A book birthday is a wonderful event. It's the day that a new book is born into the world for readers to fall in love with. Today Bewitched's birthday has arrived! This journey has brought Mark's ideas on paper to be shared with each of you! Welcome to the world of Bewitched!
 "Bewitched is spell-binding! A highly-unique page-turner that hooks you from the first paragraph. With complex characters and unexpected twists and turns, Harris delivers and leaves you hoping for more!" - Stephanie Keyes, author, The Star Child series
Blurb:
Is it love or is it witchcraft? He’ll never find out if he kills her first.
The first time Darren saw Samantha, she was floating above his high school gymnasium during a basketball game, invisible to everyone but him. Next time he sees her, she's sitting in front of him in class, wowing his friends and causing unexplainable things to happen that only he seems to notice. But things really get strange (and complicated) when his dying grandfather tells him that he is part of an ancient order, the “Pessum Ire,” whose duty is to destroy witches. What does he do now, since he’s almost positive Samantha is a witch…and he’s crushing on her pretty hard?
Author: Mark Jay Harris
Genre:YA Paranormal Romance
Release Date: March 1, 2013
Length: Super Novel
ISBN (Print):978-1-939590-00-8
ISBN (Ebook):978-0-985656-29-4
Delivered within 5-7 days
 About the Author: Mark Harris lives in Smithfield Utah, a small town located in a beautiful valley in Northern Utah. His wife, Shaundale, and he have four terrific children, two girls and two boys and a fifth one due to arrive in November of 2012. Mark has taught English and Special Education and currently works from home teaching English to people from all over the world. Writing has always been his true passion since he was a grade schooler writing about mushrooms. "Bewitched" will be his debut novel. He has two others underway and will soon start on the sequel to "Bewitched," called "The Return of the Familiar." He hopes you enjoy his work because he is working on several series geared toward younger audiences. You can find Mark on: www.markjayharrisauthor.com
Giveaway: Inkspell Publishing is giving away five ebooks and two paperbacks to lucky entries.
Enter using the Rafflecopter app. below!
{paperbacks are open for US, UK and Canada while ebooks are open worldwide.}
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Our Wednesday Writer's Spotlight this week features an interview with the author of Bewitched. Mark's book will be released on March 1st. Bewitched is a young adult story about a young man who learns that magic is real and must save the world. Let's find out more about Mark and his writing process.
 When did you first start writing? What made you want to be a writer?
When I was a kid I loved writing. I think one of the reasons was because I felt like I didn’t have control over certain parts of my life. Writing let me take control. I could make things turn out the way I wanted them to. Later, that led to the simple joy of creating characters and situations. It became an important creative outlet to me.
For a long time I’ve known that I’ve wanted to be a professional author. Now I’m attempting to do just that. Other than Bewitched, I have several other projects which I plan on completing soon, including a sequel to Bewitched.
What inspired you to write your book?
The television show, Bewitched. I asked myself what it would be like if a guy actually did marry a witch. What if the in-laws were actually dangerous witches who wanted to kill him? As I began to further develop the story I decided I wanted the protagonists to be teenagers. From there the world of witches began to work itself out in my mind. The rest of the story developed as I continued to write based on my premise.
Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I’m not sure what a pantser is, although I believe the Germans had a division during WWII….
Okay, I’m kidding. I just find “pantser” a funny term for a person who creates on the fly. Usually I start with a premise of some sort and then kick around ideas, scenes and possibilities for a while and see where it all takes me. I slowly work the plot out. After awhile more ideas come. Eventually they all jell together. Sometimes I’m happily surprised at things that happen, sometimes I know what I want to happen and make it work out. Mainly, I like taking a character and putting him into a difficult situation and then seeing how he handles it. The whole thing is a very enjoyable experience.
Do you have any writing rituals or special processes you complete before sitting down to write?
None that come to mind. However, I have found that I get great ideas while in the shower. I let the water beat down on me and for some reason my mind opens up and I have a lot of ideas pour in. I don’t want you to think showering is a ritual or special process for me; I shower a bit more regularly than that. But perhaps when I’m really humming along on a book, I am also particularly clean.
