Guest Post: Pinterest = Fun Social Media

Pinterest = Fun Social Media

by Terra Harmony

Of all the social media sites out there, the one I find most enjoyable is Pinterest. Here are the deets:

What is it: Images galore. Think of a digital pin-up board where you can post pictures and videos. Under your account, you can create different boards with different interests. This website is huge for fashion, travel, and foodies. 

Why do it: Currently, over 10 million people are using Pinterest. Some tout Pinterest as the fastest growing standalone website ever.  Users spend more time on Pinterest (average of 15 minutes per visit) than they do on Facebook (average of 12 minutes per visit) or Twitter (3 minutes). 

How: You can repin images you like or add your own. All images link back to the source, so there aren't any copyright issues (at least not that I know of). You can also 'like' pins and comment on pins. Choose other boards or people to follow.  

ARC Review: Air

Air [The Akasha Series #2]
By Terra Harmony
Author website

Series order:

Water #1 – see my review
Air #2 – see teaser

From Terra:

She carries more than just elemental powers. In ‘Air’, the sequel to ‘Water’ of the Akasha Series, Kaitlyn has a secret. One she won’t be able to hide much longer.  As the strongest Gaia the planet has ever seen, she must face mankind’s greatest enemy as he campaigns for ‘One Less: Depopulation’. Everything depends on Kaitlyn fully embracing her role as Gaia. Her family. The Seven. The Earth. Something has to give, and it won’t be Kaitlyn.

Alexia’s Review:

Terra Harmony did it again – completely knocked my socks off. Air is the second installment in The Akasha Series and it is action packed to the core.

Kaitlyn dominates in this novel; she really goes all out and pushes herself to the limit. Kaitlyn went through really tough times in the first novel, Water, and I thought that you’d see the ‘scars’ left behind in this novel – but no, she owns it. She is friggin’ kick ass!! I absolutely love her. She is strong willed and super skilled. I admire how she has progressed as an individual.

Micah and Shawn – oh boy, where do I even start? There is a huge feud between the two of them over Kaitlyn. It’s a typical ‘three’s a crowd’ situation. Kaitlyn has so many big choices to make that affect not just her but Shawn and Micah.

I really thought I had the plot figured out but BAM there’s a twist. I fell in love with a character that I despised in the first novel. I couldn’t make up my mind with who the good guys and the bad guys are. It’s 50/50.

 

At some parts I found it a bit slow, but that being said, I still enjoyed every minute of reading. I could not put this book down – I read it within a few hours of receiving it. The ending – holy moly, another major ‘sit on the edge of your seat’ cliffhanger! What an epic ending! I’m REALLY looking forward to reading the next installment – can’t friggin’ wait!

Superb cocktail creation

Short Story - Ice by Terra Harmony

And so the ‘Week of Terra Harmony’ comes to an end…

Day 6 – Short story by Terra Harmony

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Title: Ice
Author’s Introduction: Thank you for your interest in my writing! The following short story is based on some of the main characters from the Akasha Series.  Follow the links posted at the bottom to read the next short story and to check out more awesome book review bloggers!

At first, they had been plentiful.  Tiny specks of concentrated energy – each one of them so dense they could be seen with the naked eye, like specks of dust visible in the sun’s rays.  Shawn collected them, willing them to group together, building a wall around the old man standing across from him.  But now they were fewer, and so transparent they could only be felt, not seen.

They were also no longer cooperating.  Many floated away from the mass, compromising the strength of the wall.  The purpose was to block Cato, the old man, from being able to wield magic.

“Pay attention, son.  Your creation comes from synching yourself with nature.  Shields are not built by sheer willpower.”  Cato lectured the 10 year-old boy, who had been at the exercise for the better part of an hour.  Sweat poured down the boy’s forehead as he furrowed his eyebrows in concentration.  If walls were built with willpower, Cato wouldn’t have a chance.

Cato smiled, forcing air into the flimsy block Shawn had constructed.  Once the air tunnels had penetrated even the smallest pores, he pushed bits of earth through the tunnels with a burst of speed, effectively blowing apart everything Shawn had constructed.

