Showing posts with label Charlene Wilson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charlene Wilson. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Welcome Charlene Wilson: The Transformation of Anna



Thrilled today to welcome my good friend and fellow Ravencraft Romance Realm sister, Charlene Wilson. Don't forget to enter the drawing at the end of this post. Welcome, Charlene!

Thank you for having me on your blog, Sharon. It's always a pleasure to be here. *smile*

Through the rush to meet deadlines, get kids to band and flag line practice, organization meetings, and church (along with the daily Mom and wife and Grandma caregiver things I just have to get done), I find escape in the sheer pleasure of turning the pages of a book and losing myself in the lives of fictional characters. Most especially, the romantic characters! They're able to wisp me a mountain top for an early brunch, or make my heart triple beat as I experience love through their eyes and emotions. I forget the world. Forget that long drive to Forest City for the competitions. Forget to make dinner. (Oh, did I say that out loud?)

I'll be honest, it's one of the reasons I became a writer of science fiction/fantasy, to delve into a totally different world than my own so I could leave it all behind if even for a moment while stuck in traffic or on the Tram. Stories are magic and writing, the spell book.

In my revised version of the first two books of my Cornerstone Deep series, The Transformation of Anna and Echoes, spells and magic couldn't be more real. Cole learns this in a very hard way as he follows a duty and then finds out it'd gone too far without realizing it. This catapults the Cornerstone Deep series into a race to make things right. And along their way, they discover many things that are hard learned. But one thing stays strong, Cole's love for Mianna.

These are perfect chilly night cuddle up night-time reads! And The Transformation of Anna is on sale now at Smashwords at 50% off when you use the coupon code LD93R.



The Transformation of Anna
Blurb
For centuries, Cole Shilo has harvested the homeless, wiped their memories, and delivered them as servants to the nobles of Cornerstone Deep.  When Cole is sent to harvest a second-class woman who has broken curfew, he expects no different.  But Anna Sinclair's soul calls out to him.  Soul mates aren't possible on Cornerstone Deep…
Are they?

“My life is a mirage of endless time. But you engulf me, rivet my mind, encompass my soul.”

 What they're saying:

“The Transformation of Anna is first-rate fantasy, with a healthy dose of romance added in. Wilson has created a plausible, multi-dimensional world complete with gods, mythologies, and engaging characters. The world Wilson has created in The Transformation of Anna is complex, but infinitely and easily accessible to the reader. It's quite an amazing and impressive work with lots of action and adventure, heroic characters, and an elegant and satisfying romance.”--Jack Mangus, Readers' Favorite

"The Transformation of Anna by Charlene A. Wilson is a beautifully stunning and deeply touching story of the darkest of treachery, the rebirth of lost love, and the discovery of hidden secrets. Being left absolutely breathless and deeply astonished after reading such an extraordinary story is a new experience for me. I am anything but disappointed in this superbly enchanting and endearingly exhilarating tale of deeply true and lasting love. My heart was captured and lost to this spellbinding journey!"--Amber McCallister, The Wonderings of One Person.