What authors inspire you?
The first author I read that made me want to write similar to him was Dean Koontz. His story ideas and writing style were both so engaging I couldn’t put his books down. I have a few story ideas in the hopper I hope to get to one day that are more in the thriller vein like his. I’ve switched to Young Adult writing for now and love it. I can still bring the “thriller” elements I like from Koontz into my YA writing. I also like Stephen King, he has a great mind. Patterson has also been fun for me to read. I do read YA literature, but I also like these thriller- mystery writers as well. Every so often I delve into the past and read Dickens. The other day I finished reading “Frankenstein,” simply because the book was sitting on top of a box in our basement. Love it. It even inspired a change I’m going to make in another half-written book I plan on finishing one day.
If you could only write in one genre for the rest of your career, what genre would you choose? Why?
I think it would be YA. I enjoy paranormal, and in particular Urban Fantasy, but I don’t want to be tied down to just that, even though chances are I will write many more novels with Urban Fantasy features. But, I think I prefer YA because beyond any other element in writing I enjoy the “adventure” aspect of a tale. Fantasy and Paranormal lends itself well to adventure, but even more important I think is having a young protagonist. Since I was a kid watching Lost in Space, I decided that kids love adventure, and children as well as adults enjoy watching young protagonists survive and conquer against seemingly impossible odds. That doesn’t mean I don’t have some story ideas with adult protagonists; it just means I enjoy writing in the YA genre the most.
Which of the characters in your current release is your favorite? Why?
That’s easy. It would have to be Crissy. She was fun to write, she is fun to explore and she can do so many unexpected things. I like the fact that she is a total innocent, but is one of the “good guys” set against these truly frightening, evil bad guys. I also have some fun ideas regarding her evolution as I move on to a sequel of “Bewitched.” It was particularly fun writing her so that the reader suddenly discovers that Darren’s mentally handicapped sister is his “Oracle.” She is supposed to give him vital input and perspective, yet she struggles communicating in her day-to-day life. Plus, she’s just a cutie in my head and I think those reading her are similarly charmed by her. Exactly who/what she is has yet to be revealed…
Are any of your characters modeled after real people? If so, which ones?
Only in a general way. I’m working on another series called, “The Suburban Adventures of Gabriel Winston.” To help myself create a group of girls in Gabriel’s school, I pulled out some pictures from my old junior high yearbooks of some girls I knew growing up. I used some basic personality traits of these girls to help scaffold these characters. I would look at their pictures to get the personality in my head when I wrote.
As for “Bewitched,” I had two friends growing up I was very close to, Darren and Mike. However, neither character is based on either of these people. I think in the case of this book I started with some “stock” characters in my head and then refined them as I went along until hopefully, they became real and distinct in the mind of the reader.
What music was on your playlist while writing your novel?
I’ve always loved the Beatles. I also have a huge 80’s collection of music. Still, I can’t leave out some excellent music from the 70’s as well. And now, thanks to my kids, I listen to a lot of today’s pop music, loving Owl City, Salina Gomez, Smash Mouth, Cold Play, Plain White T’s – even some of the catchy ditties from “Phineas and Ferb.” But most of all, I’ve been really loving the old crooner sounds of Michael Buble.
Morning person or grumpy bear?
Not so much grumpy as catatonic.
Tell us one thing it would surprise us to know about you?
I’m actually not as handsome as I let on…..
What is next for you?
I’m going to finish “Where’s Cherry Soda,” a middle grade book about a 4th grader who gets into trouble/adventure with some wild Sci-Fi gadgets her brilliant but absent minded father creates.
Do you have any unique skills or talents? If so, what?
I can dance a jig like nobody’s mother….actually no. I do like reading to my kids. I have read almost all the Harry Potter books to my family. I love doing the voices. Hagrid kills my throat, but my kids won’t let me read him any differently.
