Whispers & Wishes Excerpt!

Happy Tuesday!

You know what that means?

TEASER TUESDAY!!!

I am so excited to share with you a special excerpt from my editor and dear friend's debut novel. Hollie Westring (yes, THE Hollie) wrote a novel Whispers & Wishes and it's a brilliant book. I love it! I love everything about it.

I am sooo excited to be sharing this with you right now because you'll really want to read this story! It comes out NOVEMBER 7TH. I made that extra big in case you didn't see it. Mark your calendars!

Here it is!

I missed Grams and Lexi. I came back for one week every September to help Grams prepare the inn for guests. This year was different. Cedar Inn needed lots of repairs since Grams had been putting them off. Though the biggest thing calling me home was that I needed some time off from traveling. Still no closer to my mother or finding myself, I needed some time to assess. I felt listless as I bounced from town to town, seeing people with their friends and families, and there I was—serving these happy people at cafes and restaurants. No friends or family around for hundreds of miles.

I thought spending some extra time with Grams and Lexi might fix that. Fall brought lots of tourists to Sage Springs, but the biggest weekend was Fall Fest in October. Fall Fest was Sage Springs’ greatest claim to fame. People poured in from Kansas City and several suburbs. Some of the locals dressed up in attire from the 1800s. There was kettle corn, games, lots of crafts to be bought and perused, a cider stand, all sorts of things. Business at the Cedar Inn would be good that weekend, I had no doubt, but it was the rest of the year I was concerned about.

“We’ll be landing in Kansas City in about thirty minutes,” the pilot announced, jolting me from my thoughts. “It’s a sunny seventy-eight degrees.” That was a nice way of saying it wasn’t going to be hot as balls when we stepped off the plane. The summers were brutal and full of humidity, which is one of the reasons I picked fall for my yearly visits.

The man next to me snored. How did I always get stuck next to people like this? It was like I was a magnet for weird encounters. “Please invade my personal space” must have been written on my forehead. I knew I was in trouble when the man plopped down in the seat and started taking up my legroom and arm room within seconds. At least he was asleep and had stopped doing that phlegmy snort thing he’d done as we left the tarmac at my layover in Atlanta. Gross.

I flipped off my e-reader and stowed it in my purse as I took a deep breath and prepared to face the next few weeks that would likely decide my future. It was time for me to determine if I wanted to continue my journey on the road and the search for my mother, or if I should move back to Sage Springs and be surrounded by people who loved me.

Lexi had promised to meet me at the airport and drive me to Cedar Inn. I took another deep breath as the plane landed. As anxious as I was about facing my future, I was excited to be stationary for a while. Seeing as how Sage Springs was more of a, err, spiritual community, I guess you could say, I felt excited to be around other people like me.

Mr. Snorer had awoken upon landing and was now edging his way into the aisle. I jumped in line right behind him and stepped off the plane. As I entered the airport gate, I steeled myself for Lexi’s little body launching itself at me. She had a way of doing that, and I didn’t want to fall on the airport’s dirty carpet with her on top of me, smothering me with hugs.

I glanced around for Lexi’s blonde head. Odd. I didn’t see her. I peered around again, taking a step out of the way as families reunited and lovers embraced. I was midway through swiveling my head when I lost my breath and my eyes bulged. Dark blond hair, six-three, muscular build, brown eyes, dimple.

Jake.

Lexi would not do this to me. She couldn’t. She wouldn’t possibly send him here to pick me up. It was an hour drive to Cedar Inn. I couldn’t be stuck in the car with Jake Brown for that long. I’d seen him twice since I left Sage Springs three years ago. He hadn’t seen me. Since I was only in town for a week each of the other times, I spent most of the visits at the inn with Grams, so there was no reason for any awkward meetings.

“Eliza? That you?”

See?! You MUST read this! Eeeeekkk! Sorry, I'm just a bit excited for this. Enjoy this excerpt. There's more awesome to come!

Ugly Sweater Season-It's Time

It's time for them ugly sweaters folks.

Just kidding. That's not until November at least and then in December is ugly Christmas sweater time. But it's time to be back in my leather jacket and boots. Technically sweaters too, just not the ugly kind yet.

Scarves. If you live somewhere cold, always have lots of scarves.

Point is, it's getting darker out earlier and it's getting chilly. Time to stay warm! Unless you're south of the equator, then happy summer.

Hollie has sent me back edits of Chosen and this week I have been finalizing her suggestions and adding some scenes. This is back breaking work! Well maybe not in the physical sense but I have poured some serious blood, sweat, and tears into writing this novel. It has not been easy whatsoever. Sometimes your characters want to be stubborn and make it near impossible for you to write their story. Oh but I wrote it, even when the going got tough.

