When you first pull into the Crescent Hotel grounds, what strikes you most is how much you feel as if you have taken a step back in time. The Hotel looms over you in such a way, you are almost intimidated by its sheer size.
When you enter into the grand foyer, you really DO feel as if you have stumbled into another world. The sights, the smell, even the carpet is entirely different from the norm, these days.
When we checked in and went to our room, my husband smiled at me as we rode up in the elevator. "We are staying on the floor that is believed to be the most haunted." the second floor; room 201. He then clears his throat, "Of course, our room isn't one that they say is haunted. But I figure being on this floor is close enough."
Well, to those who aren't sure what ORBS are... Let me just say, we caught quite a few of them. Many were in our room, which was not on the list of haunted rooms... Can you hear me clearing my throat? Hah! Yeah... I thought so....
So, anyway, we went on the Ghost Tour that night. It is actually very interesting, even if you don't see anything because they tell you all about the history of the place. They walk you through the spots where there is supposed to be the most activity and they tell you why. They start the tour on the fourth floor. There are quite a few stories there, but the one I'm going to give a taste of is the one about the little girl. Her mother was a nurse here back in the time when the Hotel was a Hospital for Cancer patients. The little girl was about three years old and she lived with her mother on the fourth floor. The little girl liked to play around the stairs. Her mother, of course, always scolded her and told her not to play around the stairs. But one day... for whatever reason, the mother was not there to scold and the little girl had climbed up and was looking over the banister.
She fell over the banister to her death. Now... The reason I shared THIS story is because after the tour was over, my husband and I, being the curious people we are went back with our cameras and captured many orbs. Now, what you see in the picture to the side is that staircase and banister she fell from. If you look closely, you will see a few orbs. They don't neccesarily look like anything fantastic. Actually, they kind of resemble plain dust particles....
But when I zoomed in.... Now, there was ONE.... It was actually on the staircase, and farther away than the others. It looked different. So I zoomed in closer... and then closer still. I could make out the partial outline of a face. Wavy hair, brushed to the side... eyes, nose, and dare I venture to say... cheeks?
Maybe I am just silly. Maybe my imagination is just running away with me. But I really believe the little girl was there when the guide told us her story. And I believe when we went back, she was trying to tell us hi. This picture below. . . Well, you must make up your own minds. But as for me. . . I believe.
Well, the moment is swiftly approaching! Sensations is ALMOST ready! It's coming, guys! If everything goes according to plan, it should be available before the first day of next month!
Keep your fingers crossed and pray everything works as it should cause I am READY! I hope all of you are too!
Hi there everyone! I know, I know... I don't post enough. Sorry for that. I've had a few personal issues... Health, Family, Work, oh heck, let's just say it... Life! I hope every one of you are fit as fiddles! Why do people say that? Who out there decided fiddles were fit? I mean, has anyone every seen those things do a single sit up? And let's not even talk about how a fiddle would go about running laps...
Alright, enough being silly. I have been looking over my blog and I have decided I need to make a few changes. I promise it won't be a drastic change. I'm just getting ready to clean this whole thing up a bit. Since the second book has been completed, and I am getting ready to start putting the third together, I have decided to make good use of this site, by creating a seperate page for EACH book. Anyone who checks into this site knows I like to post scenes as the story progresses and begins to take shape; nothing to give away too much... just enough to wett ones appetite.
So now that everyone is aware of my plans... Y'all stay posted, because if this last book takes off with me the way the first two did... You'll have plenty to check in on... Oh, and by the way, book two is still with the publishers. (I love those ladies!) I wait anxiously for their opinions and requested changes... But, I know they are promised to be as diligent with their other authors as they are for me.
HUGS to ALL! Rowan
I've had the honor of being tagged in the Next Big Thing Blog Hop by fellow Author, Catherin Cavendish. The story I am to talk about is the second in my Awareness series. It is what I am currently working on.
I am also passing the tags along to these following Authors; Shiloh Darke (my own alter ego) which is the part of my personality that is an Author of Paranormal Erotica. http://www.ShilohDarke.com
Denise Bartlett, who is an Author of Fantasy novels for teens, history, science fiction, non-fiction and even drama. http://www.denibartlett.blogspot.com
And Finally, Charlotte Holley, who is an Author of several different genre's, including young adult, paranormal, fantasy, mystery, and romance. http://chalaedra.livejournal.com
Now that I have tagged my willing Authors, I will get on with my Next Big Thing. . . Sensations What is the working title of your book?