 Buy links:
Author site (signed paperback) - http://charleneawilson.com/books/order/ 
EXCERPT
 Cole unstopped the slender vial and gently lifted Anna's head to administer the potion. As he carefully tipped the container to her lips, tremors traveled down his forearms. His hands quaked. The amber liquid jumped to the brim and he quickly tilted it upright. Gods, Cole, control yourself. She needs every drop.
A soft palm rested on his wrist and Cole's gaze shot to Elaina's. When had she returned and how did he not pick up on the strong compassion emitting from her when she had? Her blue eyes looked deep into his, understanding with a touch of sadness. “Let me do that, Cole. You've been through enough.”
He wasn't sure if the tremors were from anticipating a fortunate outcome or from sheer anxiety over the whole ordeal, but he accepted her tender attention as a blessing. Vincent's intervention with her was evident. He watched as she patiently poured small measures into Anna's mouth.
Elaina turned to Cole and lifted the emptied container. “Well, that's it. She got it all.”
He sighed. “Thank you.”
“Anything, Cole.” She smiled and set the vial on the bed stand. “What about you? Can I get you a drink? It might calm you some.”
Nodding, he offered a small smile.
“Good, then. I'll be right back.”
As she closed the door behind her, Cole eased himself onto the bed. “Don't give up, Anna.” His faint words were swallowed by the silence of the room. “I'll fix this and see to it nothing ever happens to you again.” Brushing his fingertips over her hair, he solemnly whispered a plea. “Don't leave me.”
Her soft locks sent countless memories rushing through his mind--her smile, cheeky comments, blue eyes dancing as if life itself was a game. Her Arylinite spirit embraced every moment of love, able to see beneath façades that others deemed as truth. He sighed, knowing that side of her may have been unique to that lifetime--a result of her specialized upbringing in the Arylin colony of the northern territory.
He tilted his head and gazed over her still face. Her features were remarkably similar to Mianna's. The gentle slope of her nose, the way she chose to wear her dark hair long, and he couldn't deny her blue eyes when she'd looked at him. He cupped her cheek with his hand, gently stroking her lips with his thumb. They curved from a bow-tie center into a natural smile. So soft. Inviting. He leaned to her and lightly kissed them, then leaned his cheek to hers.
“Talk to me, Anna.” His breath was a plea. As much as he knew no answer would come, his heart called to her with his deepest wish.
He brushed his fingers down her neck to her chest, tenderly caressing her pale skin at the neckline of her gown. A strained pause caught his throat as he lightly followed her breast to her ribcage. “What's in your heart?”
The tiny circles he drew on the thin fabric fed his longing for her touch. Supple creases followed his motion. To have her arms around him, the love they brought, had given him unmitigated comfort in a past life. It could be so again.
“My life was yours.” He kissed the circles he created. “Every moment, I found joy in you.”
He looked at her closed eyes. “Please, don't leave me. Please promise you'll be mine again.”
No emotion showed upon the visage of his love, but distant echoes of vows lighted his soul.
“Open to me.” He wondered if his whispered thought could possibly reach her unconscious mind. “Speak to me with your soul.”
Her lips parted and a chill flew through him. He waited, listened intently. Weak sensations touched his senses. “Anna,” he said aloud, hope rising. He cupped his palm to her cheek again. “Fight for it. Call to me.”
Anna remained silent.
Cole's heart ached. Yet, that small reaction spurred his resolve. He framed her face as he lowered to take her lips with his. “I'll help you.”
The scent of licorice and cream fell from his lips as he called on his Breath of Zephyr. His soul's voice owned his words. “My life is a mirage of endless time. But you engulf me, rivet my mind, encompass my soul.”
She inhaled his sensual gift and gasped for deeper intake.
Yes. Hope impossibly filled him. His muscles tightened with expectation. His heart pounded against his chest. “Call to me!”


Echoes
Cornerstone Deep book two
To be released November 10th, 2013
 Nothing is sacred to Cole when it comes to keeping his love - not even covenants made with gods, and when Lord Dressen's obsession to have Anna soars, Cole pulls out all the stops.  But, through all his efforts, lofty or damned, the truth remains. 
Will echoes of another life cause him to fail?

“Every breath you take is a song to my soul.”

  
What they're saying:
“Echoes is the second installment in Wilson's Cornerstone Deep series, and was just as much a pleasure to read as the first. The timeless love story is brought to life in a new and creative way that pulls at your heartstrings and keeps you reading….”--Annette, Gothic Mom Reviews

“A touching and magickal romance story, Echoes picks right up where The Transformation of Anna left off. Charlene pens her characters well written and brings them to life in this fast paced, totally hard to put down sequel. Recommended for all romance and paranormal romance fans.”--My Cozy Corner
  
AUTHOR INFORMATION

Charlene A. Wilson is an author of tales that take you to other dimensions. She weaves magic, lasting love, and intrigue to immerse you into the lives of her characters.
She began writing in her early teens when her vivid dreams stayed with her long after she had them. The characters and worlds were so amazing she brought them to life through her books.
Charlene resides in a small community in Arkansas, USA, with her two beautiful daughters, husband, and a very chatty cockatiel named Todder.