Shawn’s frustrated growl made Cato laugh out loud.  “How did you do that?”  Shawn asked.

“Think of it like overpopulation.  Just as the Earth cannot handle a limitless amount of humans, neither can your wall handle a limitless amount of force.  Now – try again.  This time, concentrate on the purity of your energy.”

Shawn took a sip from his water bottle and threw it aside.  He wiped the sweat off his forehead with his shirt, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes – centering himself just as Cato had taught him.  He drew energy again, attempting to build a wall around Cato’s magical abilities, molecule by molecule.  This time he packed them in tighter, giving his structure a sturdy base. 

“Good, good,” Cato commented.  “Soon you will be able to practice with the Gaia herself.  Your manipulation of her magical abilities will include strengthening it, altering it or even blocking it when necessary.”

Shawn fell into a rhythm.  Slowly but surely, the wall was beginning to rise.  It soon became boring, monotonous work.  His thoughts fell to the overpopulation comment Cato made.  “If humans are destroying the planet, because of how many of us there are – why don’t we just make it so there are less of us?”  Shawn asked.

Cato turned a wary eye to the 10 year-old boy, “What do you mean, son?”

“I mean, maybe there should just be less people.”  Shawn continued constructing his wall, brick by brick.

Cato wasn’t sure he should pursue the subject, but he had felt guilty – having spent all his time with the two new children he adopted three weeks ago.  He at least owed it to the boy to treat his ideas with respect; owed him a serious conversation.  “How would you propose we go about doing that?”

Shawn took his time answering.  In the past when he had brought up the subject, he had been either brushed off or rebuked.  “Well, population control, for one.  Like China does.  One kid per family.”

Cato nodded his head, “A valid point.”  Shawn’s wall had completely enclosed Cato from the ground up to his knees.  He could still knock it down, but the boy needed to practice.  “Religion poses a problem.  Many religions preach that faith equals fertility.  Going against such a fundamental belief is not a good idea – even if your original intentions are to save the planet.  Not many will be on your side.  You would alienate our organization from the majority of the population.”

“Religion isn’t all bad – I mean, look at all the wars started because of religious differences.  That got rid of some of the population,” said Shawn.

“You’ve been paying attention in your history lessons!  Good boy!”  Cato ruffled Shawn’s hair, choosing to ignore the darker implications of Shawn’s thought.  Shawn had suddenly picked up speed with his wall – it was now closing over Cato’s chest.

Encouraged, Shawn continued.  “Governments spend so much money on disaster efforts, sick people, old people.  Why don’t they just, you know, stop doing that?  Might help with population numbers.”

“Most certainly.  But then you are telling people to ignore one of the very traits that define humanity – compassion.”  Cato uttered the last word with uncertainty.  He pushed a small amount of energy into the wall.  Impenetrable.  The boy was learning.  Slowly, the wall began closing in; squeezing Cato like a sinister hug.

“But it is compassion, because you are saving the Earth – making it a better place for humans and in the end even saving people,” Shawn said.

Cato tried taking a deep breath, but the squeezing was too intense.  Even though Shawn’s wall was invisible to the naked eye, it was as solid, and as real – as steal.  The boy’s magic, as well as the conversation, were treading dangerous ground. 

“Shawn – I think you are missing the point.”  Cato was having more and more difficulty talking as the wall snaked around him.  “The Seven exists to protect and help the Earth.  Those of us that have been blessed with the ability to manipulate elements and energy must do our best to counter the harmful effects of the human population.  We are not here to counter the human population itself.”

“Well, maybe we should.”  Shawn completed the wall; it surrounded Cato like a claustrophobic igloo.  The two stood there, still as ice – one by choice, the other not so much.

Cato was taking in short, constricted breaths, “To what end?  Why then, would we be saving the Earth?  Who would be here to enjoy it?” 

Suddenly, the wall disintegrated.  Shawn released his adoptive father and said, “You know – the rest of us.  Whoever is left.”

Cato resisted the urge to brush off of the non-existent wall debris.  “No.  The answer is no.  We will all abide by the mission of the organization – and the mission is not depopulation.”

