A look into the origins of some very old sayings – that came from the Bible…:)

1. A drop in the bucket

Meaning

A very small proportion of the whole.

Origin

From the Bible, Isaiah 40:15 (King James Version):

 “Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.”

 ‘A drop in the bucket’ is the predecessor of ‘a drop in the ocean’, which means the same thing, and is first found in a piece from The Edinburgh Weekly Journal, July 1802:

“The votes for the appointment of Bonaparte to be Chief Consul for life are like a drop in the ocean compared with the aggregate of the population of France.”

 2. A fly in the ointment

 Meaning

A small but irritating flaw that spoils the whole.

Origin

These days ointments are chiefly for medicinal use – just the thing for rubbing on that nasty rash. In earlier times, ointments were more likely to be creams or oils with a cosmetic or ceremonial use. Literally, ointment was the substance one was annointed with. There is considerable annointing in Bible stories and it isn’t surprising therefore that this phrase has a biblical origin. Ecclesiastes 10:1 (King James Version) has:

“Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.”

Our contempary phrase ‘the fly in the ointment’ didn’t appear until later. The earliest example I have found in print of that precise wording is in John Norris’ A Practical Treatise Concerning Humility, 1707:

‘Tis that dead fly in the ointment of the Apothecary.

3. A house divided against itself cannot stand

Meaning

Literal meaning (house meaning household).

Origin

From the Bible, Matthew 12:25 (King James Version):

“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand”.

4. A labour of love

Meaning

Work undertaken for the pleasure of it or for the benefit of a loved one.

Origin

This phrase has a biblical origin and appears in Thessalonians and Hebrews (King James Version).

Thessalonians 1:2, 1:3:

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Hebrews 6:10:

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Shakespeare didn’t use the expression ‘labour of love’ in any of his works but it is possible that the writers of the KJV were familiar with his play Love’s Labours Lost, 1588, and that they adapted the expression from that title.

5. A leopard can’t change its spots

Meaning

Proverbial question, querying the ability of any person or creature to change its innate being.

Origin

From the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23 (King James Version):

Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.

6. A wolf in sheep’s clothing

Meaning

Someone who hides malicious intent under the guise of kindliness.

Origin

The cautionary advice that one cannot necessarily trust someone who appears kind and friendly has been with us for many centuries. Both Aesop’s Fables and the Bible contain explicit references to wolves in sheep’s clothing. On the face of it, Aesop must have originated the phrase, as his tales are much older than any biblical text. The question is, when did the phrase first become part of the English language?

The version of Aesop’s Fables that is best known to us today is George Fyler Townsend’s 1867 translation, in which he gives the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing fable this way:

Once upon a time a Wolf resolved to disguise his appearance in order to secure food more easily. Encased in the skin of a sheep, he pastured with the flock deceiving the shepherd by his costume. In the evening he was shut up by the shepherd in the fold; the gate was closed, and the entrance made thoroughly secure. But the shepherd, returning to the fold during the night to obtain meat for the next day, mistakenly caught up the Wolf instead of a sheep, and killed him instantly.

The King James Version of the Bible, 1611, gives this warning in Matthew 7:15:

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

I’m just Moe, Larry, and Curly, all in one…

So, here I am, just stumbling through the ether that is our social world on the web, and up pops an email. So I dutifully click to read, and what do I find? My buddy Big Jim Wright has nominated me for the Liebster Award. How cool is THAT? 

After digesting this delicious little tidbit, I continued on my merry way and ventured into the bowels of my blog – where I discovered that my pal Superphoenix (has there ever been a cooler screen name than that?)  has also nominated me. Hoo boy. I barely have time to wipe the sweat from my brow when I go to Facebook and trip over the posting that my dear friend Jenna Brooks has seen fit to include me in her nominations for The Next Big Thing. Now, I’ve put on a bit of weight over the last few years, due in large part to flying a desk for a living and having a beautiful wife who can cook like the Galloping Gourmet, so I wasn’t quite sure how to take that, at first. However, upon discovering that “NBT” is actually a pretty cool writer recognition doo-hickey, well, then my chest started puffing out even more – even far enough it got past my belly just a bit. I took a picture, if anyone wants to see….

