Character Days: Josey Starr from Josey's Mountain

Wow, I'm super busy with posts today!  This should be the last one today, honest.

Character Days: Josey Starr from Josey's Mountain

Tell me a little about yourself and the world you live in. 

I am a twenty-eight year old widower trying to keep my cattle ranch from going under.  Starr Ranch is nestled high in the rugged Blue Range Mountains of Eastern Arizona and right now I have a wolf problem.  I found a dead calf.  This isn't good at all.   I am alone, trying to manage a small herd and all this land by myself.  The mountain is beautiful but I beginning to think its haunted.

Lets jump right in, what's your most closely guarded secret?

I have never let go of my love for Hawk Marlow but I don't think I can trust him.

Tell us about your single most important memory.  What was it and how does it affect you now?

Hawk left me to make a name for himself in rodeo.

What type of person are you?  Are you a hero or do you shy away from conflict? 

I am discovering who I am right now, and I'm finding out I'm stronger than I anyone gave me credit for.

Do you have any hobbies, any special talents?

I love my horses and I love to cook

What sets you out from the crowd?  Like your talents, would I be able to spot you if I passed you by?

You might think, why is that pretty girl dressed like an off the range cowboy.

What's an ideal day for you?  

Waking up in Hawk's arms and watching while he cooks breakfast without a shirt on.  Then afterwards maybe we'll ride the horses to the creek and go fishing.  Of course, we'd probably do more than just fish.  

Do you have any one close?  Any friends or family of interest?

I wanted to be close to my brother but he's not interested.

What about your most prized possession?

My ranch.

Back to your story, what initially spurred your actions?  Everything had to start somewhere, so where's your beginning?

My life changed when Hawk left.  I didn't know what to do with myself.  I made a bad decision,(With my brother's help).   I will do this.  I'm stubborn.

Where do you think your future will lead?

A family.  I hope.

Author: Elle Marlow

You can buy the book here! 

Yes I Made That Dress: Wonder Woman

Aside from writing and doing character interviews, I actually have another huge hobby: making costumes.  These entries are meant to be image heavy, going through the different methods I use to make my costumes.  If you have questions about how I do any of it, feel free to ask! 

Some history:

I learned to sew originally back with my grandma as I was growing up.  I generally don't count sewing clothes onto Barbie dolls that I then had to cut off sewing, but I suppose it is, because it still involved a needle and thread.  In college I rediscovered it as something to keep my hands busy while I was waiting for RPG friends to post their lines.  And hey, I'd just been to an Anime Convention for the first time and I saw all these amazing costumes and I wanted to try it.   So now, I'm deep into it and completely lost in sewing and so happy ^__^.

Earlier this year, my partner of over 12 years decided to try her hand at designing a few dresses, hats and hoodies.  I've since made several of the hats and a couple of the hoodies, even sold a few.  So when the talk of Wonder Woman came up as a costume, it only made sense to go toward her sketch, rather then look at the normal and well known bathing suit.  So above is what she sketched.

In my history of making costumes, I've developed a specialty of making large ballgown dresses, because I have my own preferences for them on plus sized women.  That and, heck, they turn out so pretty I can't help but love them.  (I've also never really liked pants and to this day I royally suck at making them.)  So again, another point toward making this dress. 

Making the Dress

Queue derpy picture of me in my basement work area.  Next to me are all of my supplies for the dress: missing only thread, the red fabric for the top and the gold we used for the W.  You may not believe it, but this dress was made in about 2 days, and was super simple - but only because I've made about 20 or so ballgowns before.

I use store bought patterns and I've never learned how to draft my own.  I am slowly learning how to draft them with stuffed animals, but it'll be a WHILE before I get up to clothing status.  In the meantime, I have a collection of patterns from all different brands which I mix and match for specific pieces.  For this one in particular I used a Simplicity pattern for corsets and petticoats.  I honestly only used the large skirt piece and added length and an extra panel to it, so I could make sure the dress fit around the massive hoop skirt we already have.  

