Released Today:

To celebrate the release of Minder, I'll be running a month long contest. The winner  gets:
A set of butterfly pins--on right
A Starbucks gift certificate
A book dedication
and
A download of Minder
To enter: Just leave a coment mentioning Minder and  include your email addie.

 Blurb:

Among the northern tribes there is a legend passed down from generation to generation about shape-shifting Minders—guardians of the innocents—and how they came to be. 

It is said that nowadays only a handful of Minders exist, hunted to near extinction by a fearsome beast. Of the remaining Minders, only one wears a garnet-studded collar, the symbol of protection and royalty.  

Even when my aunt told me the story, and handed me an ancient garnet-studded band, I had no idea the tale applied to me.

After all, it’s only a legend…

Excerpt: 

“Shall we walk the two miles into town?” Aunt waited by the door. Over the years we’ve worn a path through the woods.

“Most definitely.” I breathed deep then exhaled as we stepped outside.

In moments, we were in the forest. The sun shone bright through the trees, our path alternately in sunshine then shadow, the temperature, a comfortable sixty-six.  Our feet crunched on brown pine needles that filled the air with a crisp tangy scent.

A Tiger Swallowtail fluttered by my head joined by a Black Swallowtail. “Look, Aunt.” I pointed in delight. I love butterflies.  They are so delicate and beautiful.

My aunt smiled and nodded.

Another Tiger Swallowtail landed on my head. I laughed with pleasure.

A Black Swallowtail fluttered near me. Then another and another until black and yellow, blue-tinged bands of color flickered around me.

My arms extended, I turned around in a circle as pure joy washed over me. “Oh, Aunt, have you ever seen anything like this?” I didn’t look at her, my gaze on the glistening winged creatures that circled me.

“Not in a long time,” she said quietly.

“When did you last see a swarm of butterflies?” My head tipped back and forth as I watched the flurry of color.

“When your mother was alive. Remember?”

Minder can be purchased at: MuseItUpPublishing  

This Time Next Week

Minder will be released next Friday. Since its near the end of the month I'm debating on whether to start my promo contest on release day or wait till the first of June. Any thoughts? If so cast your ballot on the right.
Excerpt:

At the cliff’s edge, I stopped and listened to the steady lap of the waves against the rocks. I sucked cold air deep into my lungs. Night sounds surrounded me. A purr of contentment rose in my throat. I was getting used to the purr. It’s a great way to express pleasure.
I pivoted toward the house and saw my aunt silhouetted in the window. I lifted my hand. She waved back.
The wind shifted. I smelled a rabbit. My butt twitched. The perfume of warm flesh filled my nostrils. His rapid heartbeat pulsed through my ears. I forgot about Aunt and went bounding into the forest.

The rabbit saw me. With a frightened squeak, he hopped away, his little powder-puff tail white in the dark. I leapt after him and laughed with exuberance from the sheer joy of being alive.
The rabbit ran deep into the woods. I followed. Fear gave the bunny speed. He stayed just out of my grasp.
It happened gradually.  My joints stiffened. The hair on the nape of my neck rose. A horrific scent filled my nostrils. My stomach flopped. No longer the hunter, at some point, I’d become the prey.