If I were to look in your closet right now, would I find frills and lace or demin and tees?
I’m tempted to say frills and lace, purely for the comedic value. But I’ll answer this one straight and admit mainly frills and lace. (Yes this question was designed for our female authors but Mark has a wonderful sense of humor and answered it anyway. )
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 "Bewitched is spell-binding! A highly-unique page-turner that hooks you from the first paragraph. With complex characters and unexpected twists and turns, Harris delivers and leaves you hoping for more!" - Stephanie Keyes, author, The Star Child seriesIs it love or is it witchcraft? He’ll never find out if he kills her first.The first time Darren saw Samantha, she was floating above his high school gymnasium during a basketball game, invisible to everyone but him. Next time he sees her, she's sitting in front of him in class, wowing his friends and causing unexplainable things to happen that only he seems to notice. But things really get strange (and complicated) when his dying grandfather tells him that he is part of an ancient order, the “Pessum Ire,” whose duty is to destroy witches. What does he do now, since he’s almost positive Samantha is a witch…and he’s crushing on her pretty hard? Pre-order your copy at the Inkspell Store.
Don't you love seeing new book covers? Each one is unique and very exciting. Today's cover reveal is for Bewitched! What an amazing picture, right?  "Bewitched is spell-binding! A highly-unique page-turner that hooks you from the first paragraph. With complex characters and unexpected twists and turns, Harris delivers and leaves you hoping for more!" - Stephanie Keyes, author, The Star Child series
Blurb:
Is it love or is it witchcraft? He’ll never find out if he kills her first.
The first time Darren saw Samantha, she was floating above his high school gymnasium during a basketball game, invisible to everyone but him. Next time he sees her, she's sitting in front of him in class, wowing his friends and causing unexplainable things to happen that only he seems to notice. But things really get strange (and complicated) when his dying grandfather tells him that he is part of an ancient order, the “Pessum Ire,” whose duty is to destroy witches. What does he do now, since he’s almost positive Samantha is a witch…and he’s crushing on her pretty hard?
Pre-order your copy today!
Print: $12.99 Ebook: $3.99
 About the Author:
Mark Harris lives in Smithfield Utah, a small town located in a beautiful valley in Northern Utah. His wife, Shaundale, and he have four terrific children, two girls and two boys and a fifth one due to arrive in November of 2012. Mark has taught English and Special Education and currently works from home teaching English to people from all over the world. Writing has always been his true passion since he was a grade schooler writing about mushrooms. "Bewitched" will be his debut novel. He has two others underway and will soon start on the sequel to "Bewitched," called "The Return of the Familiar." He hopes you enjoy his work because he is working on several series geared toward younger audiences.
You can find Mark on: www.markjayharrisauthor.com
Giveaway!!!
One Paperback of Bewitched and 5 Ebooks
Even though Christmas is over, we decided to keep the celebration alive by asking the Inkspell authors about their favorite holiday present. Reading about the authors really gives you an insight into their lives and their stories! What do you think? Which is your favorite gift and why? Mark Jay Harris:
Sleep in the afternoon after the kids have opened their presents. Santa's pretty tuckered out by that time, and sleep makes a wonderful gift!
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Rebecca Hart:
The best Christmas gift I ever received was when I was either a junior or senior in high school. As the oldest of four children, I understood better than my siblings the "price" of Christmas for a large family. I thought I would hedge my bets for the one thing I wanted that year -- new skis -- by not asking for another thing that Christmas. I had figured, one gift request -- they gotta fill it, right?
Well, at the end of the morning of opening gifts, I had all sorts of new gear -- new ski jacket, gloves, hats, etc. -- but no skis. I put on my happy face, knowing deep down the skis, boots and poles were just too expensive for my poor parents to be able to buy while still providing a Christmas to my sisters and brothers.
My mother had other plans. She sent me into the bathroom to clean up because "there is no way I am going to shower in that nasty thing on Christmas day." So I went and dutifully cleaned up the bathroom -- grumbling the whole time about how the oldest always gets a raw deal. I grumbled until I returned to the living room to find the skis I had wanted pulled up from where they had been hiding behind our couch. The shock on my face must have been priceless.