Completely unnerved by the entire experience, Cato picked up his gym bag and walked away, mumbling excuses of the work awaiting him. 

Shawn watched him go.  “Then maybe we need a new organization.”

Elemental powers and dark thoughts; not a good combination – especially with a 10 year old boy! Interested in what kind of man Shawn shapes up to be? Check out the Akasha Series, and follow my blog to get your own dose of magic through my weekly flash fiction posts.

To see more of my flash fiction, check out these blogger sights:

Oil Spill at Dreamland: A Teenage Fantasy

Good Luck Charm at Can’t Put It Down

Raining Mud at Ritesh Kala’s Book Reviews

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I hope you guys enjoyed this week as much as I did! The giveaway is still ongoing until 5 February 2012 and is open internationally. If you haven’t entered yet, you can do so here!

Much love

xx

Eye Candy by Terra Harmony

As you know from my schedule post, Terra Harmony has done a guest post!

Day 5 – A guest post

“In this day and age, when we have thousand upon thousands of reading options at our fingertips, the book cover is often the one and only chance to grab the reader’s attention. The cover makes the first impression and the book is judged before even getting a chance to present its blurb. This is especially true with e-readers.”

“How could we possibly forego the smell of a freshly printed book – or even the smell of an old, dusty book pulled from the back of the shelf? How could we give up the way it feels in our hands, the way it crinkles as we turn the page, or the way it bends exactly to our hands’ size? Furthermore, what in the heck will we do with our favourite bookmarks?”

“The entire experience of reading a book is an escape for many of us – a treat.”

To read further, head on over to Ritesh’s blog for the rest of the guest post as well as Terra’s and my favourite book covers J

Happy reading…

Much love

xx

Character Interview with Kaitlyn

Day 4 - Character Interview with Kaitlyn…

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Alexia: Welcome Kaitlyn! Let’s jump right in…

Alexia: If you could compare Micah to any celebrity, who would you compare to and why?

Kaitlyn: That is a tough question.  I’ve never met anyone like Micah – though I guess I haven’t met any celebrities, either.  His green eyes, by far his most striking feature, are just not comparable to any I have come across.  The rest of him, well he’d probably pass for a blue-collar worker.  Always has a five o’clock shadow on his cheeks and chin, sandy brown hair, about a head taller than me.  He is in good shape; strong arms, the hands of a diligent worker…is it getting hot in here?  Can we just move on to the next question?

Nat: Oh yes, I think I want to order an ice latte and maybe a cute green eyed waiter. 

Alexia: *wipes drool off face, clears throat* uh… sure 

Nat: Do you have a favourite book, movie or song?

Kaitlyn: I have a secret crush on anything vampire.  They are so powerful, yet at the same time so vulnerable – falling victim to the very thing our world is centered on; the sun.  In a way…I guess I can relate.  Not about the sun – I love me a good tan, but about being powerful and vulnerable at the same time.

Nat: Me too, who’s your favorite vampire? Mine (currently) is Damon Salvatore from the Vampire Diaries, I’m Vaddicted to him…

Alexia: OMG, Nat, yes – so with you there, Damon is a hotness monster of note!

Nat : I have him as my Google Chrome wallpaper *drools*

Kaitlyn: Ever read the Vampire Empire series? After the first book, I may just have fallen in love with the Greyfriar (sorry Micah).  Still have the second book to read!  The author set up a very interesting relationship between the lead characters.

Alexia: Describe your relationship with Micah, Shawn, and Alex.

Kaitlyn: Micah.  Mmmmm – Micah.  The name in itself is a delicious rumble between pressed lips, like you just took a bite of the creamiest, most decadent piece of cheesecake ever.  Don’t get me wrong.  He has his flaws – big ones.  But so do I.  In a way, these flaws shape who we are.  Whether or not we work out as a couple remains to be seen.  We definitely have a big talk coming, and our next steps sort of hinge on the outcome of that talk.  Don’t tell him I said that, ok? In fact, maybe we should strike that whole bit from the record…

Alex is great – like the little brother I never had.  He can be annoying but we get along most of the time.  When having the powers that I have goes to my head, he is right there to let me know I have ketchup on my chin.  He definitely knows how to keep me grounded.