So, suffice to say, thank youguysl….you having my undying gratitude

It’s truly been a grand week. I solicited for, and received, many new authors for my “Chatting with the Authors” segments, and garnered three very nice nods from my fellow pen-bearers – life is grand

Good morning, all! Today, my “Chatting with the Authors” segment is with Hunter S. Jones and Fables of the Reconstruction”…come join us!

Click on the cover to get it on Amazon!

Book Description:

Pomba Gira Mysticism. Creole Voodoo. The zombie apocalypse. Sex, drugs, magick. Paranormal erotica.

Meet Pierre von Minzle and Mary Moore. They are the Adam and Lilith, definitely not Adam and Eve, of today’s zombie apocalypse. Fables of the Reconstruction is a playful yet graphic sexual adventure consisting of what might have been, combined with what possibly might be happening now. It contains Pomba Gira mysticism, Creole voodoo and the seeds of the zombie apocalypse set in Victorian London’s notorious Whitechapel District. Sex, magick , zombies. This ain’t your daddy’s shotgun zombie story. Mature content warning.

TR: Hunter! Goooood morning. It’s great to have you on today

HJ: Good morning, Thomas. I’m happy to be here…

TR: Let’s start this party. How old were you when you wrote your first piece?

HJ: Thank you for asking Thomas. I have written my entire life. My first published work was covering an indie rock alternative act.

TR: A rock band, eh? What exactly was your work?

HJ: It was an article on a band from Atlanta. I wrote it for an alternative rock magazine. The genre would be basic rock journalism with a heavy dose of gonzo journalism, you know being there and becoming a part of the action.

TR: Kind of a writing roadie…cool…what made you write it?

HJ: I wrote the article because I got into the show for free, the article helped the band get exposure, plus I got free beer.

TR: HAH! There’s a winning combination, if I ever heard one. So, what have you written since then?

HJ: I have covered various topics, mainly fashion, rock and travel. Fables of the Reconstruction will be my first creative effort based solely on imagination. It is the first book I have ever written.

TR: Very cool! I didn’t realize…what was the inspiration for your it?

HJ: Fables was based on dreams. Once the characters made themselves known, they wouldn’t stop talking to me until I wrote the story. It’s surprising how many artists have the same experience.

TR: Yes, you’re not the first to tell me that. Well, tell us a little about it, and where it’s available.

HJ: Fables of the Reconstructionwill introduce you to Pierre von Minzle and Mary Moore. They are not Adam and Eve, they are the Adam and Lilith of today’s zombie apocalypse. ‘Fables of the Reconstruction’ is a playful yet graphic sexual adventure consisting of what might have been, combined with what possibly might be happening now. It contains Pomba Gira mysticism, Creole voodoo and the seeds of the zombie apocalypse set in Victorian London’s notorious Whitechapel District. Prostitution, drugs and alcohol are involved, as is Jack the Ripper and rock and roll. Sex, magick , zombies. This ain’t your daddy’s shotgun zombie story. Mature content warning – this book is not intended for anyone under 18.

TR: That does sound pretty gritty. Can’t wait to read it So besides dreaming, is there a particular place or setting where you get your writing ideas?

HJ: Great question. Most of my ideas appear in dreams, or come to me when I am in water. I also receive inspiration from music.

TR: That follows. What made you choose either traditional or independent publishing?

HJ: There was no choice. Being a fan of indie music, I had to go indie publishing. Everything is there for a writer to publish independently today. All you have to do is have your concept, write it and download it. Written publishing is where the music business was 20 years ago. The writer as an artist, now has more control over their craft and their works. Although, the publishers I’ve worked with have been great, too. We, the writers, just have more options now.