I spent close to the next 30 minutes bawling my eyes out, amazed at what my parents had done for me, knowing the sacrifices that must have been necessary for them to afford all the ski stuff they got for me. Like they always have, somehow, my parents managed to make Christmas perfect.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!
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Annabelle Blume:
Of course, I love books. It's always wonderful to get books, gift certificates for books, or anything even remotely related to books as a Christmas present. But as a mom, the best gifts are always how your children experience the holidays. My kids (3,6, and 8) have this unusual tradition of wrapping up things from around the house and giving them to each other for Christmas. They usually pick toys they've had for years. It's odd, and I don't know where they got the idea, but it's been going on for a few years now and I think it's hilarious. Watching them go though this gift exchange is undoubtedly my favorite gift of Christmas.
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Majanka Verstraete:
My favorite Christmas present would be a surprise romantic trip to a castle or monastery turned into a hotel. I saw something like that while I was browsing yesterday and I thought it must be wonderful to receive a present like that under the Christmas tree. Besides that, of course my answer would be books. I love books in all shapes and forms, and a bookish Christmas present always makes my day!
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 Deb Peterson:
This one is easy. My most favorite Christmas present of all time is my sister!
As I went to bed on that particular Christmas Eve I was surrounded by three brothers. Two that were older than me, and one a few years younger. I remember wanting a baby sister more than anything! And although our baby was supposed to arrive in January, I remember my father coming into my bedroom on that early, early Christmas morning (so early it was still dark. He flipped on the light and with a big smile on his face, said, "Merry Christmas, Deb! You have a brand new baby sister!" We've been the best of friends ever since!
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 Stephanie Keyes:
When it comes to Christmas, my favorite Christmas present is having everyone at home and together for the holiday. Over the past couple of years, there have been a lot of changes at our Christmas dinner. We lost some of our numbers, then added a few. Some of us have moved away. Each of these things has changed our family's dynamic. So for me, having everyone together, in one place…that's easily, the very best gift I could ever hope for. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!
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 T. Michelle Nelson:
My favorite Christmas present is my very first one. I was adopted in October of 1974 at six weeks old. My mom wanted to go Christmas shopping and my dad needed to go get some motor oil or some other manly type thing and had no interest in going with my mom to get presents for me. While they were out getting Dad's manly purchases, my mother no doubt pitched a fit about not having their new baby any gifts so when Dad came out of the store he had bought me this plastic fish. 38 years later and I still have it, maybe a little worse for wear, but it is my most prized possession.
Everyone at Inkspell Publishing hopes that you had a wonderful holiday and received your heart's desire. We'd love to hear what your favorite gift was and why!
Thankful, grateful, gratitude, and appreciation...All are words to describe how many of us feel at this time of year. Reflecting back on the year before us, we do have a lot to be thankful for. As the holiday season approaches, everyone at Inkspell is very thankful for the many blessings that our readers and ambassadors have given us. But we thought to ask our authors about the many things that they are thankful for during this time of year. We hope you will enjoy their responses as much as we do!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  T. Michelle Nelson:
I have many reasons to be thankful, but I am most thankful for my son. Somehow he has turned out to be the most thoughtful, intelligent and sweet young man a person could ever know. I am proud to be his mom every single day.
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Aubrie Dionne:
I have a lot to be thankful about this holiday season. I'm thankful for all of the wonderful people at Inkspell who believe in my book. I'm also thankful for my gorgeous cover, and all the fantastic reviews my book is receiving. I'm thankful Inkspell agreed to take on the next book in the series! On the writer front, I received my very first advance, which I am extremely thankful for, due to my awesome agent, who I'm also very grateful. She's taught me patience and wisdom. I have a huge, 3 day book signing coming up at a fancy craft fair in December, and I'm thankful for all the people that will be helping me out with that.
