An edgy, paranormal, folklore littérateur ; a mystical, world building, fantasy storyteller; and a slightly older, crown toting, cozy mystery word slinger visit a reputed haunted house–what could possibly go wrong? This week I’ve spent time with fellow #BWFs (Best Writer Friends) Bibiana Krall and Emmy Bennett, for a haunting tour of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. One-hundred sixty rooms on 6 acres; 10,000 windows; 2000 doors; built over 38 years…
The Winchester Mystery House is a mansion in San Jose, California, that was once the personal residence of Sarah Winchester, the widow of firearm magnate William Wirt Winchester. The Queen Anne Style Victorian mansion is renowned for its size, its architectural curiosities, and its lack of any master building plan. It is a designated California historical landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Wikipedia)
We splurged on not only the main tour, but a special trek to see the attic and basement. I don’t know what’s more fun–seeing this historic, rumored to be haunted house, or meeting up with some dear #writer friends I’ve come to know the past few years–reading their books, speaking on the phone, and now visiting in person. I think I’ll take the visit with the #writer friends anytime–more pictures from our visit next week!
Don’t forget, next Tuesday is St. Patrick’s Day, where the whole world goes green! I’m once again plugging my favorite Irish coffee recipe–Erin Go Bragh! It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
This past week on Twitter, there was one chain that intrigued me. In 25 words or less, you had to give your #ElevatorPitch for your novel. I adore these type challenges, for it forces you to focus on the key selling points for your book. What is going to capture a #readers interest?
Here was my attempt: Trouble is brewing at Cherrywood Hall, as newly titled American marchioness, Gemma uncovers buried royal secrets and sabotage on the film set. And BTW, TWINS!
Okay, I have some work to do…but this is a great way to hone in on the selling points for your book! #AmMarketing, 25 words at a time. What’s your #ElevatorPitch? (25 words or less) 🙂 !
Loves ups and downs and the Irish phantom fantasy continues from the #writers of Twitter this week…
Author D.B. Carter, Ups and Downs, 5 STARS
Business owner Carol is about to have a Valentine’s Day that she won’t soon forget. Her pushy mother is nagging her. Her cat interrupts her dreams. She’s successful and a hard worker, so why isn’t she happy? One of her main business clients has selected her proposal, but wants to make loads of changes, pronto. She and her assistant Lila, overhaul their design–but will it be enough to secure the deal and avoid having her layoff employees? Just as they’re ready to go to print, their copier is down and out–the new part required won’t get there in time for them to prepare the proposals.
The company located down from them has the same copier—in a now or never move, they decide to ask if they can borrow the needed part. There’s just one problem, one of the company owners is a man Carol used to have a teenage crush on–until she broke his heart. Chaos ensues as they scurry to the last minute to secure the business, but through the rush, Carol reconnects with her childhood love, Jonah, a person she thought was lost to her, forever.
A Valentine’s date is made–but will fate intervene yet again for these long lost loves? Author Carter has once again crafted an endearing story of romance–one that will tug at your heart strings and lift your spirits. A great read, one that keeps you guessing ’til the very end, highly recommended!
Author Bibiana Krall, The Rage of Danu (The Irish Phantom Series, Book 3), 5 STARS
A prophecy whose time has come immerses Mary O’Brien-Byrnes in a life and death battle against feuding phantoms who are determined to rule and destroy everything in their path. She must protect her daughter, Jane before a fated destiny pirates her away forever. An epic battle for control is about to ensue, will anyone survive the terror that is arising?
Celtic magic, practicing Druids, scholars, family, journalists, and modern day prayers of the faithful band together to try to prevent the wrath of destruction the prophecy has foretold. As secrets unfold and chaos emerges, a dark spirit from the past tries to help his beloved Mary, but can anyone or anything defy the rage of the immortals?
The battle has begun in Book 3 of Author Krall’s Irish Phantom Series, filled with the magic and mysticism of the epic phantom feud for control. I thoroughly enjoy this series and always am surprised by its twists and turns. A page turning read, highly recommended!
Next up in the reading queue:
Meet Teddy, our little almost royal pup who now graces the halls of Cherrywood!
I have to tell you, I loved the wee pup, Patch, featured in my last book, Mistletoe and Mayhem, Yuletide at Castlewood Manor. In the new book, Double Trouble, Gemma and Kyle are both wanting a dog of their own, and lo and behold designer Rikkhe St. Claire just happens to have the pooch that melts their hearts, Teddy. He hales from Atlanta and now is calling Cherrywood Hall his home. Special #shoutout to Teddy’s ‘Mama’ (xo, Brenda!), for letting her adorable canine enter the #cozymystery world! Ruff!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Enjoy your #StPatricksDay! Gemma and Rikkhe approve 🙂 ♣
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