Wistful Wednesday

Why Wolves?

(Image courtesy of FotoSearch.com)

Whenever I discuss my latest book, Sloane Wolf, people often ask me, Why Wolves? And I have to say, why not? Wolves are fantastic creatures that mate for life and are truly faithful to their mates (from what I've read), and we humans could learn a lot from them.

As it pertains to my book, however, it was rather serendipitous that I ended up writing about wolves. I didn't intentionally set out to do so, but a series of events conspired to make it happen. The first event came in the form of a book that was ultimately made into a movie that got me to thinking - and anybody who knows me can tell you that when I get to thinking, things begin to happen...in a writing sense that is! I can turn the smallest nugget of an idea into a story, if motivated enough to do so, and that is how this story started out, as just a nugget. So there I was, inspired by this other book/movie enough that certain scenes kept kicking up in my head (ahem, fight scene), but content just to imagine it in my head. 

(Image courtesy of FotoSearch.com)

Until event number two happened. That would be a contest that an electronic publishing company was running with the theme of - you guessed it - wolves. And so I thought, why not? I had some interesting scenes kicking around in my head, the contest was for a novella length story, so I had enough to accomplish that. And with the help of event number three - discovering an article about gray wolves returning to Massachusetts after a100-plus year absence - a true story began to formulate with legends of wolves and why they "reappeared" in the state after such a long absence. Wow, I thought, this was really going to be something, if I could get it all together in time.

Trouble was, once I started writing, I just kept on writing and I over-shot the word count. One thing I forgot when I set out to enter this contest: I have never been able to write short. I keep trying, but I usually have so much to say, it doesn't conform well to short stories or novellas. Not wanting to cut anything to fit the guidelines, I simply finished the book for me. And by the time I was finished with it, I knew that I had to try to get it published anyway, I felt that strong about it. And after several fits and starts, I finally found the right publisher for it in Muse it Up Publishing.

So there you have it. The serendipitous events that led to the birth of Sloane Wolf.

-- 

Tantalizing Tuesday

Best Bad Date Character Interview

by

Addison James

Addison: Today I’m pleased to interview the stars of my recently released romantic comedy short story, THE BEST BAD DATE: Dr Roger Lane and Ms Susan Wells, written by me, Addison James, and released in December 2011 by Muse It Up Publishing.  Susan, Roger, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed.

Roger: Thanks for inviting us.

Susan: Yes, it’s very sweet of you to ask us.

Addison: Well, I really appreciate you allowing me to document your story. I think the title tells it all, but can you two describe how your first date was and how did you survive?

Roger: (laughing)  Well, how much time do we have? (He looks at Susan and holds her hand.) Honey, would you like to do the honors?

Susan: (smiling) Well, I could, or we could do it together.

Addison: let’s start with how you met. That’s interesting.

(Roger and Susan look at each other and burst out laughing.)

Roger: Um, interesting is a good word.

Susan: I’d say unusual.

Roger: Memorable.

Susan: Unique.

Roger: Special. (gazing into Susan’s eyes and ignoring Addison)

Susan: (looking at Roger) Very special.

(Addison coughs and the couple refocuses their attention to her.)

Roger: It was a bachelor auction.

Susan: And he was worth every penny!

Addison: Yes,that’s unusual. And special. And the date itself? The most memorable first date ever?

Roger: Ever!

Susan: Everything that could go wrong went wrong.

Roger (counting on his fingers): the dyslexic printer, the parking ticket, the doggie do...

Susan: You’ll never forget that , will you?

Roger: (smiling) No dear (continues counting) The waiter spilling, the parking ticket…

Susan: The porn movie…

Roger: It wasn’t porn, it was artistic.

Susan: It was NC-17.

Roger: (holding her hand tighter) But, it all worked out. When you see how someone faces adversity, you know their character. And I knew Susan was someone special right away. All those events just confirmed it.

Susan: I felt the same way. Most guys would have become angry and accusing and defensive. Roger just took it step by step and we handled each problem together.

(They look into each other’s eyes again and Addison coughs, again. They turn to face the interviewer.)

Addison: So, the readers want to know how the second date was.

(Roger and Susan laugh together.)

Susan: Perfectly normal.

Roger: But perfectly wonderful.

Addison: And there have been more dates?

Susan: (nodding) Lots more.

Roger: Lots and lots more. We have a big date planned in June.