Author Links

For media interviews, visit CharleneAWilson.com



~ Giveaway ~

We're holding a tour-wide giveaway with lots of ways to gain entries!

Good Luck!




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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Welcome Author Charlene Wilson


Today, I'm hosting talented author, and sister blogger on Ravencraft Romance Realm,  Charlene Wilson, who is celebrating the release of her new book, in a followup to her Cornerstone Deep series, Cornerstone Deep Echoes. Welcome, Charlene!
Tell me how you got started?
Back when I began writing as a teen, I never would have dreamed my stories would ever make it to publication.  Well, I might have dreamed about it.  But, never believed or expected to see it happen.  From the time I was little, my imagination carried me to wherever I wanted to go, gave me everything I wanted to have, and became any kind of friend I wanted.  
I was born in Florida, and with a father that loved to wander the states, I’ve lived all over this country. We finally settled in a small community in Arkansas where nature sings all around me, from the birds in the countless trees to the cows in the fields across the way. (Yeah, they call it lowing. I call it singing). I’m a mother of two beautiful daughters, a fuzzy dog named KooJo, and a gray cat, Chester. I still imagine friends in far-away places.  Now, though, I write them down and share them with others.
Sounds idyllic. Yes, cows do sing. But then, so do chickens. They tell you when they're happy, or when they're stressed. When did you learn you were destined to be a writer?
I was labelled a writer when I was 16.  I would write short stories about dreams I had and shared them with my friends.  For a time there I even wrote short plays that my youth group acted out for family and friends.  I guess I’ll never know what everyone really thought about the productions, but we had so much fun and I’m sure our parents were just happy to have something to keep their kids occupied and out of trouble.  Lol. 
Tell us about one of your first stories, or favorites? 
One of the short story favourites was called Misty Moon.  I was shocked when a few years ago I ran into an acquaintance I hadn’t seen since my youth.  Honestly, I didn’t remember her until she reminded me that she was a friend of a friend.  She had been invited to a church youth function and evidently on the way (it was an hour drive to the dance), I shared my stories…as usual.  Well, she was all smiles and told me she remembered Misty Moon and actually told the story to her children at story time before bed.  I was floored and a little shy about it all.  She asked if I still wrote and, of course, I had to tell her about my published work.
Awesome, Charlene. Compelling enough for her to tell her children. That's the best kind of comment a writer can have. Do all your stories come from dreams?
Several of my stories come from dreams I’ve had:  Scenes, settings, plots…  And many of the attitudes and personalities woven into the characters are taken from those I worked with while serving as a Deputy at a large detention center.  You can find it all in those places.  Kindness, bigotry, spirituality, opportunism; the variety of personal outlooks is amazing.
I agree. I heard stories from my BIL who was a probation officer. Where did you get the idea for Lord Dressen?  
Lord Dressen’s character from Cornerstone Deep Echoes was very easy for me to write..  He’s the villain of the story.  
Forcing his gaze to view the broad city of Shilo, he anchored his chosen destiny. Terra runs through my blood. Nobility courses through my veins. I am Lord Kyle Dressen. And I’m one step away from having Anna…Mianna at my side. Tension eased as he focused on his domain. No one held a higher position, more respect, or more power.
He peered back at the bluff and greed curled his lips. But what of beyond? Realms. Rich with possibility.
His baritone voice rasped as he spoke. “Soon.” He nodded in agreement with his thoughts. “Craft and deed will take me to you.”
Though, he does have his reasons for doing the things he does.   Then, don’t we all.  Life is just complicated.  I don’t believe anyone is all good or completely bad. 
So perhaps he'll have a turning? A next book? Someone to redeem him? What about your hero, Cole? 
Cole, the hero of the story, is pretty tarnished himself.  He’s led by his heart, and with that trait, he makes some decisions that really should have been made with a level head.  But he’s such a romantic soul.  And when Mianna speaks in her unique poetic way, he’s just gone.
Tell us about the excerpt your leaving today.   
In this excerpt, Cole is troubled by something that came to light.  I can’t share what it was or it would give away too much.  But it effected how he viewed the love he and Mianna shared so long ago.  Nothing could dim his love for her, but the information weighed heavy on him.  
~ * ~