I cut out the panels and sewed them together, then also did the same with the patterned part of the skirt which was quilting cotton she picked out.  Made ruffles with the standard method and finally pinned it around my dress form to make sure it would all fit around the hoop skirt and looked right. 

The middle front triangle is not actually attached, it's meant to tuck into place each time so I don't screw up the elastic that the skirt is on.  I also did this so I can easily repair it if needed, since it was my first time trying the white star badges.  The main skirt and patterned one are attached - because the less pieces to put on during the convention, the less of a chance I'll forget to pack pieces ^_^;;;

Next came a trick I'd seen on a lot of wedding dresses that I wanted to try.  I sewed four wrinkles into the dress - and I don't know their technical name.  Basically just bunched up the fabric where I wanted and sewed it in place so it comes out with this awesome folding pattern.  We considered adding more, but it seemed like a bit much with the triangle piece above.  So I've filed that away to try on another dress in the future.  I'm very happy with how this came out and how super fancy I think the skirt looks.  Not bad for about a day and a half of work!

The top was done on stretchable jersey fabric, with the golden patterned fabric found in a clearance isle.  It's got this awesome rippled pattern on it that I love.  I have a not-so-secret love for adding patterns on my large dresses because I think it looks even more fancy then just flat colors.  This is totally a leftover from making so many Gankutsuou cosplays in the past, and I have no intention on stopping.

Above, you can see that I cut out the W and pinned it place, then marked the lines to sew.  I used the quilting applique technique and made sure both fabrics stretched in the same way.  The result is a top that is actually a sleeve for her corset, so she can just slide it on and off and it'll match the shape the corset makes.  This is my fix for not wanting to buy a new corset for this costume, because I'm cheap/creative like that. 

And so, ta dah!  Here is the finished dress with her posing down in my work area.  I have to work on tucking it a bit better around the waist when I help her get it on, but we're both super happy with it, even though it deviated a little from her sketch.  She approved of all the changes and even liked that I added all the ruffles to it.  (Obviously before the con it'll be ironed out so it looks better, no worries!)

Bonus Cosplay: Wonder Girl!

In making the top of the main dress I realized that I'd bought a heck of a lot more red then I needed (this is a thing for me, see those cabinents behind her?  It's all scrap fabric, oops!)  So this time, instead of cutting it and just tossing it in a pile, I asked if she wanted me to make it into a dress.  With the go ahead I had her put on the corset and then pinned the dress around her until it looked right.  Took it off and sewed up the spots I pinned and here's what we got.  We added the lasso for a bit more detail on the side so the folds didn't look so unintentionally messy.  So now she can do her own little transformation sequence at the con from Wonder Woman to Wonder Girl!

These costumes will be premiered at CONvergence 2014.  If you're going, look us up!  I hope to have my costume done too, but that's for another entry....

Crisis - And the Ending that Pissed Me Off

Spoiler Alert! 

I never thought I'd be writing this.  Up until recently I'm one of those TV watchers who will fight tooth and nail for shows where the whole season is a contained plot.  Series like Dark Angel, American Horror Story and even 24 and Lost were my favorites because there was a very specific plot that the show followed and none of the episodes could be missed or thrown away, everything was integral to the plot.

Now, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the other formats out there where it's not so specific, I love those too.  Arrow, Supernatural, sitcoms and so on are good too but they're not my favorite.  There you know the basic premise and while there is usually an overarching plot, it's spaced out with 'filler' and 'daily monster' eps that are tied in with a simple small plot point to make it all work.  (Incidentally anime tends to do this too, so it's one I'm familiar with).  But the shows I'm talking about are different and not this style.

The show I'm specifically talking about is Crisis and the mess that was the ending.

Crisis is a action thriller that could have easily been made into a movie, but was instead turned into a tv show that allowed them to better explore the characters and ideas.  The premise?  At the elite school where all of the children of important people from the US attend, the children are taken hostage and the kidnappers aren't asking for money, instead they want these powerful parents to do tasks to get their children back. It's often said in the series "How far would you go to see your child again?"