TR: You’re absolutely right! Okay, if you had to choose the most important element in an author’s platform, what would it be?

HJ: Creativity. Creativity remains the most important element in writing. So many people get caught up in the mechanics of writing or in the latest writing trend that they forget to go with their creative spark. We are artists, not English teachers.

TR: Very well said…Now – what mistakes have you made in regards to publishing and marketing your work, and what will you do differently in the future?

HJ: There are too many mistakes to list in one interview. Let’s discuss this topic another day!

TR: Just means I’ll have to have you back for another interview – works for me. Do you have an idea for your next book?

HJ: Yes, thanks again for asking. I am working on Book 2 of Fables. It will be called Reconstruction of the Fables. Maybe you will invite me back in March and we’ll discuss it further. Thank you so much for speaking with me.

TR: It was my pleasure, Hunter, and you can bank on another visit. The best of luck with “Fables” and all your future writing, too.

That’s a wrap, folks. “Fables of the Reconstruction” is on Amazon, and it sounds fantastic. Why don’t you go get a copy today?

Tune in Tuesday, when I interview my pal C. T. Westing , author of “The Death of Wendell Mackey“. Be there!

 

 

 

Good morning, all! Today, my “Chatting with the Authors” segment is with Hunter S. Jones and Fables of the Reconstruction”…come join us!

Click on the cover to get it on Amazon!

Book Description:

Pomba Gira Mysticism. Creole Voodoo. The zombie apocalypse. Sex, drugs, magick. Paranormal erotica.

Meet Pierre von Minzle and Mary Moore. They are the Adam and Lilith, definitely not Adam and Eve, of today’s zombie apocalypse. Fables of the Reconstruction is a playful yet graphic sexual adventure consisting of what might have been, combined with what possibly might be happening now. It contains Pomba Gira mysticism, Creole voodoo and the seeds of the zombie apocalypse set in Victorian London’s notorious Whitechapel District. Sex, magick , zombies. This ain’t your daddy’s shotgun zombie story. Mature content warning.

TR: Hunter! Goooood morning. It’s great to have you on today

HJ: Good morning, Thomas. I’m happy to be here…

TR: Let’s start this party. How old were you when you wrote your first piece?

HJ: Thank you for asking Thomas. I have written my entire life. My first published work was covering an indie rock alternative act.

TR: A rock band, eh? What exactly was your work?

HJ: It was an article on a band from Atlanta. I wrote it for an alternative rock magazine. The genre would be basic rock journalism with a heavy dose of gonzo journalism, you know being there and becoming a part of the action.

TR: Kind of a writing roadie…cool…what made you write it?

HJ: I wrote the article because I got into the show for free, the article helped the band get exposure, plus I got free beer.

TR: HAH! There’s a winning combination, if I ever heard one. So, what have you written since then?

HJ: I have covered various topics, mainly fashion, rock and travel. Fables of the Reconstruction will be my first creative effort based solely on imagination. It is the first book I have ever written.

TR: Very cool! I didn’t realize…what was the inspiration for your it?

HJ: Fables was based on dreams. Once the characters made themselves known, they wouldn’t stop talking to me until I wrote the story. It’s surprising how many artists have the same experience.

TR: Yes, you’re not the first to tell me that. Well, tell us a little about it, and where it’s available.

HJ: Fables of the Reconstructionwill introduce you to Pierre von Minzle and Mary Moore. They are not Adam and Eve, they are the Adam and Lilith of today’s zombie apocalypse. ‘Fables of the Reconstruction’ is a playful yet graphic sexual adventure consisting of what might have been, combined with what possibly might be happening now. It contains Pomba Gira mysticism, Creole voodoo and the seeds of the zombie apocalypse set in Victorian London’s notorious Whitechapel District. Prostitution, drugs and alcohol are involved, as is Jack the Ripper and rock and roll. Sex, magick , zombies. This ain’t your daddy’s shotgun zombie story. Mature content warning – this book is not intended for anyone under 18.