As for Shawn – not sure I can speak about him right now, especially without retching.  Besides, I wouldn’t want our interview to be interrupted by any…storms.

Nat: I would love to meet Micah and Alex, can we go on a triple date? I don’t mind taking Shawn…. I’ll force him to behave for one day!

Alexia: Dude, you’re absolutely loco to want to go on a date with Shawn, the only reason why I’d want to meet Shawn is to go ape shit on his ass… *clears throat* sorry, got carried away there for a sec…

Nat:  Well, I needed a date and it’s impossible for you to take Micah and Shawn, unless you wanted to trade Alex with the old man?? I don’t mind taking Alex *grins*

Kaitlyn: Actually, Nat may have a point – perhaps the right woman can make Shawn behave! Besides – those bad boys can be hard to resist…

Nat: How has being a Gaia changed your life? 

Kaitlyn: Since I came to the Seven and took on the role of Gaia, everything has changed.  Who I thought I was, who my parents were and what they did.  Hell – I can’t even look at the ocean the same way I used to.

I only wish I could speak to other Gaias to find out more.  What is ultimately expected of us?  How did they cope?  Maybe they could even teach me a few tricks of their own.  When things seem to be at their worst, it helps to remind myself that each of these women were alone, too.  Speaking to another Gaia is highly unlikely, as I’ve been told they have all passed on. But as recent experience proves, anything is possible.

Nat: Being a Gaia sounds like a tough job, I wish you all the luck Kaitlyn…

Kaitlyn: Thanks!  Hey – want the job?  You never know what’s in you unless you try!

Alexia: Who is your favourite person in your life?

Kaitlyn: For those that have read my story, I think you know the answer to that!  : )  I’ll give everyone else a hint – it is a character that isn’t introduced until the very last chapter.

Nat: Unfortunately I couldn’t reveal any spoilers ><

Alexia: Ooh, so exciting!!

Kaitlyn: Oh, yeah. Get your cameras ready! 

Nat: Do you miss being a freelance photographer?

Kaitlyn: For sure!  I miss everything about it; the freedom, the flexibility, the feeling I get when I snap that perfect picture and it comes out so beautiful people will think it’s been digitally altered.  Although being a Gaia offers far more adventure than I could ever want, I miss the adventure of photography.  Discovering new places through the lens and sharing it with the world.   More than anything, I miss the independence of the job.  If I didn’t do the work, I wouldn’t get a paycheck.  But it was just me – no one else relied on me and that was far less pressure than what I do now.  

Nat: I admire your perspective on photography, I never ventured into the art of photography and I regret for not doing so…

Kaitlyn: No time like the present! And take a few pics for me, the Seven doesn’t give me much free time these days.

Alexia: Can you please explain exactly what ‘The Seven’ does, for those who haven’t read your story yet?

Kaitlyn: The Seven exists to help nature balance itself out.  I know – sounds part hippie, part dungeons and dragons – like tree-hugging wizards.  Truth of the matter is, mankind is destroying the planet, slowly but surely.  The Seven counteracts what humans inflict.  There are certain people born with the ability to manipulate the elements; water, air, fire and earth.  Those people are recruited to help.  There are fewer still born with the ability to manipulate all of the elements to a much stronger degree.  I am one of those unlucky few.  I can control two or more elements at a time.  The problem with this is I may tip the scales, so to speak.  It would be easy for me to send the ecosystem out of whack; which is what I was doing, unbeknownst to me, before I joined the Seven.  The other problem, or so I’ve been told, is two Gaias cannot be practicing at once.  Too much power.  So once a stronger one is found…I take my leave.

Nat: That sounds….painful…What would you do when it’s your time to take the leave?

Kaitlyn: Two options come to mind; fight back or run. Though I understand the importance of a Gaia, I definitely don’t agree with many of the Seven’s policies in how to handle them. I can tell you this much, things are going to change.

Alexia: I get the slight inkling that you don’t usually think before speaking – has your mouth ever gotten you into more trouble than you can handle?

