Thursday, August 16, 2012

My first post & a giveaway!

Posted by: Sandy James


My first blog post on Here Be Magic! I'm happy to be a part of this talented group of writers!

Please let me introduce myself--my name is Sandy James. I'm a teacher from Indiana who decided to started writing books when my children were leaving the nest. I found myself at loose ends. No more soccer games, plays, or choir performances to attend. A blessing and a curse. When I realized I was filling my free time by devouring books at a ravenous pace--books that weren't always satisfying--a plan began to form in my mind. Then came the straw that broke my back.



I read a romance about a thirty-nine year old heroine who was married. Great! A heroine like me! My celebration was short-lived. After claiming--several times--the heroine still looked seventeen, I pitched the book against a wall and decided to write my own. A time travel romance about a married couple who were separated by a "twist of fate." So from that very first book, I was writing paranormal.
I finished Twist of Fate in late 2005. And it led to another book and another...and I was addicted. I wasn't writing to publish. It was merely an outlet for me to express myself. But then some of my teacher friends wanted to read my books, and they liked what they read. So I figured, why not? What did I have to lose?

Funny, but although my published books are all contemporary romances, most of them have a paranormal element. In Free Falling, the heroine is an empath. In Faith of the Heart, Sarah is a genuine faith healer. When it dawned on me how much fun it was to have those little bits of magic, I decided to write a full-out, no-holds-barred fantasy romance. Which leads me to today!

That book was the first in what turned out to be a four-book series--Alliance of the Amazons. Book one--The Reluctant Amazon--releases on September 3rd.

Here's the blurb:

The last thing Rebecca Massee expects on her wedding day is to go from jilted kindergarten teacher to Amazonian Earth warrior. But when she causes an earthquake after her groom says I don't, she discovers that not only does she possess incredible powers, she is one of four lost chosen sisters who must fight to keep humanity safe from rogue gods and demons. Luckily she has help: ruggedly handsome Scottish warrior Artair MacKay, her protector and teacher.

An immortal, Artair has trained countless warriors for more than four hundred years. He understands Rebecca's confusion at the new world she's been thrust into and worries she is too emotionally vulnerable, but that doesn't stop his growing feelings for the beautiful and fearless woman.

When an evil force threatens to destroy the Amazons, Rebecca must claim her full powers--but they come at a cost. Can she sacrifice the man she loves if it means saving the world?

 

Why did I choose today to introduce myself? It's my birthday! I'm thirty-nineteen today! In celebration, I'm going to give away a gift instead of receive one! Leave me a comment, and on Sunday the 19th, I'll draw a name at random. That commenter will receive an ARC of The Reluctant Amazon!

I'm thrilled to be a part of Here Be Magic, and I hope to keep churning out those fantasy books for Carina!

*hugs*
Sandy

35 comments:

  1. Happy birthday Sandy! The Reluctant Amazon looks like a totally exciting read. Cheers to your new novel.

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  2. Happy birthday, Sandy! You are my inspiration! Love the Amazons! I know everyone else will too!!

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  3. Happy birthday, Sandy! You're a terrific writer and a fabulous critique partner! Have a great day!

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  4. Loved the first one I read and would love another!!!!
    Jeanette

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  5. Happy birthday, Sandy!! I can't wait to read The Reluctant Amazon! Such a cool idea! And a Scottish warrior? Always a plus. :)

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  6. Great post, Sandy! Congrats on the new book. Can't wait to read it! :)

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  7. First, Happy Birthday, second, wonderful post, third, I loved, loved, loved your first book!

    Great Job! You inspire!

    Geri

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  8. Happy Birthday, Sandy. Sounds like a terrific book, look forward to reading it.

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  9. Hey, Sandy! Happy Birthday and congrats on your blog and new book!

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  10. I'm behind on my Sandy James reading - haven't read Twist of Fate yet and now The Reluctant Amazon. Your summer is ending but mine will start soon and I need some beach reads!

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  11. Happy Birthday, Sandy! Best wishes for lots of sales :)

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  12. My favorite type of books to read are paranormal romance novels, especially series! Can't wait to start reading!

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  13. Thank you all so much for stopping by and for all the kind words and encouragement!! (And I fixed that duplicate post for you, Steph.)

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  14. Sandy, I am so thankful to be able to know you! I look forward to getting to know you better. I have not had the privilege of reading any of your books, but I am excited to do so! Thank you for allowing me to follow you on your journey!
    Paula Harmon

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  15. Thanks, Paula! I'm thrilled to have you along for the ride! :)

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  16. Happy Birthday. The Reluctant Amazon looks like a fun read. I am excited to read it. Many sales and blessings to you.:)

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  17. Happy birthday, Sandy! I look forward to reading your new book!

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  18. Happy birthday, Sandy!!! The book sounds great!

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  19. Thanks for the comments!! I'll be drawing a winner for the ebook later tonight!

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  20. I'm so proud that you are embracing your dreams. You've always been one of my biggest supporters, and I am glad I am able to repay the favor. So pick me, okay? :)

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  21. Well Mrs. James, after reading only one of your books, I can only imagine how cool this one will be as well! I find it pretty awesome (and i don't use that word lightly, ever. at all. unless i mean it.) that you have pursued your dreams and have accomplished them! You are still teaching us to never give up!

    Cheers!
    Jen Stauffer

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  22. Happy birthday, Sandy. I enjoy your books, and this one looks even better!
    Kate

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  23. Happy Birthday Mrs. James! Congratulations on your writing successes and good luck with your future writings

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  24. I am completely proud of you!! I feel honored to know you and wish you much luck, love and success with this new adventure!!

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  25. Happy Birthday!! ..And best wishes!!

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  26. Happy Birthday Sandy & thanks much for your generosity in holding a giveaway for your book on your big day! Hope you have a wonderful time celebrating!

    thumbelinda03@yahoo.com

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  27. Pat Peniston SchaeferAugust 18, 2012 at 12:36 PM

    Happy birthday Sandy and congrats on the new book series. It is exactly the genre I search for to escape. Can't wait to get to know the characters. They already sound like friends.

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  28. I love giveaways! Wishing you great continued success! Happy belated birthday my friend :)

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  29. Just wanted to say happy birthday again. I'm so glad you got this series published. :D I can't wait to read it.

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  30. Thanks for all the wonderfully supportive messages!! I truly appreciate them!!

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  31. Great blog post! Nice to find out why you started writing :)

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  32. Congratulations on your latest book, Sandy! And belated happy birthday! :)

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  33. I had the DH draw names out of a hat...and the winner is...
    Paula Harmon!! If you email me at sj@sandy-james.com, I'll get you a copy of your ARC of The Reluctant Amazon!!

    Thanks so much for all the fantastic comments and for entering the drawing! I truly appreciate all the support!!
    *hugs*

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