TR: That does sound pretty gritty. Can’t wait to read it So besides dreaming, is there a particular place or setting where you get your writing ideas?

HJ: Great question. Most of my ideas appear in dreams, or come to me when I am in water. I also receive inspiration from music.

TR: That follows. What made you choose either traditional or independent publishing?

HJ: There was no choice. Being a fan of indie music, I had to go indie publishing. Everything is there for a writer to publish independently today. All you have to do is have your concept, write it and download it. Written publishing is where the music business was 20 years ago. The writer as an artist, now has more control over their craft and their works. Although, the publishers I’ve worked with have been great, too. We, the writers, just have more options now.

TR: You’re absolutely right! Okay, if you had to choose the most important element in an author’s platform, what would it be?

HJ: Creativity. Creativity remains the most important element in writing. So many people get caught up in the mechanics of writing or in the latest writing trend that they forget to go with their creative spark. We are artists, not English teachers.

TR: Very well said…Now – what mistakes have you made in regards to publishing and marketing your work, and what will you do differently in the future?

HJ: There are too many mistakes to list in one interview. Let’s discuss this topic another day!

TR: Just means I’ll have to have you back for another interview – works for me. Do you have an idea for your next book?

HJ: Yes, thanks again for asking. I am working on Book 2 of Fables. It will be called Reconstruction of the Fables. Maybe you will invite me back in March and we’ll discuss it further. Thank you so much for speaking with me.

TR: It was my pleasure, Hunter, and you can bank on another visit. The best of luck with “Fables” and all your future writing, too.

That’s a wrap, folks. “Fables of the Reconstruction” is on Amazon, and it sounds fantastic. Why don’t you go get a copy today?

Tune in Tuesday, when I interview my pal C. T. Westing , author of “The Death of Wendell Mackey“. Be there!

 

 

 

Good morning, all! Today, my “Chatting with the Authors” segment is with Hunter S. Jones and Fables of the Reconstruction”…come join us!

Click on the cover to get it on Amazon!

Book Description:

Pomba Gira Mysticism. Creole Voodoo. The zombie apocalypse. Sex, drugs, magick. Paranormal erotica.

Meet Pierre von Minzle and Mary Moore. They are the Adam and Lilith, definitely not Adam and Eve, of today’s zombie apocalypse. Fables of the Reconstruction is a playful yet graphic sexual adventure consisting of what might have been, combined with what possibly might be happening now. It contains Pomba Gira mysticism, Creole voodoo and the seeds of the zombie apocalypse set in Victorian London’s notorious Whitechapel District. Sex, magick , zombies. This ain’t your daddy’s shotgun zombie story. Mature content warning.

TR: Hunter! Goooood morning. It’s great to have you on today

HJ: Good morning, Thomas. I’m happy to be here…

TR: Let’s start this party. How old were you when you wrote your first piece?

HJ: Thank you for asking Thomas. I have written my entire life. My first published work was covering an indie rock alternative act.

TR: A rock band, eh? What exactly was your work?

HJ: It was an article on a band from Atlanta. I wrote it for an alternative rock magazine. The genre would be basic rock journalism with a heavy dose of gonzo journalism, you know being there and becoming a part of the action.

TR: Kind of a writing roadie…cool…what made you write it?

HJ: I wrote the article because I got into the show for free, the article helped the band get exposure, plus I got free beer.

TR: HAH! There’s a winning combination, if I ever heard one. So, what have you written since then?

HJ: I have covered various topics, mainly fashion, rock and travel. Fables of the Reconstruction will be my first creative effort based solely on imagination. It is the first book I have ever written.

TR: Very cool! I didn’t realize…what was the inspiration for your it?

HJ: Fables was based on dreams. Once the characters made themselves known, they wouldn’t stop talking to me until I wrote the story. It’s surprising how many artists have the same experience.

TR: Yes, you’re not the first to tell me that. Well, tell us a little about it, and where it’s available.

