Think of the Rhinos

White rhino relaxing with a friend.

According to Fight for Rhinos, it actually helps keep wildlife poaching down when people actively write and share about the problem on social media!

So of course I'm doing my part to keep rhinos, my favorite creatures, who happen to be in critical danger, in the public eye.

Here's some great news: Vietnam now admits that rhino horn DOES NOT cure cancer. In fact, rhino horn has no medicinal properties at all — that can't be overemphasized!

In other news, there are probably only about 30 Javan rhinos left on planet Earth. Actually, the video at this Kickstarter project to photograph them before they're gone explains it all. I decided to support this project, despite the strange sensation that this man is looking to cash in on the Javan rhino's rarity. I would really like to have some pictures of these rhinos if we just can't have them on the planet much longer. To be totally honest, I wish I could be a part of such an amazing expedition! So by getting the updates, I'll live vicariously. As of this blogging, the project has a good chance to get funded, so take a look and enjoy!

And keep sharing about rhinos!

Meet My Main Character Blog Hop

One of my favorite authors, Kim Rendfeld, tagged me in the Meet My Main Character Blog Hop. I’m taking the opportunity to introduce Mudarra on the Seven Noble Knights site. Right here, meet the narrator from my current work-in-progress, the final book in the Providence Trilogy.

1) What is the name of your character? Is she fictional or a historic person?

Patricia (don’t call her Trish!) Blundt, PsyD, is a fictional character with many traits of people I’ve met in real life, including myself.

2) When and where is the story set?

The story takes place in present-day Providence, Rhode Island, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. In this version of one of my favorite cities in the world, there are three types of people with special talents aside from the rest of us: telekinetics (who can move objects with their minds), pyrokinetics (firestarters), and psychics. These Talents were discovered in the mid-1800’s and suffer varying degrees of training and oppression from government agencies now.

3) What should we know about Patricia?

Patricia is the court-assigned therapist of Emily, the narrator of the first story in the trilogy. Patricia is especially good at her job because she’s a psychic and can more or less read her patients’ minds. However, Patricia has never registered with the government, and has kept the secret from everyone in her life.

4) What is the main conflict? What messes up her life?

Patricia is conflicted about whether to tell her husband she’s an unregistered psychic. If she did, it would correct a lot of misconceptions he has about her, but she’s afraid he’ll report her and she could be punished. Secondly, Patricia is mystified because, unlike all her other patients, she can’t read Emily’s mind. It goes deeper than Emily’s intractable personality disorder.

5) What is her personal goal?

Patricia wants to maintain her professional record, and genuinely to help Emily, so cracking her case is a top priority. She also wants to reach out to her husband, but goes about it in a passive manner. It all leads to an explosive finale befitting the zany-serious tenor of the entire trilogy.

6) Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?

The working title is “Friendship is a One-Way Street.” That’s a “thing” in Providence (search "Mad Peck Providence Poster"), because there is a Friendship Street in the DownCity area, and parts of it are indeed one-way. I thought it was appropriate for the isolation Patricia feels because of her sensitivity. She can be a great friend because of her Talent, but who could ever really know her?

You can read more about the other stories in the Providence Trilogy here, here and here.

7) When can we expect the book to be published?

I’m almost certain I’ll self publish the Providence Trilogy. I need to revise the first two and complete and revise this third story before going into “production” mode on them, so I’m projecting 2015. Sooner if I can manage it! These strange stories are eager to be read and to find just the right readers.

If you like historical fiction, be sure to check out these authors who’ve already introduced their main characters, all in their own way:

Kim Rendfeld

Tinney Heath

Lisa J. Yarde

Alana White

Jess Wells

Happy Cinco de Rhino!

One reason rhinoceroses are especially celebrated on 5/5 is that there are now five distinct species of rhinoceros in the world. Sadly, some are barely hanging on and all the species come closer to extinction every day. Some estimates give us, the crazy humans, until just 2020 to see a live rhino in the wild.

This would not be the ideal outcome. Aside from being gentle, majestic creatures, rhinos are key species in each ecosystem in which they live. If the rhinos are gone, the entire ecosystem collapses.

Five species forever!

The white rhinoceros, a mellow grazer and the second largest
land mammal in the world.

The beautifully proportioned black rhinoceros, with a prehensile lip.

The Sumatran rhinoceros, the smallest species, descends
from the ancient wooly rhino.

The elusive Javan rhinoceros has never
been successfully housed in zoos.

The Greater One-Horned or Indian rhinoceros is today’s unicorn.
(I’m proud to say this photo of mine made it into this year’s
International Rhino Keepers Association Calendar.
Not the main picture of the month, but still.)

Each species makes a unique contribution to the world. So, on this Cinco de Rhino, my husband suggests taking a favorite rhino you know out for margaritas and tacos. Or, a good equivalent might be to find out a little more about rhinos and what people are doing to help them.

For more about Cinco de Rhino, World Rhino Day (in September) and other rhinoceros events, check out www.rhinos.org.

The History Behind Zorro at Unusual Historicals

This month's theme at Unusual Historicals has been freedom fighters. Okay, so he's fictional, but the freedom fighter that came to mind for me is the one and only Zorro! Turns out, he may have more history behind him than any serial watchers ever imagined. Check it out!

Thank you for your support!

Passings

Gabriel García Márquez had a good, long life.

That’s what I tell myself to escape the abysmal sensation that the world lost a great writer one week ago.

I first read One Hundred Years of Solitude in high school, followed by other astounding novels and short stories throughout college, picking up the original Spanish as I was able. I already knew I was a writer by that time, but these stories influenced my work much more profoundly than almost any other book. In spite of my tendency to best appreciate things from 400 years ago or more, one of the most pleasurable things about reading García Márquez’s work was that he was still alive and therefore available to create more of these unique stories. He was unable to write during his final years, but now it’s certain: no other literature or Spanish students will get to enjoy that sensation of more to come.