In the beginning I loved the show!  It's action packed, smart and has quite a few characters that were well explored.  The main pair of agents trying to track down the children are played by a woman and POC, which gives great bonus points to the show, and it deals really well with the humanity of the situation.  You learn secrets about the characters and their motivations and there's a host of strong female characters that really make me want to hunt down a novelization or fanfiction to see them in action more.

I was all gung-ho about watching this series every week on Hulu, eagerly awaiting the next episode and it didn't disappoint - until the ending where the show seriously decided to kick all of its fans to the curb and abandon you there with nothing.

My first problem with the series was the main badguy: Francis Gibson.

In the series, Gibson is the mastermind of everything - and that's not a spoiler because you learn that early on.  From the beginning I was stuck on his story, watching him and his notebook as he played everyone around him like puppets on well crafted strings.  He had a plan for everything, he anticipated everything because he was ex-CIA and he was going to get what he wanted: his daughter.

In a long, convoluted plot that unfolded, Gibson planned this entire thing to get back the affections of his daughter, who doesn't live with him anymore and can't really stand to even look at his face.  In true teenager fashion she has better things to worry about, and those don't include her poor dad.  The evolution of his character and her being manipulated back into caring for him was actually masterfully written and part of what kept me glued to the show (along with the two agents tracking down the children).

Where the character and story started to fall apart was in the ending.  Gibson is shown as being two very different people, which I can accept.  He portrays a meek and unsure father in front of his daughter and an evil mastermind as he pulls his puppet strings.  The problem is, that toward the end of the series he couldn't decide who he was.  He had moments in the show where the writers started to portray him as having two separate personalities rather then two facades, and that felt awkward, especially since it was really only during the season finale.  I'm fine with a character having two personalities, but if that was the intent, then he needed to show more signs of that throughout the entire show, not just at the end.  It felt like a cop out, like some last ditch effort to make us care about the bad guy - which didn't work at all.  It portrayed him as an out of control idiot, which the rest of the show had clearly shown him not to be.

The other problem was the ending itself.  At the very end of the series, they discover Gibson is behind everything and get the children back.  But suddenly there's another scheme, because Gisbon's daughter is kidnapped by an angry parent and suddenly there's all this spy equipment that Gibson had under a floor and two guards that double cross him to go to Tahiti (never mentioned before) and text messages and another plot using the children instead of the parents... the show pulls out it's box of future plot ideas and they explode in your face on screen, all happening at once.   The result is a season finale in disarray, destroying the series, portraying characters in ways you would never expect them to act and an ending scene that leaves no one satisfied - whether the series will have a second season or not.

The point of the season finale is to tie up the loose ends from the season and then throw in a couple clues  as to what is coming next.  Cancelled show or not (and yes, this one was sadly cancelled halfway through first season) the ending episode should NOT be an orgy of half finished and rushed plot ideas that act as a middle finger to the network saying "Here's what we were going to do!  Your loss!", and slamming the door and walking out.

Something like that helps no one, and even makes watchers like me regret spending our time on the series.  Now, all the character building of these amazingly smart and intelligent characters is gone.  There's no closure, there's not answer to any questions and you've ended the movie by burning down the theater around the confused patrons with no warning or explanation.

Seriously, learn how to go out with grace like Firefly, or simply go out apologetically by sticking to your guns with a cliffhanger like Dark Angel.  Neither of those shows deserved to be cancelled, but they took what they were given and transformed it into something still awesome.  Firefly still has their fandom in tact (maybe more so) and has comics and the story continues.  Dark Angel got novel tie-ins that nicely closed up the story and left us with an ending that is satisfying, if not still tragically short.