HJ: Fables of the Reconstructionwill introduce you to Pierre von Minzle and Mary Moore. They are not Adam and Eve, they are the Adam and Lilith of today’s zombie apocalypse. ‘Fables of the Reconstruction’ is a playful yet graphic sexual adventure consisting of what might have been, combined with what possibly might be happening now. It contains Pomba Gira mysticism, Creole voodoo and the seeds of the zombie apocalypse set in Victorian London’s notorious Whitechapel District. Prostitution, drugs and alcohol are involved, as is Jack the Ripper and rock and roll. Sex, magick , zombies. This ain’t your daddy’s shotgun zombie story. Mature content warning – this book is not intended for anyone under 18.

TR: That does sound pretty gritty. Can’t wait to read it So besides dreaming, is there a particular place or setting where you get your writing ideas?

HJ: Great question. Most of my ideas appear in dreams, or come to me when I am in water. I also receive inspiration from music.

TR: That follows. What made you choose either traditional or independent publishing?

HJ: There was no choice. Being a fan of indie music, I had to go indie publishing. Everything is there for a writer to publish independently today. All you have to do is have your concept, write it and download it. Written publishing is where the music business was 20 years ago. The writer as an artist, now has more control over their craft and their works. Although, the publishers I’ve worked with have been great, too. We, the writers, just have more options now.

TR: You’re absolutely right! Okay, if you had to choose the most important element in an author’s platform, what would it be?

HJ: Creativity. Creativity remains the most important element in writing. So many people get caught up in the mechanics of writing or in the latest writing trend that they forget to go with their creative spark. We are artists, not English teachers.

TR: Very well said…Now – what mistakes have you made in regards to publishing and marketing your work, and what will you do differently in the future?

HJ: There are too many mistakes to list in one interview. Let’s discuss this topic another day!

TR: Just means I’ll have to have you back for another interview – works for me. Do you have an idea for your next book?

HJ: Yes, thanks again for asking. I am working on Book 2 of Fables. It will be called Reconstruction of the Fables. Maybe you will invite me back in March and we’ll discuss it further. Thank you so much for speaking with me.

TR: It was my pleasure, Hunter, and you can bank on another visit. The best of luck with “Fables” and all your future writing, too.

That’s a wrap, folks. “Fables of the Reconstruction” is on Amazon, and it sounds fantastic. Why don’t you go get a copy today?

Tune in Tuesday, when I interview my pal C. T. Westing , author of “The Death of Wendell Mackey“. Be there!

 

 

 

Good morning, all! Today, my “Chatting with the Authors” segment at 8 a.m. is with Hunter S. Jones and “Tales of the Reconstruction”…come join us!

Click on the cover to get it on Amazon!

Book Description:

Pomba Gira Mysticism. Creole Voodoo. The zombie apocalypse. Sex, drugs, magick. Paranormal erotica.

Meet Pierre von Minzle and Mary Moore. They are the Adam and Lilith, definitely not Adam and Eve, of today’s zombie apocalypse. Fables of the Reconstruction is a playful yet graphic sexual adventure consisting of what might have been, combined with what possibly might be happening now. It contains Pomba Gira mysticism, Creole voodoo and the seeds of the zombie apocalypse set in Victorian London’s notorious Whitechapel District. Sex, magick , zombies. This ain’t your daddy’s shotgun zombie story. Mature content warning.

 

Good morning, all! Today, my “Chatting with the Authors” segment is with Andrea Buginsky, and her YA fantasy “Nature’s Unbalance”…come join us!

Click on the cover to get it on Amazon!

Book Description:

During a time of celebration for The Chosen, a mysterious force appears on Phantasma, threatening to destroy Nature and all of her creatures. Will The Chosen find and defeat this force, and save Nature before it’s too late?

TR: Good morning, Andrea, and welcome! I’m happy to finally have you.

AB: Good morning, Thomas. Thanks so much for having me.

