Guest Post: An Interview with a Vampire

 

Dante is the brother of one of the main characters, Charlie Cross.  He has a small part in book one of the series, but is a crucial turning point in book two.  Dante has asked if he can interview the author, Judy Serrano. Here’s what he had to say.

 

Mrs. Serrano, why didn’t you give me a bigger part in Linked? I wanted to be a more important part of Daphne’s life.

  

Dante, when I write a book, I start with a basic idea. When I sit down at my MacBook, whatever happens is totally the idea of the characters. You were a delightful surprise.

       

Well that doesn’t make me feel any better. I was the hero. Why didn’t I get the girl?

  

I understand your frustration. But don’t worry. In book two you will certainly be the star.

 

Why did you make Charlie a gangster? Was it really necessary to bring organized crime into it?

  

I am actually pretty familiar with this storyline. Easter’s Lilly, which is the first novel of my last series, is all about the Mafia and its effects on the lives of the innocent. I thought it would be a unique and fun added touch.

 

I guess I understand. I liked the way my character fit into that scenario. Now, you are the author, so you know all… Does Daphne love me? Sometimes it’s hard to tell.

  

You and Daphne have a special relationship. Both Charlie and Heathcliff are better for it. You easily became my favorite. That’s all I’m going to say about that.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me. I am really excited about book two. Can’t wait to see what happens to me next.

  

It promises to keep you on your toes. Even you, Dante, will surprise yourself.

 

Book Info: 

 

Title: Linked

Author: Judy Serrano

Genre: Suspense/Thriller with a Twist

Synopsis: Daphne Foster is a substitute teacher stuck in an English class, waiting for that dreaded parent-teacher conference. With much preparation and anxiety, she encounters the unforgettable Charlie Cross. His charm and good looks, win her over but rumors of his involvement with organized crime make his continued disappearances disturbing. In walks Heathcliff Vanderpool, creating a love triangle of unusual sorts. Unknown to Daphne, Heathcliff and Charlie are old friends: Older than she could have imagined. With Charlie away on business, Daphne and Heathcliff discover a passion between them lying beneath the surface. As their souls link, pulling away from Charlie becomes next to impossible. Will his involvement in organized crime consume them both before she’s able to get free? When you become “linked,” the choice may not be your own.

Author Bio: Judy Serrano graduated from Texas A&M University, Commerce with a BA in English. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Dallas Area Romance Authors. She is a substitute teacher at the local school district and writes for various on-line publications. She is the author of Easter's Lilly, Brother Number Three, Relatively Close and Memoirs of a Mobster, which are romantic thrillers and part of The Easter’s Lilly Series.Judy currently resides in Texas with her husband, four children (all boys) and five dogs. She is also a singer/songwriter in her spare time.

Author web links: 

WEBSITE: www.JudySerrano.com

BLOG : www.JudySerranoAuthor.com

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/#!/authorjserrano

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JudySerranoAuthor?ref=ts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4792103.Judy_Serrano

Purchase Links:

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Judy-Serrano/e/B004YRGTYG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1360266695&sr=1-2-ent

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Judy-Serrano?store=allproducts&keyword=Judy+Serrano

The Radio Murders: The Collectors

The Radio Murders: The Collectors by Chuck Collins jumps right into the action from page one. Sometimes this is a great storytelling tactic, but I found it unsavory in The Radio Murders. It was a little hard to follow and I felt lost for a bit. I also found this novel to be a little too adult for my taste: lots of vulgarity in language as well as sex scenes. Aside from that, I found the story enjoyable, yet hard to follow with too many indistinct characters. It was a very tangled web of deceit  mystery and action. It was intriguing, mysterious, and action packed. It ends with a cliffhanger, making the reader want to know what happens next. Unfortunately, this reader won't be finding out. It's an okay book, but not for me. 2 Stars. 

I am a book tour host with CM Book Tours: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book for the purpose of review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Bondehagen Wedding

On August 1st, Natalie, one of my best friends, married her sweetheart, Erik Bondehagen. They were married in the Timpanogas Temple and I was lucky enough to be able to attend their ceremony. It was actually a little crazy: the Sunday before the wedding I realized that my temple recommend would expire on July 31st, so I had a rush to get it renewed before Thursday! Then, we're at the temple, and it hadn't been activated yet! Luckily, they were able to confirm that it was a real recommend & let me in. 

Emily watched Ellie during the ceremony & left some cute pictures on my phone. 

Dinner up Provo Canyon.

Me and the beautiful bride. 

Four Months

Little Miss Ellie is now four months and a weekish! At her appointment last week, she weighed in at 13lbs 11oz and measured 25in. We've just put away all her 0-3 mo outfits and now she's in 3-6 mo. She's getting pretty good at entertaining herself and playing with her toys for a few minutes at a time without me or Cass. 

 

She loves her Mickey Mouse rattle best, and she loves sitting and playing in her super seat at Grandma's. We've ordered a similar one for her to have at home and can't wait til it gets here! 

Ellie has everyone wrapped around her little finger (especially her grandparents!) and we just love her so much (even if she's a sucky sleeper!)! She's getting bigger and more fun every day! 

An Elemental Thing

I initially read An Elemental Thing by Eliot Weinberger as assigned reading for a non-fiction class in college. It is in a short-story/prose format, with each piece able to stand on its own. I didn't find the reading to be quite poetry, nor do I ever really find myself liking poetry, but it was more like "Interesting Facts Weinberger Knows (and now you do, too)", which was okay by me. It's a fairly easy, semi-quick read, and I liked learning all the random facts. But at the same time, It wasn't especially meaningful. It isn't necessarily a book I'd recommend, but it's not a book I'd stop anyone from reading, and it's not a waste of time. So, three stars. 

The 4th of July

We spent the 4th of July at my parents house. We got up bright and early to go watch Matthew play the cymbals in the Provo Parade.

We hung out at home during the day, then the cousins came over and we barbecued for dinner. That night Dad and Matt set off some fireworks in the driveway and then we watched more fireworks from the patio.

The Great McCoy Weekend

Two weekends ago was our Great McCoy weekend. Cassidy's Grandpa Harry had his 75th birthday and a lot of family came out to help celebrate. On Saturday, Harry was given the best present of all as he baptized his younger sister. It was really neat to be at the baptism. Everyone was very excited ad a little emotional to see Ann be baptised. 

That night there was a "luau" to celebrate Grandpa Harry's birthday. The Soaki family made us a yummy dinner and then performed for us. 

Sunday we had more festivities. Ann was confirmed in church and we barbecued for dinner. It was a fun weekend! 

Ellie loved being the center of attention!