My whole family is meeting for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I'm thankful they are all happy and safe and pursuing their own life dreams. My sister is pregnant with baby #2, so I'm more than thankful for that as well. I already enjoy my nephew, and I can't wait to meet the new addition to the family!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Stephanie Keyes:
There is nothing original about what I'm thankful for. It’s probably what everyone chooses for his or her answer whenever this question inevitably comes up every year! But I don’t care if I’m being a conformist. When I look around me every day, the answer is clear. My Family. Though our numbers have dwindled and the festivities changed, I am blessed to have people I love around me. My husband, my sons, my family are the reason that I have the guts and courage to do anything at all. It is this group of people that told me to “go for it” when I submitted my first novel to the Inkspell family earlier this year. Then, the same crew celebrated with me in September after the novel’s publication. That is why I am so unbelievably blessed this Thanksgiving, good people who stand by you and love you for who you are. That’s what I’m most thankful for. I wish each one of you readers a warm and wonderful holiday!
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Jill Kaelin:Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful, to ponder over how wonderful our lives are and cherish the little things. I have tons of things I’m thankful for in my life, so I decided to make a list of the top five.
Chocolate-the natural stress reliever.
Books-without which I wouldn’t be able to escape into magical worlds and live so many imaginative lives.
Our pets-the dog, CoCo, and our three cats, Bella, Ginger, and Nutty. They make each day more enjoyable…and messy.
Friends/Family-the people who love me unconditionally.
My daughter, Justyce-the relationship we have is priceless. She is my heart.
I’m also very thankful for my new friends at Inkspell! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Mark Jay Harris:
It may sound cliche to say I'm thankful for my family, but out of all the wonderful things I have in this life my family is the most important. We just had a new baby three weeks ago, and of course that tends to re-focus your thoughts. Without them to care for and without their support, it just seems like nothing else would matter much any way. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for my health, friends and chance to publish a book, but my family takes the front seat! They're the best!
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 Kristy Centeno:
First and foremost I would like to say that I'm eternally grateful to have four beautiful children that I absolutely adore and are the main reason for my happiness. Without them I wouldn't be the person I am. I'm also grateful to have such an understanding man by my side. A man that never sees the negative in things but instead, supports every decision I make even if he doesn't agree with me sometimes. I'm grateful that we're all healthy and happy in spite of difficult times.
And last, I'm grateful to have my loving mother by my side. Although we don't always see eye to eye, we're always able to set whatever differences we may have aside and enjoy our time together with no remorse.
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Brooke Moss:I'm thankful for the opportunity to raise five amazing, talented, darling, witty, silly, happy children. Without my family, I would be nothing. What a wonderful group of people to spend my holidays with.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kacey Vanderkarr:
This year I'm thankful for all the traditional things, family, friends, etc. Additionally, I'm thankful for opportunity, perseverance, and the ability for continuing education. All things stem from this. 2012 has been an incredible year of growth and I'm excited and inspired by all the things to come!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Annabelle Blume:I'm thankful for the food in my fridge and the roof over my head. For the fact that my children are healthy and comfortable enough to express when they aren't happy. For my fury companions, even if they bark incessantly and irritate the neighbors. For the amazing adventures life has taken me on thus far. And for the future that lays before me, as unknown and scary as that can be.
I'm thankful for the moon and the stars and the fact that I can see them. And for the way the bright shining rays of the sun feel on my skin. For my friends who share laughter and tears with me. And for my family who stands quietly by my side through all things in life. Last, but not least, I'm thankful for my husband who's here to live it all with me every day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Debbie Peterson:
What am “I” thankful for? Well, first and foremost, my family. They are truly the best this world has to offer. But my list surely doesn’t end there, nor do I have enough room to name everything that fills my heart. However, to mention just a few... I am very grateful to have food to eat, clothes to wear and shelter overhead. I’m grateful for my country, and words do not express my gratitude for those who give their all to protect and watch over it.