TR: Let’s get this rolling. How old were you when you wrote your first piece?

AB: I was 12. It was an assignment for my sixth grade English class, and it was published in an anthology at the end of the year. Now that I think about it, that’s probably what sparked my interest in writing; but it took years for that spark to flame.

TR: Twelve? Man…what was it, and in what genre?

AB: It was an autobiographical piece about the time I fell of my bike and broke my arm. I was six-years-old, my bike was small, and I fell on the grass. But I still managed to break my arm!

TR: Very cute What have you written since then?

AB: Many school papers, articles for a magazine I created in high school called “Campus Woman,” aimed at young college girls, articles for my college’s newspaper, articles for a local paper, and then my first attempt at a novel, an adult romance, never finished first draft. I moved on to write “The Chosen,” which was published by Solstice Publishing earlier this year, “My Open Heart,” and “Nature’s Unbalance (The Chosen),”both also published by Solstice. I’m now working on editing “The Chosen: Book 3”, and the first draft of another YA novel.

TR: Ye gods, I’m suddenly tired. So, what was the inspiration for “The Chosen 2″?

AB: It’s the second in my YA series. I wanted to continue telling stories about The Chosen, and I came up with the idea to use natural elements (Nature herself) as the cause of the problem that needed to be solved.

TR: That sounds cool. Tell us a little about it, and where it’s available.

AB: “Nature’s Unbalance” is about Nature being affected by an evil being, which is causing her to not be able to perform the Winter Solstice. She’s trapped, and it’s causing havoc on Phantasma. The Chosen must seek out Nature and what’s causing her chaotic behavior, then save her.

It’s available in eBook and Print from the following vendors:

Solstice Publishing

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

TR: Very good…thank you. Is there a particular place or setting where you get your writing ideas?

AB: I get most of my ideas from other fantasy movies and books.

TR: Okay, so what made you choose either traditional or independent publishing?

I had the opportunity to pitch “The Chosen” to Solstice Publishing at the Muse Online Writers Conference two years ago. They liked it and offered me a contract. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from signing with a small, independent publisher, or having my book in electronic format only (at first). It turned out, I jumped on both bandwagons (independent publishing and eBooks) just as they were taking off, and I couldn’t be happier!

TR: The best of both worlds, eh? If you had to choose the most important element in an author’s platform, what would it be?

AB: A website. There’s nothing cooler than logging on to your favorite author’s website and seeing everything they’re involved in: their books, their upcoming events, recent activities, their blog…you get the picture.

TR: Absolutely, and I couldn’t agree more Now, what mistakes have you made in regards to publishing and marketing your work, and what will you do differently in the future?

AB: I didn’t get the word out enough about my books. Over the last couple of months, I’ve started to advertise it more across my social networking boards. In the future, I will do this starting before the book is published.

TR: Timing is everything, isn’t it? Do you have an idea for your next book?

AB: *laughing* I’m already editing book 3, have a concept for book 4, and am working on the first draft of another YA fantasy, not related to “The Chosen.”

TR: Okay, okay. I’m ready for a nap. Andrea, I really enjoyed having you. Thanks so much.

AB: I had fun! Thanks, Thomas…

TR: There you be, folks. Just a little bit about a very busy Andrea Buginsky and her books. Do yourself a favor – go out and get one or three today!

Tune in tomorrow, when I interview Hunter S. Jones, author of “Fables of the Reconstruction“. Be there!

 

 

 

Good morning, all! My “Chatting with the Authors” segment at 8 a.m. is with Andrea Buginsky, and her YA fantasy “Nature’s Unbalance”…come join us!

Click on the cover to get it on Amazon!

Book Description:

During a time of celebration for The Chosen, a mysterious force appears on Phantasma, threatening to destroy Nature and all of her creatures. Will The Chosen find and defeat this force, and save Nature before it’s too late?

