Guest Blog: Stephanie Burkhart talks about Edgar Cayce the American Psychic

Edgar Cayce has fifty-six years to live, but right now he doesn't know what to make of the Angel in front of him and the promises she's making. He's young, only 12, and while his family says he's a spiritual child, he finds it hard to focus on school and his lessons. He squirms on the ground, sitting in the oak grove near his farmhouse. It's 1889 and the adults in his life are firm, grim-faced, and hard working. They are strict disciplinarians and he's had his fair share of physical discipline.

Edgar closes the Bible in his lap. He knows she's an angel. Her wings are white and wide, fluttering gently in the breeze. Her hair is gold, shining in the sun.

"What do you want most of all, Edgar?" Her voice is soft, like sweet notes on a musical scale.

Edgar feels the sweat beading on the back of his neck. His palms perspire. She's breathtakingly beautiful. He's nothing - just a poor boy with poor grades, destined to work hard on the farm like his father.

"You are the instrument we've chosen to touch this world."

Edgar swallows, anxious, nervous. He knows he must choose the path his life is going to take for the rest of his days, so he must choose wisely. He glances at his Bible.

"I want to be helpful to others. I want to heal people."

A smile graces her face, sending radiant beams over him. "Close your eyes and rest, Edgar. It is when you sleep that we can help you."

Edgar nods his head and leans back against the solid oak tree, his Bible clutched firmly in his hands. He yawns and peace settles over his soul. The Angel's warmth spreads over his skin. He will never be alone again.

****

Edgar Cayce was an American who talked about healing, prophecies, Atlantis, World War II, and even reincarnation. He could see auras, spoke to angels and heard voices of people who had died. When he would do a reading for a person, he would lay down and go into a trance, as if he were asleep. He would give up to 8 readings a day which often  left him emotionally and physically drained.

Cayce's clients included many contemporaries including Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Edison, and George Gershwin. (It's said Ronald and Nancy Reagan used an astrologer, which I find a tad interesting given Woodrow Wilson saw Cayce 70 yrs before the Reagans sought "new age" help) Edgar is controversial yet, prophetic. He is doubted by critics and held to high esteem by his believers. Men like Cayce inspire us to search out the paranormal and dare us to believe.

WOLF'S TORMENT

It's 1865 and Moldavia is a country nestled against the shores of the Black Sea. Lady Theresa travels from Austria to this country that's haunted by tales of vampires and werewolves. She's going to marry the Crown Prince, but she harbors her own unspoken secrets.

Prince Mihai has just returned to Moldavia to discover he's a witch. He's intent on being a good husband and modernizing his country, but he must find a balance with his supernatural heritage. His best friend, Viktor, accompanies Mihai and marries Mihai's sister. In an unfortunate twist of fate, a werewolf bites Viktor.

Viktor's transformation threatens everyone around him, including his wife's safety and Mihai's happiness, but he's especially dangerous when he's near Theresa. Can Mihai save his family from Viktor's lies and deceptions?

WINNER: GOLD, 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest, Fiction: Supernatural

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/Moldavian-Moon-Book-One-ebook/dp/B004YTI3FM/

BARNES & NOOK NOOK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moldavian-moon-book-one-stephanie-burkhart/1031031928

ALL ROMANCE BOOKS: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-moldavianmoonbookonethewolf039storment-544310-139.html

KOBO: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/moldavian-moon-book-one-the-wolf-s-torment

PUBLISHER'S LINK: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-163/Stephanie-Burkhart-Moldavian-Moon/Detail.bok

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She was born in Manchester, New Hampshire and received a B.S. in Political Science from California Baptist University in 1995. She served in U.S. Army from 1986-1997, spending seven years in Germany. She enjoys coffee, loves chocolate and wants to be a Minion for Halloween this year. Last year, she was an Ipad. She is also a den leader for her son's cub scout den. Stephanie enjoys writing paranormal and contemporary romance.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Interview of Author Stephanie Burkhart

Today I'm pleased to present an interview of romance author Stephanie Burkhart.