Kaitlyn: Oddly enough, no. I think speaking out has put me in enough awkward and even troubling situations that I have learned to cope.  I am not superwoman, but I have been through some shit and I am still here.  If anything, it has helped prepare me, especially through my ordeal with Shawn and for whatever else is to come.

Nat: Atta girl! Believe me or not, your sarcasm made my day! And had taught me to be more outspoken.

Alexia: *snorts* I could learn a thing or two from you Kaitlyn – I can’t seem to keep my mouth shut when it counts!

Nat: Any future plans for the world?

Kaitlyn: To be honest, it is hard to put the world before myself right now.  Sounds selfish, I know, especially given my role as Gaia.  But things have changed, even since I became Gaia, and I really need to concentrate on me.  I think about this a lot and feel incredibly guilty.  Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if this is the thought process that lead the planet to its current state.  There is a saying, “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little."  It’s true, *sigh*, so I promise to recycle this coffee cup after I finish.  : )  It’s the little things, ya know?

Nat: Uh huh *sipping the last drop of the ice latte*….Darn it, it’s plastic. 

Alexia: I’m with you on that Kaitlyn, each person needs to do their part.

Nat : You’re making me feel bad……zzzzzzzz, I’ll blame it on the person who gave me this plastic cup!

Alexia: Which element is your favourite?

Kaitlyn: It is ultimately water that saved me from Shawn, so yeah - without a doubt my favourite is H2O.  There is certainly something intriguing about each of the others, though.  Fire is the purest, it cannot be polluted.  Earth is steady and strong; the most persistent of the four.  Air is, well, in a word – magical.  The breath of life, winds of change, all that jazz.  But let’s not forget the fifth element – Akasha.  The spirit that binds them all. 

Nat: My favourite element is also water, nothing but H20 to ensure the continuity of life, without H20 you get droughts, sore throat, constipation ~coughs~ My point is, water symbolizes calm and serenity to me.  

Alexia: My fav would be fire! It’s intense, pure and passionate.

Alexia: Well, that’s it for today. Thank you for joining Nat and I, we appreciate you coming in and answering our questions. Good luck with all your adventures – watch your back with that Shawn!

Nat : Hey now, I like Shawn, even if I want to stick a pole up his ---

Kaitlyn: Ladies, ladies – who wants another latte?

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But wait, there’s more… Ritesh did an interview with Terra Harmony! To view their Q & A head on over to Ritesh’s blog J

Much love peeps

xx

Teaser of 'Air' by Terra Harmony

Day 3 – Reviews of ‘Water’ and teaser of ‘Air’

Feast your eyes peeps… I almost died reading this – I.WANT.THIS.BOOK.NOW! *hint hint, wink wink* J

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I made my way down the path toward the rock and nearly collapsed when I entered the clearing. There, in front of the rock, was a spot where the soil was compressed and indented with a shape similar to a body. Half a dozen rose petals fluttered around the clearing with the morning breeze, drawing attention to the most damning evidence of all; the red cord tied to a root protruding from the ground.

Micah knelt down beside me and untied the cord. “I don’t get it – were you here last night?” As if to answer his own question, he stood and reached inside my nest of matted hair to pull out a rose petal that was buried deep within.

I nodded. “I think so. In person, or…otherwise.” How could I explain it to him?

His hands felt the outline of the body in the soil, then moved down to two much deeper knee marks, “And who else?” His voice suddenly grew tight, weary of my answer.

“Shawn.”

He took up a handful of soil and squeezed until I thought minerals would come out. He stood up in anger. “How? Why?”

Still bent over, with my eyes cast down, I barely whispered, “Look at the cord, Micah. How many blood streaks do you see?” I stayed quiet for a moment, letting realization hit him.

I heard the hesitant footsteps of our three followers enter the clearing. They each looked over Micah’s shoulder at the cord. Susan let out a gasp muffled by her hand over her mouth. Alex gave a very audible, “No way.”

“It is done, then.” Vayu said softly to Micah. “They are bound just as you and she are bound.”

Everyone grew silent but I felt all eyes turn to me. I stood up with my back still to them, not bothering to brush the tainted soil from my knees.