(Susan, glowing, holds out her left hand where there is a diamond solitaire on her third finger.)

Addison: Congratulations!

Roger: We’re at the age that we don’t want to wait. We want to start a family. We’ve had our starter marriages and relationships, at our age, we know the real thing when it happens and we don’t want to let it go away.

Susan: It’s been a whirlwind but wonderful. We’re very happy.

Addison: Well, that’s all we have time for. Thank you both for taking the time and congratulations!




THE BEST BAD DATE BY ADDISON JAMES

Brief synopsis

When is a bad date good? Susan Wells finds out when a bachelor auction leads to a date with handsome  Doctor Roger Lane, and a night to remember. What could go wrong? Everything. Will love find a way through this comedy of errors? Absolutely.


Book blurb:

 “It’s for a good cause.”

Dr. Roger Lane repeated this mantra over and over again as he was dragged onstage in front of several hundred screaming women.

It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. Roger knew today was the day of the bachelor auction fundraiser for Saint Albans Hospital. Marge, the head of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, even sought him out specifically to participate--“Our own Doctor McDreamy” she was quoted saying).

Roger purposely arranged to be out of the hospital today, but there was an emergency surgery that required his attention. After the surgery Nurse Williams decided to show him a super secret shortcut back to the physician’s parking lot, which somehow managed to reroute him so that he ended up in the auditorium on the stage where hundreds of women were yelling, “Take it off! Take it off!”

Author Bio:

Addison James spent her childhood with her nose in a book, ignoring the natural beauty of her native Vermont. She went to the right schools, got the right jobs, and spent her early adult years being responsible and stable. Then, her long repressed urge to write emerged and she has been feeding it ever since.

Website:
http://addisonjwriter.com/


Twitter: @addisonj_writer

Author page on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Addison-James/e/B005EOQGWS

Author page on GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4959100.Addison_James

Google +: Addison James





Link to purchase book—book published December 16, 2011.
http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=284&category_id=69&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1%2F&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Why Wolves? Comment to Win

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Why Wolves? Comment to Win: Whenever I discuss my latest book, Sloane Wolf, people often ask me, Why Wolves? And I have to say, why not? Wolves are fantastic creatures ...

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Why Wolves? Comment to Win

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Why Wolves? Comment to Win: Whenever I discuss my latest book, Sloane Wolf, people often ask me, Why Wolves? And I have to say, why not? Wolves are fantastic creatures ...

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Shiloh Beck - First Kiss

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Shiloh Beck - First Kiss: Shiloh nearly leapt off the sill as his hand touched her knee. It took every ounce of willpower she possessed to remain seated and appear ...

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Interview With Shiloh Beck from Sloane Wolf

Goddess Fish Party Pavilion: Interview With Shiloh Beck from Sloane Wolf: Here is an interview empath Shiloh Beck did with author Kay Dee Royal: KDR ~ Welcome Shiloh Beck, star of Sloane Wolf, a paranormal roman...

Wistful Wednesday

Holiday Hangover

So we remembered what we were thankful for over an overstuffed turkey and too many side dishes to be consumed in one sitting. We celebrated the birth of one of the most popular men in biblical history by giving gifts we couldn't afford, thereby setting up a debt that will ring us into the new year, which we welcomed with the world's oldest teenager and a large crystal ball. Now all that remains is remnants of the holidays in the form of turkey soup mom made and froze for later consumption, a Christmas tree that needs to come down but you lost the ambition half-way through the ball dropping in Times Square, and the total let-down when you realize the holiday season is over. 

I call this the Holiday Hangover. That lull between New Year's and the next excuse to buy something for someone you love because nothing says "I love you," like a gift they really don't need - you might recognize it as Valentine's Day. Do you get restless during that time? Bored? Listless? And what is it about us that makes us want to celebrate Every Little Thing with an expensive gift, a ton of food, and excessive drinking? Whatever happened to just Being Together?

I don't know about anyone else, but for me, this lull between holidays always gives me time to think and reflect upon the year just past, the holidays just celebrated, and makes me wonder if they were all worth it. Did I really have to make that huge turkey for five people? Did I really need the stress of worrying that I couldn't afford to buy gifts, or that I'd ring in the new year alone? In a word: No. But I did it anyway. Do I have any regrets? Only that I stressed so much about the gift thing. Turns out, everyone loved the gifts I made them. Will I do it all again? You bet.