The name of this novel is Sensations. That is actually a fitting title since the last one was Awareness and both books have to do with senses that the NORMAL human doesn’t have or know how to use.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
Sensations is the second book in my Awakening of Awareness series. The overall idea came from a personal experience, combined with my crazy imagination.
What genre does your book fall under?
It falls under several, actually. To name a few; the genres of Young Adult, paranormal, romance, and fantasy.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Oh gosh…. Let me think about that… For the main character, Rebecca, I think I would want, Victoria Justice. She has the exact kind of look I envision for Becca and she is a good actress.
For Rebecca's Mother, my heart is SET of Catherine Zeta-Jones. She's beautiful, elegant, and a fantastic actress who would be amazing for the part!
For her best friend, Rachel, Tiffany Thorton would be good. She's the perfect cheerleader, pretty girl with attitude type.
There are a few other important female characters, but I’m not sure who should play them.
The guys in the book? Well they aren’t quite as easy. . .
The ghost boy, Marky, who is her guide/friend, I would want Max Charles. He was just so precious in the new Spiderman movie!
The Angel, Trevahr, who spends a lot of time with her in this book, would probably have to be Taylor Lautner, because he just fits.
The Elf prince, Darethmar? Well, Zak Efron MAYBE… But I’m not sure he isn’t just a little too old already.
There is also a new character as a potential love interest. I’m Thinking Ian Somerhalder would be good. I know, I know, He's already in his thirties, but, he has a young face, and just LOOK at those eyes! Anyway, As a detective, Guy, is an OLDER man, but still younger than twenty-five. We must all strive to remember, Rebecca is seventeen Of course, none of this counts! If I was lucky enough to have someone want to make my books into a movie, or even a series, it won’t happen until all my underage choices are already adults. More’s the pity because the cast in my mind is beautiful!
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
How can Becca keep a talent like seeing Ghosts a secret when the living, as well as the dead, need her help?
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I’m in a contract for the entire series through my publishers, Gypsy Shadow Publishing, they are an Ebook/P.O.D. company http://gypsyshadow.com They’ve done such a good job, I’m honestly not sure I would be able to trust the series to anyone else.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Well, I am still writing this one. The first book, Awareness, took about six months. But that’s only if you don’t count a week here and there dealing with writers block. We ALL get it. . . Sometimes the stresses of life just get in the way. No harm, no foul.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Well, I’m not sure there really are any COMPLETE comparisons. True Blood has faeries, but my series has no vampires (at least none have started talking to me yet!)
Also, this series has no sex. There is some flirting and kissing. But this is supposed to be appropriate for anyone over the age of 13? So, no, True Blood really isn’t that good of a comparison.
Hush, Hush could be a good comparison, because my books also have Angels. The Torment series might be a good comparison. If you like the House of Night series, you might like mine.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
This series was actually started from memories I have of a near death experience. When I was a teenager, I was in a bad car accident and I died. When I came back, I had memories of a bright light at the end of a tunnel, family I had lost, and Angels, as well as a small child who held my hand and walked me through all of it. I was also haunted by voices no one else heard for a good year. I don’t share that lightly, because frankly, I don’t like the idea of people thinking I’ve gone nutters. BUT, well, I started the story based in a memory and then let my imagination take over. The end result has turned into a pretty good series I am proud of.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Oh Geez, take your pick! This book, as well as the first, is filled with drama, comedy, romance, action and more. It is a thriller, bursting with Angels, Demons, Ghosts, Elves, and a whole lot of surprises throughout. It will keep you guessing and its ending is almost guaranteed to leave you wanting more! The first one had ME on the edge of my seat, and I was the one writing it!
Sorry guys! You know how I keep saying somewhere in there, life gets ahead of you and you have to race to catch up? Well, even if you didn't, this is one of those times.
The short story has been out and available for over two weeks now. I am BAD! I know! I've just been so busy, trying to work on my other stories and get them ready to go to the editor after the Christmas Holidays are over.
I am really excited about Sensations! The story is coming along and I hope to have it in my editors hot little hand by the first of the year. Now, that may mean it will just sit there for a bit once it is, cause I know she has other people who are ahead of me, but still. It's always exciting to finish something and hand it over happily.
And in OTHER news, Next week, Wednesday 11/ 05, to be exact, I am takng part in a blog hop, to promote said book. Be sure to come back and check it out!