“The hell we are. Give me that cord.” I held out my hand and Micah passed it over. “Now stand back.”

I heard them take a few steps back and knew it wasn’t enough.

No matter, they’ll scatter as soon as they see.

I drew energy that came willingly up through the ground. Almost immediately the wind picked up and clouds blew in at my insistence. I called upon all the elements, infusing moisture into the atmosphere and charging the clouds with electrical energy. Next I used opposite-charged energy to create a conductive path. The first lightning strike hit the cord dead-on, filling the area with a sudden light and a loud crack. My ears rang in protest, but I ignored them. Before the effects of the first bolt wore off, I had another racing to the ground. Those behind me half-jumped, half-stumbled back. I turned my head slightly and smiled; had they not been scared shitless, they would have been proud of me.

My robe came undone. Combined with my cackle and hair rising from the static electricity, I must have seemed an insane witch. I have to admit, I was quite insane in those moments. The cord disintegrated in a matter of seconds, and I set my targets to the impression of my body in the ground. Soil exploded up around me with each lighting strike, then rained down again – offering more and more energy to my cause. The lightening was coming dangerously close to me, but I didn’t particularly care. It fueled my excitement.

“Do something!” Micah shouted over the noise at Vayu and Susan.

Before they could, I delved deep into their centers and retracted their energy. I had no idea I could do that until it was done. Susan actually fainted at the sudden loss of energy. Vayu fell to the ground, paralyzed. Alex moved toward me. I stopped him with a bolt of lightning at his feet. He flew back into the brush. Before Micah could try disarming me with one of his famous kisses, I did the same to him.

Clear of distractions, I concentrated on the annoying little rose petals that still had the nerve to grace the clearing with their presence. The smell of ashes floated through the air. I felt the incredible deposit of energy I had built up draining, and decided to go out with a bang. With just enough to create a powerful final strike, I focused. The lightning paused for a moment while I fueled the force-to-be.

As I finished carving a path of energy and released the charge from the clouds overhead, Micah took me from behind. We went tumbling across the clearing and the strike skewed off to the side in my confusion. It hit the boulder, hard. Pieces of rock shot at us through the air like shrapnel. The world went white.

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To see another teaser of ‘Air’ visit Natasha’s blog and head on over to Ritesh’s blog to see all the reviews of ‘Water’. Enjoy J

Much love

xx

Introduction to 'The Akasha Series'

Welcome back to a fun filled week of Terra Harmony! Happy reading folks J

Day 2 – Introduction to ‘The Akasha Series’:

“I am so excited to be writing a detailed introduction to The Akasha Series!  I could write several pages explaining the series, but as you know – each reader interprets a story differently.  Instead, I’d like to convey the story using bits and pieces of reviews by readers themselves.  Every sentence below is taken directly from a book blogger’s review.”

Want to read more? Head on over to the blogger that has it all…

Psst… Don’t forget about the awesome giveaway! Remember you’ll also get extra entries for commenting on posts throughout the week!!

Until tomorrow…

Much love

xx

Terra Harmony on life, her books and some awesome powers!

And so the ‘Week of Terra Harmony’ begins… feast your eyes peeps, there is a lot in store for all you avid readers!

Day 1 – Terra’s Biographical Write-up:

“I admittedly always have trouble talking about myself – it feels awkward. I’ll start with something simple – my name. Several people have already commented on my author name. It is, in fact a pen name. Although my first name is truly ‘Terra’, meaning ‘Earth’, it is actually my middle name, not my last name that is ‘Harmony’ meaning ‘peace’. Put together my name means ‘Peace on Earth’. You guessed it – my parents were hippies. I have to say Terra Harmony was a much better choice than their original idea of ‘Moon Shadow’.”

“My series is more fantasy than anything else, but there is a larger message I want to convey. We don’t exactly have to be blessed with elemental powers to make a difference!”

Yeah, I got your curiosity going, right? Have a look see at the whole post on Ritesh’s blog and answer Terra’s question for a chance to get an extra entry in the giveaway!