Same time, next year.

Twilight Thursday

Farsighted (Farsighted Series, Book #1)

by Emlyn Chand

Review and Giveaway

Unfortunately for me, this was a dnf. I never really connected with Alex enough to want to finish the story, so instead of going on about that, I am going to let you decide for yourself with the following blurb and excerpt. Don't forget to comment for a chance to win a copy of this book. Please leave your email address as a way to contact you if you win.

BLURB:

Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still "see" things others can't. When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider.

Alex Kosmitoras's life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival--an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future.





EXCERPT:

“Did Dad tell you? A new tenant moved into the old pharmacy next door.”

“Really?” I ask, not letting on I already know. If I feign ignorance, Mom’ll divulge all the details. “What is it?”

“It’s a psychic shop,” Her voice crackles with excitement like a fire that’s just beginning to burn. “The All-Seeing Miss Teak. Isn’t that cute? Miss Teak, Mystic. Ha, I wonder if that’s her real name.”

I laugh. “That is funny. Never had a psychic in town before. What’s she like?”

“Oh, she’s very friendly. Why don’t you go over and say ‘hi.’  I’m sure she’d like to meet you.”

“Okay, I think I will.” I’m incredibly intrigued, because first off, it’s a psychic shop—how weird is that?—and second, its presence made Dad super uncomfortable—also very cool. I waste no time heading next door to check out the scene.

As I step cautiously into the new shop, a recording of soft, instrumental music greets me. I can make out chimes and a string instrument I don’t recognize but for some reason reminds me of snake charmers. The smell of incense fills my nostrils, which explains the burning I detected earlier.

“Hello?” I call out into the otherwise quiet room.

Nobody answers. I walk in deeper, sweeping my cane out in front of me in a metronome fashion. This place is new to me, so I need to be especially careful while moving around.

Thump! Despite my precautions, I stub my toe on something hard, big, and made of wood. Just my luck to stub the same toe twice in one day. I reach down to press my fingers into my throbbing foot to alleviate some of the pain. Something teeters before rolling off of the chest and across the floor; the sound it makes indicates a curved path. Suddenly, the object stops. Somebody’s stopped it.

“Hello?” I call again.

“Hello,” a deep, feminine voice responds, placing more emphasis on the first syllable than the second.
“I- I’m sorry I knocked that thing over. I didn’t mean to…” I hope she’s not angry. Probably not a good idea to get on a psychic’s bad side.

“That wasn’t just a thing, it’s a crystal ball,” she says as she walks over, sending my blood pulsing through my veins. I sense her looking at me for a moment before she places the ball back on top of the chest.
“Can it see the future?” I ask, allowing my curiosity to outweigh my uneasiness.

“No.” After a pause lasting several beats, she continues. “But I can see the future sometimes when I look into it.”

“Oh, okay.” I tighten my hand around my cane and turn to leave. It may not be the most polite thing to do, but all of this hocus-pocus stuff is freaking me out more than I would’ve guessed.

The psychic lady speaks again, stopping me cold. “Don’t run away, Alex Kosmitoras.” She must’ve spoken to Mom earlier today. That must be how she knows my name.

“I’m not running away,” I say meekly. “I’m just going back over to Sweet Blossoms.”

“Don’t run away,” she repeats—this time she speaks louder and with more energy. “Don’t run away from your abilities. They are gifts.”

“What?” I ask in confusion. What abilities is she talking about?

“You already know. Watch. Listen. Be open to your gifts.”

I turn to face Miss Teak, but find she’s already gone, returning to wherever she was before I got there.
Is it safe to leave? I trail my fingers across the wooden box I ran into earlier; a thick coat of dust clings to the tips as I pull away. If this shop just opened, why is it already so dirty? I wipe my hands over my shirt to get the gritty substance off. Shivers rock my whole body. Something about this place is wrong, and I’m not sticking around to figure out what. Tapping my cane along the floor, I’m able to find the exit without knocking into anything else.