And of course, I need to mention how very appreciative I am to those who thought enough of my books to want to publish them. For those who have actually read them, and taken the time to leave their sweet comments. You all make my day!
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At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from anotherperson. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
-- Albert Schweitzer
We at Inkspell would like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and send you love for all the ways you have inspired us!
Happy Halloween everyone! In honor of the holiday, we asked our Inkspell authors about their favorite candy! Can you just see them going out trick or treating and hording their favorites? Or do you think that they are all about buying something that they don't like so that they don't eat it all? What is your favorite and does it match our Inkspell authors? Rebecca Hart:My favorite Halloween candy has changed over the years, just like my taste in clothing and music have evolved. When I was small, I was addicted to Charleston Chews, couldn't get enough of them. That is, until the day I found my first Mounds bars.
Dark chocolate and coconut -- how can you go wrong there? That's right. You can't. Now that I don't trick or treat anymore, and the focus is on bringing my kids out, I just let them know "the rules" before we leave the house.
"I call dibs on all the Mounds bars."
Thankfully, they don't seem to mind. Deb Peterson:
I really don’t have a favorite. BUT if I had to make a choice right this minute, I’d ask for the caramel apples I used to get while trick-or-treating in my youth. I lived in a small town, covered with fruit orchards and since the apples were harvested in the fall, many of the farmers would offer homemade caramel apples to the witches, ghosts, and goblins knocking at their doors. Trust me...these candied apples were to die for!
Brooke Moss:
Actually, the candy bar that I can't live without is rare these days. It was my Grandpa's favorite, then became my favorite, and now I can only find them in specialty shops. It's called the Uno Bar, and it is light and fluffy and delicious! The sad thing is...whenever I find them, I buy as many of them as I can afford, and then I bring them home to horde them. My kids don't even get any. How mean is that?
Mark Jay Harris:
Peanut M&Ms with milk. I could live on them for days!
Annabelle Blume:It's very hard for me not to overindulge this time of year. While I love the pumpkin-y treats of fall, like pumkpin bread, pumpkin pies, and pumpkin lattes (okay, that's not true, I can't stand pumpkin lattes, but you catch my drift), it's the Halloween candy that truly breaks my will power.
Rich, satiny cubes of caramel, sticky sweet ropes of licorice, and decadent velvety squares of chocolate tempt my taste buds. I'm usually able to resist the forbidden fruit of the season. Yet, when you pair salty and thick peanut butter with the sweet creaminess of chocolate, I'm a quivering mess.
My absolute favorite candies are the peanut butter cups from the Unreal candy company (getunreal.com). They're just like their mainstream cousin candy, without any nasty preservatives, artificial ingredients, or GMOs. I can feel slightly less guilty when I eat them, and eat them I do! Sasha Summers:I have a SWEET TOOTH – so I can’t pick just one. When it comes to chocolate I LOVE Almond Joys and the newly discovered Dark Chocolate Raspberry M&M – like I needed another candy to crave. But if we’re talking candy candy – I love sour spaghetti and super tart cherry sours YUM!
Ironically I don’t get these things to hand out at Halloween because I would eat them all – and then I’d have to go dresses as a pumpkin. LOL! I tend to stick with the kid faves like Laffy Taffy, Tootsie Rolls, and Nerds… Perk – I don’t really like any of them so there’s plenty for trick-or-treaters!
Happy Halloween! :)
Stephanie Keyes:
Snickers of course, Kellen's favorite! It's because of all the chocolate "carmely" goodness. Yum!
Jill Kaelin:My sweet tooth is pretty large, so there’s not much candy I’ll turn my nose up at. Chewy, chocolaty, sour, sweet…I like them all. But naturally, I have a favorite that I find irresistible. Lindt Lindor white chocolate truffles. These are my weakness. There’s just something about that creamy white chocolate inside that makes me want to devour the whole bag. Unraveling that blue, twisty plastic and finding the perfect ball of chocolate inside, makes my mouth water as I’m writing this. I have my students to thank for this addiction. A few years ago, one of my little sweeties bought me a bag of these divine chocolates. I’ve been hooked ever since. But, in my defense, may I just add that chocolate raises antioxidant levels in our bodies, so technically it’s really healthy. Happy Halloween!