In this day and age of binge watching, most new shows aren't lasting past a season any more and writers should take that into account.  Give your watchers an ending and a hook for next season.  Give them something small to make them want to petition Netflix to continue your series or at least write the fanfiction your series deserves.  Don't make the series explode at us, we don't appreciate it. Future seasons aren't guarantee, so please, respect your fans, because we can try our damnedest to bring back and continue the stories we care about.  Something like this... yeah, good riddance.  I'll happily watch something else next season and completely forget about you.

Character Days: Harriet Wright from the Dawn of Steam Trilogy

Character Days: Harriet Wright from the Dawn of Steam Trilogy

Tell me a little about yourself and the world you live in.  

Well, apparently it's possible that a world could be such where all the trouble in the colonies /didn't/ settle down (maybe without George III's Very Unfortunate Airship Accident, it wouldn't have, though that's a dreadful thing to say, I know!) and we /didn't/ give Napoleon a good thrashing with the latest Oxford technology -- and all of Cousin James's clever ideas for where exactly you use a steam-powered battle suit. But I'm from Virginia Colony, and everything's quite normal there.

Tell us your most closely guarded secret.

What? But they sai -- oh, that's a joke, isn't it? See, I'm getting much better at these polished, subtle-type jokes. I'd certainly have to talk to James and Jillian before I actually told a thing like that!

Tell us about your single most important memory.  What was it and how does it affect you now?

Don't make me choose between first seeing the new 1810 tractor installation and my first day of the London Season!

What type of person are you?  Are you a hero or do you shy away from conflict?  

Oh, well, we've got quite enough heroism in the family already, but I go along, just to help.

Do you have any hobbies, any special talents?

Well I can overhaul an -- oh, wait, that's Best Not Talked About. I'm the second-best birdhouse builder in Northumberland County. That's not unladylike, right? Birdhouses are artistic.

And in that line, what would be your ideal day?  

I just want to go to a proper genteel party and not have anything Go Wrong. No hair all wrong, no crumbs, no spills, no dropped fans, no assassination attempts -- just dancing and conversation and nice young gentlemen!

Do you have anyone close to you, any family or friends of interest?

Well, my cousins, James and Jillian, of course, and back home, Mother, Daddy, and my brothers. And everyone on the crew of the Dame Fortuna are just lovely people ... to one extent or another ... mostly.

What is your most prized possession?

Oh, I could never decide between all the lovely things I've gotten since coming to live with Jillian. She's got the most exquisite taste, you know.

What initially spurred your actions in this story?  Obviously it had to start somewhere for you; give us an idea of where that starting point is and where it all started.

Oh, it all really starts before this expedition, for me, back during the war, when James and Jillian came to visit in Virginia and run a few tests on the battle suit, and well ... things happened. We all decided Jillian needed a Lady's Companion anyway, and I went with them. I stayed on after the war, and now we've got this new thing proving the impossible and all.

How do you envision your future?

If we survive this whole trip, then when we get the last round of heroes' welcomes in London, there's sure to be plenty of eligible young gentlemen. I'm not going back to the farm.

Tell us where we can read more about you?

Dawn of Steam: First Light, and all the ones to come.

Author: Jeffrey Cook
Buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Dawn-Steam-First-Light-Volume/dp/149427650X/
and  https://www.createspace.com/4541962

Author's blog or website: 

www.dawnofsteam.net

https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.cook.54390

https://www.facebook.com/dawnofsteamtrilogy

Would you like one of your characters interviewed on my blog?  Let me know with a comment or you can visit my easy form and fill out the questions yourself.  I look forward to reading about your character!

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Jessica Walsh is urban fantasy author who lives in Minnesota with her partner Briana Lawrence. 

You can purchase their first book together Seeking the Storyteller on Amazon and other online retailers. 

Briana Lawrence also has a collection of solo books listed on their website and you can often times find them in costume at anime conventions around the US.  

For more information about their books, costumes and crafts, please visit our website: Sewn Together Reflections

Character Days: Valerie Fortson from Valerie's Retreat

Character Days: Valerie Fortson from Valerie's Retreat

Tell me a little about yourself and the world you live in.  