 

Good morning, all! Today, my “Chatting with the Authors” interview is with Tina Traverse, author of the vampire thriller “Destiny of the Vampire”!

Click on the cover to get it on Amazon!

TR: Good morning, Tina, and welcome.

TT: Good morning, and thanks very much for having me.

TR: So, How old were you when you wrote your first piece?

TT: I was eight.

TR: What was it, and in what genre?

TT: I did my own take on the Good Samaritan of the Bible.

TR: What made you write it?

TT: This was one of my favourite stories of the Bible and I wanted to put a modern twist on it.

TR:What have you written since then?

TT: Oh my, this would be a long answer, since it has been 30 years since my first story.

But while I write in different genres, all the genres have a common theme, drama that always has a life lesson in the end. Currently I am staying with my supernatural theme after Destiny of the Vampire, this time with a witch who has the power to heal, heart, body and soul.

TR:What was the inspiration for your current book?

TT: I love vampires, particularly the Vampire Diaries/Twilight type, but I felt the market was being flooded with too many romantic vampires, so I decided to take the vampire, make him/her more human by having them deal with dark, debilitating secrets with all too human means, through addiction.

TR: Tell us a little about it, and where it’s available.

TT: Destiny of the Vampire centres around two brothers, Declan and Sebastian St. Clair who after their fishing sank during a vicious storm and watch their father sink with it, they wash up onto a deserted island where they meet the leader of the island who turn them into vampires. The brothers escape, and while they are free they travel the world and enjoy their new immortal lives. It is during this time a catastrophic event forces the brothers to numb out the pain of this event with human addictions. These addictions force them into trouble with the law, where they are sentenced to rehab. In rehab they are reunited with a woman(their therapist) from their past who helps them confront the pain and to heal from it. However, just as they think they find happiness, the leader of the island finds them and threatens to destroy them.

My book is available through three main websites Amazon, Barnes and Noble and the publisher Createspace I have links to all three on my website: http://ttraverse.wix.com/tinas-tales#!home/mainPage

TR: Is there a particular place or setting where you get your writing ideas?

TT: No, my ideas can come to be anywhere. In the living room while watching tv, in a dream, outside while playing with my boys. I even had another idea last night in the shower!

TR: What made you choose either traditional or independent publishing?

I chose indépendent publishing because after so many years of wanting to see my work in print and not getting anywhere with traditional publishing I gave up trying, though I never stopped writing. However, the desire for seeing my words in print never wavered so I decided to go with independent publishing to not only see my work in print but to share my stories with everyone and to truly become a writer.

TR: If you had to choose the most important element in an author’s platform, what would it be?

TT: The most important element in an author’s platform would be making sure that the reader is getting transported into a tale that they can truly get lost in, escape to. Become so engrossed with the story and the characters that it stays with them and maybe take away something good and positive.

TR: What mistakes have you made in regards to publishing and marketing your work, and what will you do differently in the future?

TT: This is my first experience with this so, the mistakes I made are plenty. First though I had an experienced editor friend of mine to edit the book, I did not have anyone else to beta read it to get what he may have missed, or especially what I did. By doing this I also left a few plot holes in the story that left certain sections thin. As for marketing while I had plenty of pre-orders locally, I am still navigating the different marketing methods, such as social media to properly market my book. In the future, now that I am apart of an excellent large circle writer group, where I take away large amounts of advice from experienced writers,who are in the same boat as me, I will use these resources to properly edit and polish my work and to properly market it.

TR: Do you have an idea for your next book?

TT: I have seven different story lines right now that are in different stages, that I am really excited about. For example I am now beginning to revisit a horror story that I wrote based on local folklore, to publish once it is all clean and shiny.

TR: Thanks Tina, and good luck with your book’s success. There you have it, friends. A bit of a glimpse into the writing life of Tina Traverse.

Tomorrow, tune in for my author interview with Brad Fleming.  Don’t miss it!

Good morning, all! Today, my “Chatting with the Authors” interview is with Tina Traverse, author of the vampire thriller “Destiny of the Vampire”!