Hugs to all! Rowan
P.S. Keep reading, for yet another little sneak peak on Sensations... Just a short one, really
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We chatted about nothing in particular on the way into the city. I didn’t even let myself focus on what had happened the night before until right before we took the exit off the expressway to take us to the hospital. At that point, our conversation had died down a little and I felt I needed to talk about it; if only just a little.
“Mom,”I started slowly. “Do you think everything that happened last night was the end of all that? Or do you think there’s more to come.” I was afraid of her answer, but I really, really wanted it to be yes.”
She gave me a side-glance as she followed the line of traffic. “I don’t know, honey. I imagine we may very well have opened up a can of worms, so to speak.”Then she shook her head, “But I’d be willing to bet that by me revealing my own little gift, no one will be so set on trying to have to admitted.” She shrugged. “Probably we just have to watch out for people wanting us to contact Uncle Vern and find out about the location of the hidden money everyone always thought Grandma put in the mattress!”
Her half–joke, made me laugh, even as I scolded her. “I’m being serious!”
She gaped at me in mock innocence as she pulled into the parking garage. “I am too! Honey, we have gifts. Now that it is; I don’t know how you say it, out in the open, there will be those who want to capitalize on it.” She sighed and began searching for a place to park.
I fell silent as images of people I didn’t know following me around like the paparazzi do celebrities. I grimaced and let my head fall back on the headrest.“I didn’t want that! Why did it seem that no matter where I turned now, I was always being hit in the face with reality that my life would never be blessedly, boringly normal again? Couldn’t I just have my denial of that fact a little longer? Like, until I was thirty?
I was startled away from my thoughts by my mother’s hand resting on mine. “Let’s not worry about this, okay? It can’t be changed or erased, so instead, why don’t we just make a deal to enjoy it while everything is calm, and just be prepared for the storm that may very well come?”
I hesitated, considering her words. Reluctantly, I nodded and gathered up my purse. With a last look at each other, we got out of the car and I followed as she led the way to the elevator that would take us into the hospital.
My thoughts turned to Hailey. She wouldn’t remember much of me, I didn’t think. Her poor body had been through too much for far too long before I had found her. I hoped she was doing better and would be able to leave here soon. I knew first-hand how uncomfortable being in a hospital could be. It was still fresh in my mind.
When we entered her room, I had expected family members gathered around the bed. I knew her mother and father would be there along with maybe a friend or two and siblings. I wasn’t even too surprised to see the damn Detective, dressed in a t-shirt and blue jeans and sporting his most brilliant smile; the man is entirely too cute! But I don’t know why I never considered Marky as someone who would lie in wait for me there.
The pain I had felt when I discovered his betrayal made my heart hurt. I almost turned and left the room, but then my eyes met those of Hailey and I stopped. She smiled big at me and I couldn’t help but return her grin. “You came!” she greeted me in a happy voice that was music to my ears.
Without sparing any of the adults in the room a glance, I moved straight to her side and gave her a big smile. “Of course I came! I had to see for myself that you were going to be okay.” After I spoke, I felt someone move to my side.
Swallowing, I turned and was met with a stare I was unsure was friendly. Hailey’s mother spoke softly, “The Detective says you’re some kind of a psychic.”
I glanced at Guy with a frustrated look before turning back to Hailey’s Mom.“Well, no. Not exactly-” I started.
Before I could get any farther in my explanation her mother stepped forward and wrapped me in a bear hug. “I don’t care how you knew. I don’t care how you found her. All I care about is you did.” She sobbed and I found myself returning her hug. “Thank you. Thank you for saving my baby.”
Have you ever been somewhere, minding your own business and suddenly, for no known reason, the hair on the back of your neck stand on end? Have you ever heard voices which had no point of origin? What about Seen things you couldn't explain? When I was a teenager, I was in a really bad car accident. I basically died. I had the whole life after death experience. Walking into the light, seeing loved ones long lost. The feeling of love, warmth and acceptance which surrounded me was overwhelming. I never wanted to leave. Then I was told I had to come back. I woke up in the hospital. My body was bruised, battered and broken. I was in extreme pain. And I wasn't alone. There were voices. Whispers, shadows, touches and strange smells surrounded me. It was so spooky. The scariest thing about it was no one else could feel, see or sense ANY of these things. My novel, Awareness was inspired in part, by these memories. Now, understand, Awareness is a work of fiction. I'm not asking you to believe in the Faeries, Elves and such that are apart of this story. Heck you don't even have to believe in the ghosts. But I did want to share where I got the idea to start with. Awareness is going to be a series of at least three, maybe four books. The first one is complete and going to be available through http://www.gypsyshadow.com very soon.
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