REVIEWS:

Alex Kosmitoras might not have a magic wand or vampiric strength and speed, but he is a totally swoon-worthy hero that any mom would be proud to let her daughter date.  -- Melissa Luznicky Garrett, author of Turning Point

You don't have to be psychic to know that Farsighted is going to take the world by storm. Vampires are so last year.  -- Kimberly Kinrade, author of Forbidden Mind

An epic battle of good versus evil that moves at breakneck speed to a stunning and totally unexpected conclusion.  -- Terri Giuliano Long, author of In Leah's Wake

Is Alex blind? Yes. Bullied? Yes. A victim? Absolutely not! Emlyn Chand expertly tackles high school bullying, making Farsighted both an entertaining and an educational read. -- Kevin Carey-Infante, Author of Bani's Dilemma

There's nothing blurry about Farsighted. With keen insight, Emlyn Chand creates complex characters that pop off the page. -- Lauren Clark, author of Stay Tuned

Psychic or not, you'll never see the end for this one coming! Emlyn Chand is pioneering "the next big thing" for YA.  -- Emily Reese, author of Second Death

*Winner of the Alternative Booker Award, 2011
*Winner of the WritersType First Chapter Competition, September 2011

BUY LINKS:

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Farsighted-Emlyn-Chand/dp/0983930805/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1
B&N - www.barnesandnoble.com/w/farsighted-emlyn-chand/1106607652
Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/91611

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she's not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb.

Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!

Wistful Wednesday

 Book Description (From the Author's website)

16 year old Grace was reared in the wilderness. Her first pet was a bear named Simon. Her first potty, an oak tree. And, her first swing, a forest vine. Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her everything he knew about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival. 

When Grace's dad goes missing on a routine patrol, unlike everyone in her sleepy mountain town, she refuses to believe he’s dead. After finding a Cheetos bag and stolen government file, Grace is convinced she’s one step closer to proving all the non-believers wrong.

One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from imminent danger by Mo, a hot guy who has an intoxicating accent and a secret. Grace has never felt a connection like this before, certainly not with her ex-boyfriend, the adoring, but decidedly unrugged, Wyn. 

After a few run-ins with the town's police chief, her father's partner, and some new evidence, Grace travels deeper into the wilderness that has always been her refuge only to learn that her father's disappearance is not a mere coincidence. 

Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to emerge from an epidemic that’s spreading like wild fire, threatening everything and everyone she’s ever loved.

My Thoughts:

Let me just say if I'm ever lost in the woods or need to find someone, Grace Wells is the girl I'd want by my side. For one thing, she knows the woods like nobody's business and for another, she never gives up. Even when it seems that everyone's against her, she just keeps pushing on to what she thinks is right. She won't let anyone stand in her way - even her own mother. And when the chips are down, she'd have your back. What more could you ask for?

Even though the protagonist of this story is a girl, I think this is the type of story that will appeal to boys as well as girls. Partly due to the way it's written - it's very straightforward, no flowery prose here - and partly due to the premise of the story. At times, Grace is all tomboy, hiking in the woods, fly fishing, tracking down clues to her father's disappearance, but when she meets a cute, mysterious boy in the woods, she's reminded that she is, indeed, a girl. Not a sappy, I'll-wait-for-the-guy-to-rescue-me kind of girl, but the kind who can go a little weak in the knees when kissed by someone she's attracted to without losing her ability to kick ass and take names when the moment calls for it. And believe me, she does, Not that she's superwoman and doesn't have any faults, because she does - the number one being that she tends to push people away from her, especially when they get too close.

Which brings us to Mo and Wyn. Sigh. Mo is the cute guy from the woods who turns Grace's world upside down and reminds her that it can kind of be fun being a girl. He's good-looking, mysterious, and tends to keep secrets - number one being what he's doing out in the woods all the time. He's there when Grace needs him, which she can only say about one other person in her life at present - Wyn. Grace and Wyn have known each other their whole lives, they have a history, and she may or may not still have feelings for her. And oh, yeah, he just might share them. But the path to happiness is never clear and this one has a fork in the road, one marked Wyn, the other marked Mo. Not a bad place to be, actually. How can she choose between them when each one gives her what she needs when she needs it?

There are a lot of twists and turns in this book that snake through it in the same deceptively calm way as the river that plays a powerful role in the story. Just when you think you have it figured it out, you will be proven wrong. It kept me guessing all the way to the end and even then, I was taken by surprise. I won't spoil it here, but let's just say, it sets up nicely for a sequel. Although some major questions are answered, other aren't and they will keep you wondering what will happen next long after the book is done.

Final verdict: A unique story told with skill that will appeal to anyone who enjoys mystery, adventure and a kickass heroine.