Click on the cover to get it on Amazon!

TR: Good morning, Tina, and welcome.

TT: Good morning, and thanks very much for having me.

TR: So, How old were you when you wrote your first piece?

TT: I was eight.

TR: What was it, and in what genre?

TT: I did my own take on the Good Samaritan of the Bible.

TR: What made you write it?

TT: This was one of my favourite stories of the Bible and I wanted to put a modern twist on it.

TR:What have you written since then?

TT: Oh my, this would be a long answer, since it has been 30 years since my first story.

But while I write in different genres, all the genres have a common theme, drama that always has a life lesson in the end. Currently I am staying with my supernatural theme after Destiny of the Vampire, this time with a witch who has the power to heal, heart, body and soul.

TR:What was the inspiration for your current book?

TT: I love vampires, particularly the Vampire Diaries/Twilight type, but I felt the market was being flooded with too many romantic vampires, so I decided to take the vampire, make him/her more human by having them deal with dark, debilitating secrets with all too human means, through addiction.

TR: Tell us a little about it, and where it’s available.

TT: Destiny of the Vampire centres around two brothers, Declan and Sebastian St. Clair who after their fishing sank during a vicious storm and watch their father sink with it, they wash up onto a deserted island where they meet the leader of the island who turn them into vampires. The brothers escape, and while they are free they travel the world and enjoy their new immortal lives. It is during this time a catastrophic event forces the brothers to numb out the pain of this event with human addictions. These addictions force them into trouble with the law, where they are sentenced to rehab. In rehab they are reunited with a woman(their therapist) from their past who helps them confront the pain and to heal from it. However, just as they think they find happiness, the leader of the island finds them and threatens to destroy them.

My book is available through three main websites Amazon, Barnes and Noble and the publisher Createspace I have links to all three on my website: http://ttraverse.wix.com/tinas-tales#!home/mainPage

TR: Is there a particular place or setting where you get your writing ideas?

TT: No, my ideas can come to be anywhere. In the living room while watching tv, in a dream, outside while playing with my boys. I even had another idea last night in the shower!

TR: What made you choose either traditional or independent publishing?

I chose indépendent publishing because after so many years of wanting to see my work in print and not getting anywhere with traditional publishing I gave up trying, though I never stopped writing. However, the desire for seeing my words in print never wavered so I decided to go with independent publishing to not only see my work in print but to share my stories with everyone and to truly become a writer.

TR: If you had to choose the most important element in an author’s platform, what would it be?

TT: The most important element in an author’s platform would be making sure that the reader is getting transported into a tale that they can truly get lost in, escape to. Become so engrossed with the story and the characters that it stays with them and maybe take away something good and positive.

TR: What mistakes have you made in regards to publishing and marketing your work, and what will you do differently in the future?

TT: This is my first experience with this so, the mistakes I made are plenty. First though I had an experienced editor friend of mine to edit the book, I did not have anyone else to beta read it to get what he may have missed, or especially what I did. By doing this I also left a few plot holes in the story that left certain sections thin. As for marketing while I had plenty of pre-orders locally, I am still navigating the different marketing methods, such as social media to properly market my book. In the future, now that I am apart of an excellent large circle writer group, where I take away large amounts of advice from experienced writers,who are in the same boat as me, I will use these resources to properly edit and polish my work and to properly market it.

TR: Do you have an idea for your next book?

TT: I have seven different story lines right now that are in different stages, that I am really excited about. For example I am now beginning to revisit a horror story that I wrote based on local folklore, to publish once it is all clean and shiny.

TR: Thanks Tina, and good luck with your book’s success. There you have it, friends. A bit of a glimpse into the writing life of Tina Traverse.

Tomorrow, tune in for my author interview with a very special young lady. Raven Worrell, the ten year old who wrote a book to benefit her autistic brother Damien joins me for a little chat. Don’t miss it!