s battling a different set of feelings. Romantic feelings.

The path to true love and an HEA is never smooth, but these two have enormous odds stacked against them!

WEATHERING ROCK EXCERPT

“Stop it!” Arianna shook off Wyn’s grip, pivoting to face him. “Are you crazy?”

Before he could answer, something slammed against the door. Caleb screamed. The sound knifed through her like the violent jolt of an electrical wire.

“Caleb!” She launched herself at the door, panicked and terrified by the thought of the man she loved in horrific pain.

“Don’t!” Wyn stiff-armed her aside and grabbed the knob, forcibly holding it in place. “Get a chair. Something, anything! We’ve got to keep him locked inside.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Arianna, get a fricking chair. Now!”

A cold fist clamped over her stomach.

“Wyn, what’s going on?”

“Chair!” he spat. “Get me a damn chair.”

“My God, Wyn, what’s going on?” She lurched for the door.

“Don’t. You don’t know what you’re doing.” Wyn caught her around the waist and swung her up against the wall.

She tried to squirm free. “I know Caleb’s trapped in there. We have to help him! There’s something in the room. Can’t you hear it?”

“There’s nothing in the room. Only Caleb. Do you hear me, Arianna? It’s Caleb.”

“I don’t care!” She ripped free of his hold. “I don’t care if he’s by himself or in there with something else. You have to help him!”

She lunged for the door, but Wyn grappled her around the waist, holding fast. They were still struggling when the sound of shattering glass rang through the narrow center hall of Weathering Rock.

WEATHERING ROCK is available for purchase:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Lyrical Press
iBooks

View Book Trailer for WEATHERING ROCK

I hope you’re intrigued!

To be entered into my Howloween Hop gift drawings, leave a comment with your email.

Mae Clair: When a Werewolf Isn’t Enough

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Mae Clair

Why settle for a sexy werewolf when you can have a werewolf who’s not only smoldering and heroic, but also a Civil War officer from the 19^th Century? This is your chance to snatch up a free copy of my debut release, WEATHERING ROCK which combines paranormal romance with time travel.

I’m being interviewed by Christine Warner today and awarding an ebook copy of WEATHERING ROCK to one lucky commenter. Hop over to Christine’s blog for your chance to win and to see what we’re chatting about!

I’m also at Zee Monodee’s Author’s Corner discussing time travel and the fun (plus challenges) of writing a 19th Century hero into a 21st Century world. Good thing for Caleb I’m as stuck on him as Arianna is 😉

For a complete list of all my tour stops over the next two months, visit my WEATHERING ROCK Tour Schedule page. Caleb, Arianna and I have a lot of sharing to do 😉

Mae Clair’s Mythical Monday: Ball Lightning

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Mae Clair

It’s Mythical Monday time and only a few days after WEATHERING ROCK’s release. Wow. Can you believe it? Given I’m still deliriously jazzed about the whole idea, I thought I’d use today’s MM post to examine an element key to the novel.

How the heck did Caleb DeCardian end up in 2012? Let’s not forget, the guy was born in 1833.

You’ve probably heard me mention ball lightning before. When I started poking around looking for an…ahem…plausible explanation of how a Civil War colonel ended up in modern times, I was drawn to weather phenomena.

With its unpredictable nature, ferocity, and visually-striking spectacles, weather seemed the perfect conduit for time travel. Although there are multiple theories about ball lightning there is no concrete explanation of cause. Most eyewitnesses have reported seeing spheres of glowing light that hiss, spin, bounce, and often explode. It’s a rarity, widely considered a mystery.

Nice mesh for my werewolf Colonel, huh? I thought so too. 😀

Arianna Hart, the heroine of my novel, is excited when she sees it for the first time, although I’m not positive I’d be as enthusiastic.

Ball lightning was responsible for killing four people and injuring 60 others during a church service in Devon England in 1638. It shattered glass, hurled stone from the building, demolished pews, and crushed ceiling beams.

In 1726 the British sloop Catherine and Mary lost her main mast to ball lightning. It killed one crewmember and maimed another, ripping off his hand.

The HMS Warren Hastings was struck by three spheres of ball lightning in 1809. Two crewmembers were killed, another injured and, like the Catherine and Mary, her mast went up in flame.

WWII pilots and submariners often reported occurrences of what may have been ball lightning. As recent as last year, it was reported a ball of light with a two-meter tail, crashed through the window of an Emergency Services Center in the Czech Republic. It bounced and rolled from window, to ceiling, to floor, eventually disappearing. Probably made a heck of a display – – ball lightning comes in a wide variety of vibrant colors – – but I’m not sure I’d want to get caught up in that rainbow.

Caleb DeCardian has a different viewpoint. He believes the only way back to 1863 is through another shower of ball lightning.

Hmm. Will it happen?

Let’s just say there are several instances of weather-spawned phenomena in WEATHERING ROCK available for your discovery. 🙂

Thanks for spending another Mythical Monday with me. I hope you enjoy reading these posts as much as I do writing them!