(ebook provided by author for review)

Twilight Thursday

My Special Guest Today:

Lindsay Townsend

author of A Christmas Sleeping Beauty

Excerpt 1.

His roving eyes fixed on the single ornament. "I know she likes yellow iris."

A dry pitter-patter of applause startled him. "Well done, Orlando! There may be hope for you yet. She loves Christmas, too, and we are fast approaching Christmas Eve. Three days to go, by my reckoning."

He was about to reply, with some sarcasm, that he too knew it was the darkest, longest day of the year, the winter solstice, but a thread of caution made him ask, "Three days?"

"Three days to learn of her, to woo her, to begin to care, my prince."

"For a kiss?"

"Have you ever been in love, Orlando? Have you ever felt what a true kiss is like?"

Orlando said nothing, for the fairy guardian was plainly talking nonsense.

"Should you fail, you will be spirited back to your own lands, with no memory of this place."

"That is unjust—"

"Truly, Prince? As just and fair as the gold coach that carries you, while your footmen wear broken shoes?"

Excerpt 2

The girl curled on her side, fast asleep in the middle of the twilight-blue silken sheets, was glorious, fit for any prince, even for him. Small, with long, glossy black hair, she had a lithe, flawless figure and the most perfect pink little mouth. Lips sweeter than sugar cane, he wagered, congratulating himself for a third time.

He rolled her onto her back and straightened out her slim, taut limbs. She did not stir. Her breath was sweeter than peppermint and her skin like ivory, tinted faintly with rose. In this gloomy chamber, unlit by windows or torches, she glowed like a pearl, as if lit from within. Her nightdress was white and trimmed with lace, the kind of old-fashioned gown his grandmother used to wear. He imagined himself ripping it from her, plundering those lush pink lips for kiss after kiss as she gasped her thankfulness and gratitude, and he made her his, right here in the great bed. And after that, of course, the kingdom would be his, for her parents would make him their heir.

A swift marriage in the cathedral before Christmas, and all would be well. He would hire tutors for her, to teach her the modern ways, but if she was as soft and obedient as his grandmother had been, then all would be very well indeed.

And I am going to marry her, he thought.

He tugged off his boots and sank onto the bed. He would kiss her forehead first and then her mouth, he decided. He caught her wrists in one of his large hands, so she would not scratch him when she woke.

Her flesh was warm and fragrant. A small pulse thudded in her temple as she responded to him. The weariness of his long hunt for this fabled kingdom dropped away as he knelt on top of her, careful not to crush her with his weight, and lowered his head.

A snap behind him had him sprawling off her, knife ready, shielding his prize.

He relaxed, realizing a log had collapsed in the fireplace, and turned back.

"None shall take her from you, eh, Prince?"

Out of nowhere, a woman had appeared beside the carefully laid fire. She was nearly as tall as himself, with iron-gray hair and a handsome, if sharp, face. She was robed in the latest fashion and carried a sheath of yellow iris which she proceeded to arrange into a tall blue vase beside the bed. "I suppose you tried to defend her, at least."

Orlando fingered his dagger. "Who are you, woman? Some kind of ghost?"

"There." She gave the flowers a final shake. "These are some of her favorites. Have you brought flowers?"

"What for?"

"For the princess!" She gave him an expression he had last seen on the harassed face of his Latin tutor. "Do you expect to woo her with nothing?"

Cursing under his breath, even as he felt the heat of his temper pound in his head, Prince Orlando decided things had gone far enough. He slammed his knife back into its sheath. Next, defying the mysterious stranger, or rather ignoring her, he lifted the sleeping young woman into his arms and kissed her firmly on the lips.

Her head fell back a little, but she slept on.


Blurb:


Handsome, confident, a touch arrogant, Prince Orlando thinks that now he has found Sleeping Beauty, his kiss will wake her at once. When it does not, he realizes he has much to learn about life and love.
Princess Rosie, trapped in her enchanted sleep, dreams of a mysterious man. Is he a rescuer or a nightmare? She must fight to recover herself and all before Christmas, for time is running out.


About the Author:

Lindsay Townsend is fascinated by ancient world and medieval history and writes historical romance covering these periods. She also enjoys thrillers and writes both historical and contemporary romantic suspense. When not writing, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her husband, gardening, reading and taking long, languid baths – possibly with chocolate.