Such sentiments were already on my mind for more personal reasons. At the end of March, the dear lady who wrote under the name Moonyeen Blakey passed away after a battle with cancer. I edited Moon’s first book, The Assassin’s Wife. Although I knew she wasn’t well, I fully expected her to recover. I still feel unpleasantly surprised. I had hoped someday to visit her in her quaint seaside town in England and it seems impossible that I will now never meet her. As a compliment to her artistry, I also sorely feel the loss of the other great books she didn’t get the chance to write.

Art is eternal, but life is fleeting. We must create, enjoy, and connect with others while we can.

Summer's Growth - @AuthorTinaGayle Featured in the #EggcerptExchange

"Summer's Growth." - part of the Eggcerpt Exchange fun.


Blurb 
 

In the spirit-haunted Winston estate in Ohio, rooted in time and occupied by the lingering ghosts of a great family, the torch is about to pass...

 

Mattie Winston, sober, sensible, and steady, has served as Keeper to the family for decades. Amber Harrison, hovering on the edge of flunking out of college, unsure what she wants out of life, has barely even heard of the Winston estate. The family, however, has decided that it's time for the changing of the guard. These two exceptional women soon find themselves dealing with violence, murder attempts, and old family mysteries while each finding the love of her life. Two romances and a growing friendship, all twined around a brooding family tragedy, make for an outstanding paranormal mystery offering depth and charm beyond the commonplace. The growing love of Amber and Carter and of Mattie and Quincy offer readers a tender and engaging first novel in a winning new paranormal series.

 

Now the eggcerpt:

“Trust us child to find a soul who will honor your position. Nothing will remove your fears until you can reclaim your life’s mission and enjoy the rest of your days on earth.”

 “But what if Amber doesn’t like it here? She’s a young college student from sunny California. Why would she move to Ohio where it’s cold? Even in the summer, we don’t have beautiful weather. The rain can last for days.”

 “There is no dispute,” Jonathan growled. “Amber is a Winston. She longs to live here.”

  “But you don’t get it. There’s no guarantee. Josh has lived here all his life. He’ll do a good job.” Mattie wished Jonathan could see her point. Things might not turn out like he’d planned.

“Besides Cynthia will be deeply hurt when she finds out everything is under the control of a stranger instead of her son. She won’t understand.”

 “The Council’s point exactly. Cynthia cares only for gold, not for others. It’s best for the family to have someone else as the keeper.”

  The havoc this decision would cause in Mattie’s life washed bitter bile through her mouth. She swallowed, hard. 

Purchase at:

http://www.amazon.com
 

Or read more at http://www.tinagayle.net/SGchapter.html

Find Tina at

http://www.tinagayle.net
www.tinagayle.blogspot.com
@authortinagayle


Thanks for letting me share,


Tina Gayle

#NewRelease - 2nd Book in Family Tree Series - Fallen Leaves @AuthorTinaGayle #EggcerptExchange

Fallen Leaves Blurb -

 

As autumn comes to the Winston estate in Ohio, Amber Harrison learns further lessons in her new position as keeper for the spirits and ghosts who haunt the estate--and further lessons in love, too. She and her love, Carter Miller, grapple with the fears and passions of new love, while caught up in the storm of ancient family drama.

 

This is the second book in the unfolding saga of the psychics and talents associated with the Winston estate, a sheltered place where past, present, and future are woven into a single dramatic tapestry of love and desire. The tale spans multiple generations, multiple eras, and offers something special for all ages of reader. A sexy, erotic winner, with an assortment of couples to appeal to most tastes.


Excerpt:

“How long before you install the new cabinets?”

He turned on the ladder. His dark brown eyes captured her, engulfing her in an encompassing warmth. She melted under his heated gaze, which ran from the top of her head to the white socks on her feet. He lifted a brow at her attire, but he didn’t comment on her pink sweat suit.

“With the old cabinets out of the way, I need to knock down this wall and tear up the flooring. The electrical work is next on the agenda.” He climbed off the ladder, yanked off his gloves, and slid a hand through his thick, wavy hair.

“It might be awhile before we install the new cabinets. Right now, we’re simply working to remove the old stuff so we can start fresh.” He smiled, which didn’t hide the dark circles under his eyes or the fatigue in the slump of his shoulders.

“There’s no hurry. If you’re busy with something else, this can wait until your Dad and Mattie come home next week.”

“No, Dad doesn’t want her dealing with this mess.” Carter unbuckled his tool belt and placed it on a workbench. “I promised him I’d have it done.”

“Is Grant helping?” Amber stepped around several pieces of sheetrock and stray bits of wood, to the bottom of the stairs.

He walked to the backdoor. “Friday, his classes are over at noon.”

 

With his hand resting on the doorknob, he appeared anxious to leave. “I’m headed to lunch, and then I need to drop by the office for a while. Are you sure you’re okay here by yourself?”

 

Amber toyed with the idea of saying no. She missed the taste of his lips and the strength of his arms, but she nodded instead. “Yes, I’m fine.”

 

After opening the door, he paused. “I guess I’ll see you later.”

 

She waved and turned to head to her room, satisfied she’d at least gotten him to talk. Her leaden feet trudged up the steps. Unexcited, she contemplated her latest assignment from the family council. How could she achieve such an impossible task?

 Purchase links:


 Amazon | Smashwords | allromanceebooks


Haven't read the 1st book Summer's Growth - get it now at smashword for 99cents with the promotion code NK36Z.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/280906




Hope you enjoy,


Tina