Just know, that after this weekend, it. will. be. DONE. After that, we just have the countdown until Halloween because that's when Chosen comes out! Woohoo! Halloween is going to be epic this year. Maybe I'll hand out my character's favorite candy! Though...they are quite particular so finding all that candy may not be worth it.

This blog post is short because I have to get back to those edits. I'm feeling the pressure!!

Reveal of the NEW Flightless Bird Cover!

IT'S FINALLY HERE.

It's the brand new cover of Flightless Bird! BIG thank you to author Nancy Straight for introducing me to Amber over at eThinkGraphics! :-) Amber did a GREAT job and the new cover is amazing.

Okay, enough of my chit chat.

Here is the new cover for Flightless Bird!!!

 

 

HOW EPIC IS THAT?! It totally redefines the novel if you ask me. It's just so awesome. I don't think I can stop staring.

 

Spread the word about this gorgeous cover! Facebook it, tweet it, blog it, whatever you like.

 

And don't forget it's only $0.99. That's right. 99 CENTS! And here is the link to snag your copy: Amazon

 

Here's the summary if you've forgotten what the story is about....

 

A secret from the past...

The summer of her seventeenth birthday, Livy Eckels was faced with something she wasn't ready for. In the midst of a crumbling family, devastated, she grabs her bicycle and heads out of town to escape the atmosphere at home. Livy unexpectedly crashes into the lives of two mysterious people living on the outskirts of town. As she prepares to start her final exhaustive year of high school, she already has enough on her plate. Then with the entrance of Gregory Mason, her life becomes even more complicated. Tall, handsome, and ever so annoying, Livy can't stand being around him until she finds herself being pulled closer and closer to things she cannot explain.

She was determined to understand why Gregory Mason was so interested in her until she discovered something that may put her curiosity to an end. Before she knows what is happening, Livy becomes entangled in the mystifying plots of a secret society, a vengeful ex-lover, and a situation she never expected to find herself in: falling in love with a boy whose secret she should have never known.

So excited about this cover! Rock on! What do you think?



Seth and Alex Interview from Soul Survivor!

As promised, here is that epic interview with none other than Seth and Alex from Soul Survivor!!

Hi Seth! Welcome! What’s been new with you? Thanks so much for stopping by today.

S: Hello, dear Paulina! I'm well. How are you? I really love your new hair color. Dark is sexy. *winks*

Me: I am doing well! Thank you for the comment, about the hair, I like it too. You really think it’s nice?

S: *leans in* Oh yes, I love all things dark and dangerous. Things are going well. I've been a bit tied up with Hailee. Speaking of I promised her I'd be on my best behavior but sometimes I can't help myself. It would be smart to keep a safe zone of space between us. *wicked grin lines his face as he moves back*

Me: Uh....yeah...wait what? Hailee? Oh right. Riiiiigghhhhtt. Okay focusing back. Um, so, what's been new? Anything new?

S: Nothing really, just been hanging out around Hailee's home a good bit. I've been having a difficult time staying away from her. Don't tell her this, but I've been watching her a lot from the Realm. She intrigues me. How someone can be so pure and good is beyond me. Although you remind me of her a bit dear, Paulina. You have a good soul as well...I'm not typically fond of humans but I'd say you're one of my favorites. Don't go telling people that though--I have ways of keeping my secrets hidden and I'd prefer to not have to use those WAYS on you, darling.

Me: Hailee has a heart of gold! Hopefully there will be a time when I can hang with her! You know, have girl time. Stop flattering me, psh....but if you had to use them on me I wouldn't mind. Hehehe Is there anything you can tell me about yourself, that maybe no one else knows? I can keep a secret.

S: *Leans in* Well, there is something-- *KNOCK! KNOCK!* You expecting company my dear?

Me: I don't think so, but *opens door* Alex! Hi! Come in! *smiles like dork*

A: Hello, Paulina! *walks in* What's he doing here?

S: *chuckles* Hello, Alexander!

Me: Uh....this is not what it looks like. Though if it looks like that then, I'm okay with that.

A: Paulina! Don't you know he's dangerous! You're just a human--you have no defenses against him. It's a good thing I decided to drop and check in on you. *sits on end of couch* *glares at Seth*

Me: Well, he’s been nice enough so far and okay, who wants some iced tea?

S: I’d love some sweetheart.

A: No. Thank. You.

Me: *awkward silence* Um okay. Here you go Seth. *hands glass* So Alex…how are you?

A: I've been having a great day. Sethaniel hasn't been lurking around which I now know why. *glares* Paulina, would you like me to hook you up with your own personal Guardian? I've got my hands full with Hailee but I could recruit a very talented one for you. I mean now that he knows where you live--I'd feel better knowing you were being guarded.