Adoration flowed from behind him, touching his senses. Slender hands smoothed his shirt to his waist and a soft form leaned to his back. His heart melted and he closed his eyes. Mianna. Unrest fled. Doubt disappeared. Once again, Mianna’s soul spoke to his as none other had or would. He lifted an arm to turn and hold her in his embrace.
Her brow wrinkled with worry. “You’ve been distant.”
Her soul’s call washed through him and he brushed her long hair with a gentle stroke. “I’m sorry, my love.”
She caressed his forehead with her fingertips, erasing the tension there.

“Hush thy worries. Still thy mind.
For within my arms,
love’s sweet bliss will heal thy soul.
Cares of life be gone.”

Cole rested his cheek on her soft locks, allowing her poetic tongue to sooth him.

“Whispers, wings of love’s caress,
light upon thy heart.
Gazes, speak of my soul’s want.
Body, sing their praise.”

She gently placed a hand to his cheek, guiding him to look into her eyes.

“I long. I pray thee touch me.
Carry forth my will.
Leave behind the world, my love.
Be this moment mine.”

Cole’s heart wrapped around her plea and the reality of her return filled his being. She was his. Now and forever. “This moment, my life, my existence is yours.” He cradled her face with his hands. “Every breath you take is a song to my soul.”
Her words fell to his lips in a hush. “Make love to me, Cole. I need to feel you still love me.”
The breath of Zephyr flowed freely and licorice and cream rode his whisper. “How could you ever doubt.”

He loves Mianna with his whole being.  Would do anything to keep her safe…and his. But Lord Dressen is determined to win her over one way or the other…to the point of obsession.
Really, these characters made it clear how they wanted their stories told.  Comments, quirks, personalities, they all came to light as the scenes unfolded.  I hope you fall in love with them as much as I have.

Cornerstone Deep Echoes is available is paperback and e-formats.  Here’s where you can get them:


And I would love you to join me on the web!  

The Chronicles of Shilo Manor series also has its own site where you can catch up on all things Shilo!  Fan Fare, Extras, downloadables—it’s all there.  Come on by!   http://ShiloManor.com 
Charlene Wilson Bio
A writer of paranormal romance, Charlene loves what magic can add to relationships.  She currently lives in a small rural town in Arkansas and enjoys close family ties with her two beautiful daughters.  
Charlene’s interest in writing began in her early teens and she took any creative writing courses available.  As she married and started a family, she had to set aside her writing and focus on the more pressing matters of job and family.  
Many of the attitudes and personalities woven into her characters were taken from those she worked with while serving as a Deputy at a large detention center.  From kindness to bigotry, the variety of personal outlook was amazing.  As time now affords her, she is able to pursue her love of writing and incorporates those experiences into some of her work. 
Her first novel, Cornerstone Deep, was published in November 2010 by Class Act Books.  Her second, Cornerstone Deep Echoes, was released February 2012, also by Class Act Books.  The stories keep coming and she keeps typing.  On to the next!


Thanks so much for joining us today, Charlene. Yummy characters, excerpt. I'm sure Cornerstone Deep Echoes will be on everyone's TBR list soon!
Sharon

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