I am NOT a Cougar; well, I am a Cougar, but not like you see on Reality TV. My boyfriend is sixteen years younger than me, but I’m not a predator trying to conquer young men like you see on reality shows. I went to a church dance, met Franco, fell in love, and we committed a little felony together. Maybe I jumped ahead too far. I’m living a regular life, probably a lot like yours. I’m a head teller at a bank, just fell madly in love, and my female boss is sexually harassing me. My childhood, was, well, uhm, kind of rough, so I don’t handle conflict well, especially not in the workplace.

As for my world, Franco and I hurry out of Louisville, Kentucky, and go to another country…

Tell us your most closely guarded secret?

I will NOT get into a long sob session about religious fanatics that made my childhood so hard. I think the book covers this aspect in far too much detail. While I read it, I skipped those parts. Anyway, I don’t even talk about my secret with myself.

Tell us about your single most important memory.  What was it and how does it affect you now?

Funny when you asked that question I remembered an event from eighth grade. Eighth grade? Once you’re an adult, who cares what happened in eighth grade? You’ll have to read the incident for yourself, but let me say, “Being one of the cool kids, even for a short time, totally rocked!”

What type of person are you?

I, Valerie Fortson, am an optimistic person and will always be an optimist. The felony was kind of necessary, but I knew it would lead to a better life. Maybe you wouldn’t have reacted this way, but I’m sure it’ll work out for Franco and me.

Do you have any hobbies, any special talents?

Is being likeable considered a talent? At the bank I was great at selling checking, savings, and CD accounts. This place where Franco and I ran to, we opened our own business, a marina. We’re doing great with it! I guess I’m a good getting people to relate to me.

  

And in that line, what would be your ideal day?  

Reality TV makes all of us older women who have younger men look like petty, sex-addicted predators. That’s not the case with me, however; my ideal day begins with waking next to Franco and enjoying the fruits of his loins. After a leisurely breakfast we’d travel the countryside of our new land, stopping at ancient ruins. Franco is a doctoral candidate in Archeology, so he would be my tour guide of the civilization that inhabited these lands so long ago. After a full day of history, wine, and picnics, we’d return to bed.

Do you have anyone close to you, any family or friends of interest?

Family is a sore spot with me. You’ll have to read Valerie’s Retreat to find out why I never discuss them, not even with Franco.

What is your most prized possession?

My marina! Actually, our marina, but owning the marina was my idea. I’ve always wanted to own one since I was a little girl. That may sound odd, but dreams don’t have to make sense, right?

What initially spurred your actions in this story.  Obviously it had to start somewhere for you, give us an idea of where that starting point is and where it all started.

The felony came about (I assume that’s what you’re referring to) because we didn’t have any other options. I had to get away. It took all the nerve I had, but we made it out. I don’t really like discussing negative things. We felt trapped, but I latched onto our plan as a lifeline. We not only survived, but we’re thriving in our new country!

How do you envision your future? 

The happily-ever-after has already begun! I fully believe we’ll never get caught. You’ll have to decide for yourself if you believe that once you finish the book.

Tell us where we can read more about you.

Valerie’s Retreat is the only book about me. You probably think that having someone write a book about you would be great. It not as terrific as it sounds. This book has too much about me. I think I’m a good person, but I think the way this book is written you might, possibly, argue that I’m not. If I had written this book, you would’ve loved me! LOL

Author: Joseph M. Rinaldo

Buy link: (ebook) http://www.amazon.com/Valeries-Retreat-Joseph-Rinaldo-ebook/dp/B00GCWNOQM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1390826759

Buy Link: (paperback) http://www.amazon.com/Valeries-Retreat-Joseph-M-Rinaldo/dp/1492762628/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1390826759&sr=8-1

Author's blog or website: http://www.josephmrinaldo.com

Valerie’s Retreat Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKXY54oD_gg

I understand people are hesitant to give independent authors a chance. Some of the indie stuff IS really bad. If Valerie’s Retreat interests you, please go to the free "Click to Look Inside" and sample the first chapter. If a book grabs you that quick, you'll probably be glad you got it. Also, if you are in a book club that reads one of my books, I'd be honored to join your discussion. Feel free to contact me through Facebook or my website, www.josephmrinaldo.com.