AUTHOR: LINDSAY TOWNSEND

BOOK TITLE: A CHRISTMAS SLEEPING BEAUTY

PUBLISHER: MUSE IT UP PUBLISHING

BUY LINK: http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&product_id=196&flypage=flypage.tpl&pop=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1

As well as writing for Muse It Up I also write for Kensington Zebra and Bookstrand. I have two other stories coming out in December - my latest medieval historical romance, THE SNOW BRIDE (coming out Dec 27th with Bookstrand) and a re-issue of my romantic suspense, THE ENGLISH DAUGHTER (coming out with Lysandra Press).

My website is here: http://www.lindsaytownsend.net

Wistful Wednesday

Motivation

by

Suzanne Gravelle

author of Unfinished

Motivation is a great word, just saying it is motivating unless you are consumed with negativity, self doubt and fears.

What you are trying to get motivated about dictates how much energy you need to put into getting motivated to accomplish the feat in front of you. Cleaning the garage or closet can take a lot to talk ourselves into it. If someone says, “I will help, let’s work together to get it done so we can relax,” those people are motivators. On the other hand, likely you wouldn’t need much motivation to pack for a trip to a warmer climate.

When we are unable to motivate ourselves to get out of bed or a negative state of thinking and feeling, motivators become most important to us. When I was in the middle of a life altering transition compounded by a devastating heartbreak I could not even motivate myself to go to the kitchen make tea. However, motivating and encouraging words from well-meaning friends and family were the last thing I wanted to hear.

The only thing that kept me motivated was the knowledge that when my home sold I would be able to embark upon my “Self Imposed Exile”. I wanted and needed to be alone to explore why I suddenly became the most de-motivating person I knew even though I was the exact opposite my whole life. Until this time, I was always a motivator.

17 months and 60,000 km after leaving my home town I finally found the motivation to move from my place of despair, but it did not come easily. Many nights sleeping alone in a strange bed in a strange town I would ask myself, “What happened to me? Why don’t I want to get up? Why? Why? Why?”

Most importantly, I wanted to find the answers to help me become the person I knew I once was. I could once again be a person who once inspired and motivated others with my energy and positive way of living. And what did it take? I had to listen to myself carefully. It required self-motivation to keep moving forward and truly believing the motivational words that came out of my mouth. The same words I did not want to hear from well meaning friends and family.

Most of us have listened to motivational speakers. I know a few personally and I now speak to groups myself. There is no question they have the ability to ramp up a room full of people. But is it sustained when we leave? Not often and it is frustrating to the speakers because it is their job to motivate. What I have learned from my close relationship with them is that they can “tell” me how to do it and say all the right words. However, if we do not take an active part in using the motivational skills we learned from them and that we have naturally, we have a constant battle to stay motivated and working positively toward the life we want to live. Thank goodness I got back to the point where I listen to my own words.

For more information about Unfinished by Suzanne Gravelle, visit http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Suzanne-Gravelle/dp/192700506X and you can follow her journey on her blog – http://ontourwithsuzanne.blogspot.com.  


For more information about Unfinished by Suzanne Gravelle, visit http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Suzanne-Gravelle/dp/192700506X and you can follow her journey on her blog – http://ontourwithsuzanne.blogspot.com.  


About Unfinished

This is a true story of a woman who experienced such a profound awakening that she could no longer live the same way, the same life she was just one week before. She could no longer ignore the woman who was screaming to be set free from the ties that bind her to a life she no longer desired or recognized. The transformation to become the woman she really wanted to be has propelled her upon the most remarkable self-discovery journey of her life. She sold her home, gave up her career, kissed her children, grandchildren and friend’s good bye, got into her vehicle and just drove away…ALONE. Where was she going? 30,000km later she finds herself in the most unlikely place to try to piece her life together, trying to make sense of the constant feeling of being UNFINISHED. (To order your copy – http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Suzanne-Gravelle/dp/192700506X)


About Suzanne Gravelle


Suzanne Gravelle is 49 Years old and has 3 children, 2 grandchildren who live in Nova Scotia.  At the time this book goes to print she is single and homeless by choice, still travelling, seeking that place of comfort she will eventually call home.

She spent most of her life living in Nova Scotia but her formidable years aged 10-25, were spent living on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She resigned as a Real Estate Agent in Nova Scotia, to embark upon this most incredible journey, driving, exploring Canada and writing this book. To read Suzanne’s extended bio, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2011/11/10/suzanne-gravelle-bio/