S: Oh, hush Alexander! She's not a hybrid and she's not getting in the way of anything we're fine. Besides she brews some great tea--not sweet like Hailee's Mom makes but still satisfying. *Seth smiles mischievously*

Me: Well Alex, I wouldn't mind having a sexy guardian, I mean guardian around. You know to have someone to talk to when I'm just sitting around writing. I totally back this plan. No offense Seth. I wouldn't need him for protection....ahem. Well, I'm glad you like my iced tea! Us northerners like it un-sweet. Actually it’s just me that likes it that way. *thinks about how much sexy is in one room* Like Seth said, I don’t really interfere. I just observe from a distance.

A: Most Guardians are male. Sexist I know but I don't call the shots. I can send one right over. I can't guarantee he'll be "sexy" but he should be good company unlike some people.

S: Come on, Alexander. Stop acting like a spoiled child. We're in the presence of good company and you can't even pretend to be civil?! Wait til I tell Hailee about your attitude. She will not be happy.

A: *pounds fist on coffee table* I have had enough of your--of you!

Me: Okay, okay let's just settle it down now. Deep breaths! We can be civil! How about we chat about...favorite books. What are your favorite books?

S: *chuckles* Sorry, sweet Paulina. Alexander has a bit of a temper. I don't read much of the new age stuff. I study the ancient texts a good bit--searching for clues and prophecies. I do enjoy Entertainment Weekly magazine--keeps me updated on the culture.

A: *rolls eyes* Paulina I apologize for my behavior. He knows how to get under my skin. *sighs* I enjoy reading very much. I actually just finished your book, Broken Wings. Very intriguing. I'd love to meet your friends sometime.

*Me: squeals* Alex! You would want to meet my friends? Really? Like is this a for real deal? I will definitely pass along the message. I think you and Gregory would get along nicely. Damon too...though Damon is...well, Damon. Seth might get along better with his...humor. At least you both are into reading, that is a bonus! But where do you two go from here? Will there ever be peace?

A: I'd love to meet Gregory. Stand up guy. Peace? Doubtful. You do know what's he done, right? Besides, we all know he's going to hurt Hailee sooner or later.

S: *gets in Alex's face* You know NOTHING about me. You know NOTHING about our relationship!

A: *grits teeth* Paulina, I'm sorry but if you prefer to keep your apartment intact I should be leaving now. I should get back to protecting, Hailee. We all know she needs a good man in her life.

Me: Whoa, whoa! All right, all right! Let's just all keep it calm because I don't want to lose my coffee table tonight thanks. Alex! you don't have to leave so soon, you could stay! Really!*wedges between the two of them*

S: *shouts around Paulina* Good man?! Are you serious?! You've done nothing but lie to her. I might not be pure but at least I'm honest!

A: Whatever! We'll see how honest you are soon enough! *leans into Paulina's ear* Sorry, sweetheart. I'll send my best Guardian Axel over. He'll take good care of you. I have to go. *Alex heads for the door*

Me: Alex! Wait! *slams door* So Seth…want some more tea?

S: Sorry Paulina. I should go too. Who knows what kind of bull Alexander will feed Hailee. But thank you for having me. The pleasure was all mine. *Kisses Paulina’s hand*

Me: *tries not to swoon* If you must go…promise you’ll visit again soon? The pleasure was all mine. Tell hailee I say hi!

S: I most certainly will--do both. We didn't have much time to get into the juicy details of all that is The Darkness. I know you have more questions about me. *winks* Goodbye my favorite human.

Me: *waves wistfully* Goodbye Seth...!

And that ladies and gents is Seth and Alex. Want to know what the drama is about? Grab your copy of Soul Survivor today by Michelle Nicole!

300 Likes Giveaway!

Wake me up when September ends...

Just kidding.

I am amazed at how fast August went by. The cooler weather is starting to set in and fall is on its way! Though I'm even more excited for October. Why? Let's review.

1. Chosen is coming out October 31st. Halloween is going to be epic this year!
2. My editor has her debut novel coming out, Whispers & Wishes, on October 24th!
3. October is a beautiful month weather wise with all the leaves changing.

BUT! September has just started and this month is packed with exiting things! Flightless Bird's NEW COVER will be revealed on September 11th! The cover is gorgeous and I have to give Amber a huge shout-out over at eThinkGraphics!! She did some great work so stick around and you'll get to see the new cover on Wednesday! So many awesome blogs will be posting it, BookCrushin', Book-Marks the Spot, and so many more!

One more thing, if I reach 300 or more likes on my facebook page, I'm giving away an e-book copy of Flightless Bird with the NEW cover! Be sure to comment on my status and on Wednesday I will randomly select a winner!! Here's the link if you want to win: www.facebook.com/authorpaulinaulrich

Other than that, there are going to be some very special characters stopping by on Sunday from Michelle Nicole's Soul Survivor. And by special I mean totally mysterious and a little on the sexy side: Seth and Alex! Two hotties in ONE blog post? Things are about to get crazy...