Other books by Joseph M Rinaldo:

                              

Monday Special: Cover Reveal - Dark Rainbow's End

I have a special treat for this Monday - an awesome cover reveal for a fellow author!

Dark Rainbow's End is the third book in The Star Circle Trilogy and will be available soon!  You can also check out information about the other books in the series below:

At the Dark’s gathering the Nine shall stand. Circle of Light, Hope of the land . . .
Robyn and Aerin have been down this road before as they hunt for the other seven Starbearers who will once more drive back the Darkness that wishes to unravel civilization and drive mankind back into howling barbarism.
Silar and his silver-eyes, the soulless minions of that Darkness, dog their steps, trying to hinder them and force them to doubt.
Death is easy. Silar wants the star bearers broken--unable to fulfill their duties and shatter the Circle, allowing the Darkness to win.
Robyn and Aerin think they've outsmarted the Darkness once before, but they discover that Silar's plans have been much more complex and far-reaching than they'd ever believed.

The first book in The Star Circle trilogy.

When evil passes through the very shadows, is anywhere in the world safe?

Aerin and James hunt for answers and aid, searching not only to cure a shadow born plague, but healing for the heart and mind of the young Sylvie. Ghosts of the past haunt their nights and the stars slide ever closer to alignment.

Robyn and Demar’s hope hinges on the Mirror Maker’s looking glasses. They pray to see a hint of plan, a clear direction. A murderer drops bodies at their feet, staining their names, and suspicion dogs their steps. Evil twists the hearts of mankind and doubt plants its devious seeds.

While the ultimate Darkness prepares to take a hand in the coming battle, and a traitor walks among them, the final star bearers heed the call to stand at a point of The Star Circle and save the world.

The Second Book in The Star Circle Trilogy

About the Author: Rebecca L. Frencl

I write, I teach, I'm a union rabble rouser . . . I get work with kids on a daily basis which makes me feel simultaneously very young and extremely old. I grew up on choose your own adventure books, the Dungeons and Dragons cartoon, and polyhedral dice. So, I write fantasy and paranormal romance. It's an eclectic mix, but that's what I love to read. I'm a very firm believer that there is no such thing as someone who doesn't like to read. They just haven't found the right book yet!

2012 Ribbons of Moonlight—Best Romance Novel, Solstice Publishing Contest

2014 Author of the Year—Solstice Publishing

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Prism-Circle-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00DHV4690/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379616124&sr=1-2

http://www.amazon.com/Ribbons-of-Moonlight-ebook/dp/B004NNUZQY/ref=pd_sim_b_3

Contact Me:

Blog: Not All Who Wander Are Lost

http://rebeccalfrencl.blogspot.com/

Facebook Fan Page:

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=115163871892050&__user=1475707543

Character Days: Grace Hathaway from The Falling Series

As I promised, here's the second interview for this week!

Character name: Grace Hathaway

Book(s) name: The Falling of Love, The Falling of Grace and The Falling of Hope

Tell me a little about yourself and the world you live in.   

I’m seventeen years old, almost eighteen, and I just moved to Los Angeles, CA with my fiancé Ian. He’s a singer in a rock band and it’s his dream to make a living playing his music. We moved in to this amazing Victorian house with his best friend Jaden and his grandfather. I’m an artist and I hope that when I graduate high school I’ll be able to study art in college. I’m tall, blonde, and I have bright green eyes.

Tell us your most closely guarded secret?

I have two. My boyfriend Ian has a huge problem and I’m really beside myself on how to deal with it. It’s the most difficult situation I’ve ever been in. It’s literally breaking my heart.