For in case you missed it, the giveaway is international and is open until 5 February 2012 - there are 10 copies of Water, book 1 in The Akasha Series up for grabs, so be sure to check it out J Enter here!

Visit Terra’s website for more information about her series and other fun short stories.

That’s it on my side for today… see ya’ll tomorrow peeps

Much love

xx

Featured Author of the Week - Terra Harmony - Schedule

As ya’ll saw in a previous post I did earlier this week (if you missed it, see it here), Ritesh, Natasha, Jennifer and I have kidnapped Terra Harmony for an entire week of interviews, guest posts, book reviews and a giveaway!

Here is the schedule for each day:

23 January – A biographical write-up

24 January – An introduction to The Akasha Series

25 January – Reviews of Water and a teaser of Air

26 January – An interview with Terra and character interview

27 January – A guest post

28 January – Short story by Terra Harmony

All the bloggers participating in this fabulous ‘Terra Harmony Week’:

Ritesh @ Ritesh Kala’s Book Reviews

Natasha @ Dreamland: A Teenage Fantasy

Jennifer @ Can’t Put It Down

… and me

Feel free to drop by Terra Harmony’s website – she revealed the cover of Air, book 2 in The Akasha Series today! *jumps up & down* Come on, I know you want to…

Giveaway:

Don’t forget about the giveaway… there are 10 copies of Water, book 1 in The Akasha Series up for grabs. The giveaway is open internationally until 5 February 2012. All you need to do is fill in the entry form. You’ll also get extra entries for commenting on posts throughout the week!!

Much love

xx

Featured Author of the week - Terra Harmony

Now you all know how much I lurve Terra Harmony so Ritesh @ Ritesh Kala’s Book Reviews, myself and one or two other book bloggers have gotten together and we’ve kidnapped Terra Harmony for an entire week of interviews, guest posts, book reviews and a giveaway!

Just to refresh your memory…

About Water [Akasha Series #1]

All of the elemental powers are in the palm of her hand…and it won't be enough to save her. When Kaitlyn Alder is involuntarily introduced to a life of magic, she becomes part of an organization hell-bent on saving the Earth. Just as her new-found life holds promises of purpose, romance, and friendship, the organization divides and a rogue member holds Kaitlyn hostage. Now one of the most terrifying men the human race has to offer stands between her and Earth's survival.

Details of the giveaway

Go stalk Ritesh’s blog and fill in the entry form to win one of *pause* 10 copies of Terra Harmony’s novel, Water. The giveaway is open internationally until 5 February 2012.

Have a fabulous day peeps

xx 

Ramblings of a Day-dreamer: WINNERS!!

I would just like to say a HUGE thank you to Terra Harmony for being so generous to giveaway five books of Water, The Akasha Series and a BIG thank you to all the peeps that have entered. Now on to the winners…

Congratulations to the winners of Water by Terra Harmony

Natasha Ann

Midnight

Martina Bookaholic

Silvana

Deb Novack

Please note: An email will be sent to each of you, you have 24 hours to reply in order to receive the book. The winners were announced in no particular order. Terra has a MONSTER surprise for the winners!! J

Ramblings of a Day-dreamer: Author Post & Giveaway!

Special surprise for you today peeps… this is my very first author post and giveaway – I know right, about damn time! *squee*

Introducing *drum roll please* … Terra Harmony, author of Water, The Akasha Series #1. I’m so excited and can’t wait for you guys to read further and get to know Terra – she is fabulous!

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I am a professional day-dreamer.  Sometimes, my husband catches me in the middle of dinner staring off into space with a goofy smile on my face.  “What are you smiling about?”

Damn, I think.  Caught again.  “Nothing – how are those peas?”  I have been daydreaming as long as I can remember.  Not the quick, fleeting thought ‘I wish I were rich’ types of daydreams, but long, drawn-out action sequences or steamy, romantic adventures.  Eventually, I began writing these adventures down.  With some plotting and much editing, they morphed into my first novel, ‘Water’, a contemporary eco-fantasy.