Inkspell Authors, editors and everyone would like to wish you a very Happy Halloween! We hope you get all the candy you wish for and enjoy the spirit of the season!
This week we wanted to see how varied the many tastes of our authors are. Many of them write contemporary or paranormal romances but was this what they loved to read? So we asked our Inspell authors about what was their Favorite Genre to read. We also wanted to know why? Do real stories about characters like themselves fuel their passion or does romances with legendary creatures like Angels, Vampires and other paranormal elements thrill their souls! Cecilia Roberts:
My favourite genre: paranormal & urban fantasy and contemporary romance.
Contemporary romance: This is a genre I've been reading for the last twenty-something years. (I must have been about twelve when I read my first romance. I loved everything about it: the muscular guys on the covers (and there were handful of those), the hero chasing the heroine, to accept him, love him, plus the heroines feistyness, and finally the happy ever after.
Later on I discovered paranormal & urban fantasy. The reason I loved this was, the fact that an author can create such a believable world, with fantastic creatures in them, and still manage to make it so real. Absolutely amazing. And of course the romance in them. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mark Jay Harris:
I'd have to say Urban Fantasy. I like it because it is grounded in a location people can relate to. Because you feel comfortable in surrounding you recognize, when the fantasy element kicks in it is more jarring and consequently more exciting and fun to play with in a story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Deb Peterson:
While still in elementary school—fifth grade, I think—my Aunt Karen introduced me to Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. Those two novels hooked me on the classics. I love reading them as much now, as I did back then and many times over the years, I have read and reread my favorites. I have even developed a taste for Shakespeare, with “A Midsummer Night’s dream, heading the top of that particular list.
Alongside the classics, I also have to include Historical Romances to my preferred genres. History is a passion of mine. Ancient, modern and everything in between, has always piqued my interest. Therefore, I just can’t resist a novel that allows me to exist in another time and place, even if just for a little while.
I think that might be why, in the novels I have written thus far, a hero from the past, meets a contemporary heroine...
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Stephanie Lawton:
I prefer Young Adult, though I'll admit, since I've begun hanging around with romance and erotic-romance authors, I've been reading quite a bit more of that. Both have their purposes and it's nice to switch back from forth from the "less-is-more" camp and the "kick-the-bedroom-door-wide-open" camp. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aubrie Dionne:
My favorite genre to read is epic fantasy with a dash of romance. I love the different races: elves, dwarfs, rangers, etc and all the various foes: ogres, dragons, orcs, witches, fairies...the possibilities are endless. Quest novels are the best, because the characters go on a physical journey along with the emotional one. Magical items, such as amulets, invisibility capes (or rings!), or swords always add to the fun. I know I'm such a geek, but to be honest this will always be my favorite genre.
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Kristy Centeno:
Although I enjoy a great contemporary story any day of the week, my favorite genre is definitely Paranormal Romance. Maybe it’s because you can drive the plot to unimaginable dimensions and not have to worry so much about whether or not you’re being accurate about facts and such. Writing Paranormal Romance allows for more freedom when it comes to developing a storyline and the mystery behind the supernatural is just too tempting for me to resist picking up a vampire, werewolf, ghost, mermaid, etc. book and not read it : )
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kacey Vanderkarr:
My absolute favorite genre is Young Adult. Not only does YA encompass a wide variety of all my favorite genres, fantasy, sci-fi, and of course, romance, it also examines the most vulnerable time in a person's life. You can always expect YA to deliver a story of personal growth and exploration where the main characters discover things about themselves that oftentimes we, as adults, are still trying to figure out. After all, isn’t the real world just a glorified version of high school? Besides, as a Young Adult author, I justify my passion for YA books as “research.”
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Now that you have heard from some of our Inkspell authors about their favorite genres... please share your favorites with us!
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