I also, kinda, okay not kinda, I really think Jaden is hot, but I’m in love with Ian, so it’s really no big deal.

Tell us about your single most important memory.  What was it and how does it affect you now?

This is hard for me. I hate talking about it, but a very important memory is the day that my parents died. I remember the sheriff came to our door and I knew something was wrong right away.  It’s affected me in so many ways. I always think the worst when I don’t hear from someone I love, like the time Ian didn’t talk to me for days, I thought something awful had happened, and I tend to push my emotions aside.

What type of person are you?  Are you a hero or do you shy away from conflict?  

I hate conflict! I just want everything and everyone happy and easy going. The last conflict I had was with my brother James and it was awful.

And in that line, what would be your ideal day?  

Anytime I’m with Ian, as long as he’s acting like himself, is a good day for me. Doesn’t matter if we’re laying on his bed or out to dinner. He’s my everything.

Do you have anyone close to you, any family or friends of interest?

Ian is amazing. He’s the epitome of a rock God. He’s so loving and such a gentlemen. I know Ian will always protect me. He’s had a hard life, but he really tries to go through life NOT letting it affect him. My sister Michelle is a nut! She’ll always say whatever is on her mind. She’s beautiful and full of confidence. Sometimes I wish I were more like her. Jaden should’ve been born in the nineteen seventies. Even the way he speaks is smooth. He’s probably the most interesting dresser that I know.

What is your most prized possession?

A ring that Ian gave me. It’s simple, but I adore it.

What initially spurred your actions in this story.  Obviously it had to start somewhere for you, give us an idea of where that starting point is and where it all started.

It all started the day Ian walked into math class. My world hasn’t been the same since that day. My current situation started shortly after we moved here (L.A.).

How do you envision your future? 

I would love to be married to Ian. It would be great if we could get our own house and I would open a studio where I worked and sold my art. That would be amazing!

Tell us where we can read more about you? 

The Falling of Love is where you’ll meet me and go through love and heartache with me.

In book two, The Falling of Grace, I’m in my early twenties and once again my life is turned upside down. (Coming soon)

The Falling of Hope is the last book in my story and I’m in my thirties, facing new and difficult situations. Will I ever be happy?

Author: Marisa Oldham

Buy link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Falling-Love-Series-ebook/dp/B00CHYP9ZI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400728480&sr=8-1&keywords=marisa+oldham

  

Author's blog or website: http://thefallingseries.blogspot.com

Book Blurb

You will never forget your first date, your first kiss, or your first love. You'll also never forget how it felt when it was torn apart.

Seventeen-year old Grace Hathaway does not give much thought to falling in love, until the day that Ian Taylor, rebel and misfit walks into her math class. From their first conversation, Grace is mesmerized by Ian's charisma and rock star façade.

Ian Taylor, a seventeen-year old kid from the wrong side of the tracks tries to ignore the feelings he has for Grace, but is captured by her caring, non-judgmental personality from the moment they meet. Grace becomes Ian's everything and there is nothing he will not do for her. Hurting her was never part of his plan.

“The Falling of Love” will take you on a sweet, emotional journey of two young adults falling in love for the first time, and then tear your heart apart when that love is threatened by dishonesty and betrayal.

Reviews for “The Falling of Love”:

“This book was emotionally wrenching and really pulls at you. You get angry, you get furious and you definitely feel sad, but you also feel and see the love between Marisa's characters and you see the confusion her characters are experiencing because of the various hurdles. This is a book you don't want to miss!! The ending is in a word ... POWERFUL!!! I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it and will definitely be in my to be read again list!”

“The reality of the story was intense and the emotions that it stirred were immense. Looking forward to more from this author!”

The Falling of Love is the first novel in a series of novels that will follow Grace Hathaway's life and personal struggles. Everyone has a beginning to their story and an end...

This is the beginning of Grace's story.