‘Water’ has been in the works for a long time, much longer than I care to admit.  Ok – 10 years, at least, I admit it. Once it was complete, I sent it off to my mom, sister and grandma.  They said it was great – and so began the rounds of publisher and agent queries.  My rejection file quickly morphed into a rejection drawer.  I thought, “But my family loves it – therefore it has to be good.  These agents don’t know what they are talking about.”

Finally, I conceded.  50+ agents that are all saying the same thing probably know what they are talking about.  So I got serious.  I got coffee and then sent my book off for professional editing.  I got more coffee and joined a local critique group.  Then I got even more coffee, this time with a dash of scotch and…self-published.

It has so far been a whirlwind ride – and I know there is so much more to come.  The self-publishing community is great, my readers and what fans I have mustered so far have been very supportive and my mom, sister and grandma are…proud.

I still daydream; I do it when I am at work, when I am going for a run, and when I am doing laundry.  It is my version of multi-tasking.  Nowadays, my daydreams involve Kaitlyn and the crew of the Seven, an organization hell-bent on saving the planet.  With the power to control natural elements, anything goes.  I am currently working on the next book in the series, ‘Air’, to be released early 2012.  Kaitlyn will continue to (as Alexia puts it) ‘rock your face off’, only this time she will be in a slightly different condition.  Whoops – don’t want to give too much away!

I hope everyone thoroughly enjoys the book and here is hoping all of your daydreams come true!

~~~~~~~~~

Thanks Terra J A little bit more about Water…

From Goodreads:

All of the elemental powers are in the palm of her hand…and it won't be enough to save her. When Kaitlyn Alder is involuntarily introduced to a life of magic, she becomes part of an organization hell-bent on saving the Earth. Just as her new-found life holds promises of purpose, romance, and friendship, the organization divides and a rogue member holds Kaitlyn hostage. Now one of the most terrifying men the human race has to offer stands between her and Earth's survival.

See my review here: http://alexiachronicles.blogspot.com/2011/11/water-1-by-terra-harmony.html

Now… for the giveaway! Yay! *happy chicken dance* There are five books up for grabs - I told you Terra is fabulous. J Can you tell how excited I am?? All you have to do to enter is fill out the rafflecopter below. Good luck… may the best book worm win!

Water #1 by Terra Harmony

Water [The Akasha Series #1]

By Terra Harmony

www.twainwannabe.blogspot.com

From Goodreads:

All of the elemental powers are in the palm of her hand…and it won't be enough to save her. When Kaitlyn Alder is involuntarily introduced to a life of magic, she becomes part of an organization hell-bent on saving the Earth. Just as her new-found life holds promises of purpose, romance, and friendship, the organization divides and a rogue member holds Kaitlyn hostage. Now one of the most terrifying men the human race has to offer stands between her and Earth's survival.

Alexia’s Review:

Where to begin… ok, this book is right up my alley! I enjoyed it so much that it kept me up till early hours of the morning – I could not put it down! I love the storyline and how Kaitlyn’s dreams are (in a way) connected to her everyday life and emotions. Terra Harmony is an amazing author!

Kaitlyn is such a kick-ass, sarcastic and witty chick. She rocks my face off! She has this amazing way about her – stands her ground and fights for what she believes in, even when the odds are against her. Her spirit is unbreakable – I admire her strong character.

Now on to the male characters of the book (of course I’m going to give you the 411 on the boys lol). There are 4 male characters that stand out, Alex, Micah, Shawn and Cato. Micah is just a hotness monster of note, the way he is described is drool worthy! At first I was so sure of their connection, but near the end I had my doubts – but it’s only the first book of the series, so we’ll see how things turn out. Shawn, boy oh boy – he is a head case. Some serious issues going on there and his little experiment with Kaitlyn just pissed me off, but that being said, there are deeper emotions at play and in a way I feel for the guy (but I’d still give him a good beating)! Alex – I lurve this dude, too cute for words. Cato is a weird old man, living in his own little world.

Now I have to comment on the cliff hanger ending… wtf?! I NEED to know what’s going to happen! J At the end of the book there is a little sneak preview of the second book in the series, Air – that just made me want to read the second book immediately! I can’t wait for the second installment. This is definitely a series and author I’ll be following closely!

Delicious – make mine a double