Latest Book: A Lady Never Lies
BUY LINKS FOR A LADY NEVER LIES:
PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS
BARNES & NOBLE (NOOK)
AMAZON (KINDLE:)

Video Link to book 1 in the series, Victorian Scoundrel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IUYj2d7ZeY



BIO:
Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatch for LAPD. Born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, she served in the US Army from 1986-1997. She has a B.S. in Political Science from California Baptist University. She enjoys chocolates, adores coffee and taking walks at Castaic Lake. She's married with 2 children. Stephanie teaches religious education at her church and is the den leader for her son's Cub Scout den.

Q: How did you celebrate your first book?
A:  I hate to say it, but I don’t remember doing anything distinctive. I think I had a “Sam Adams” and a BBQ.

Q: What’s your writing schedule like? Do you strive for a certain amount of words each day?
A: Right now my writing schedule is incredibly tough. I took over my son’s Cub Scout den and because of that extra commitment, finding time to write has been a challenge. I write at work, during breaks, time permitting, and I try to write before I go to bed. I do try to write a little day, but mostly blogs writing articles lately. I need more time in the day!

Q: What is the most important thing you do for your career now, as compared to when you first started writing?
A: Right now I’m trying to open up more marketing opportunities and really target the ones that I’ve found work for me. I didn’t do that when I first started. Right now I’m using Goddess Fish blog tours to arrange review tours and Fussy Librarian for marketing. I also use Book Daily for marketing my book, “Victorian Scoundrel.” I’d like to open up more marketing opportunities, but this is all I can afford right now. I prefer to target review tours because that puts the books in readers' hands and marketing blasts like Fussy Librarian give my stories a small boost. I hope to keep plugging away and soon, hopefully, fingers crossed, more consistent sales will come.

Q: Do you eat comfort food/listen to music when writing?
A: I generally don’t eat, but I like to have a water bottle close by. I don’t listen to music, but I like to have the TV on for the background noise.

Q: How do you choose names for your characters?
A: It depends where the story is set. In my Budapest Moon series, I researched Hungarian names. For my Moldavian Moon series, I researched Romanian names. I always try to be true to the setting that’s been established.

Q: Covers. Ever get one you wish you could change?
A: I chuckle because if I had my way, I’d put Jimmy Thomas on every cover! Sadly, I can’t, but I can honestly say there’s no cover I wish I could change. Each cover embodies the essence of the story within the pages.

Q: Give one advice tip to an aspiring author.
A: Master point of view narration. Don’t shift the point of view within a scene. That’s very confusing for the reader. Also, I think past tense works better than present tense in a novel.

Q: If you could give a younger version of yourself advice, what would it be?
A: Exercise patience and focus on finding your audience.

Q: Any part of a book that drives you crazy as you write: beginning, middle, or the end?
A: The middle! I know how I want to start and I know how I want to end, but the middle – that’s the challenge! Going on the journey and making the journey worthy of the end – that’s the part that drives me crazy.

Q: Out of your entire backlist, which book has the best opening line?  What’s the line?
A: The Secret Door, Book 4 in the Budapest Moon series. “Zoltan jerked the steering wheel too late.”

FUN STUFF:
Q: What is your favorite holiday and why?
A: Christmas. I love watching my boys open their Christmas gift. The boys also like to bake cookies and go shopping for gifts and chocolates. It’s a fun time.

Q: What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I was married in Denmark, and I was in the Army between 1986-1997.

Q: As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: A bus driver. I had no ambition. (wink!)

Q: Favorite Food?
A: Pizza from Pieology, Pizza Rev, or any place that makes a gluten free crust! I don't have a gluten allergy, but I find there's a big difference when I eat gluten free. I have more energy, and my body's digestive system feels better.

Q: Favorite happy memory?
A: Visiting Berlin on my 22nd birthday, just after the fall of the Berlin wall. I went up one side of the Kurfurstendamn and down the other sampling beverages from various bars with a friend. Transportation was free for soldiers in Berlin at the time so I didn’t have to worry about driving!

Q: Favorite Drink?
A: Propel Water. Coffee is a close 2nd.

Q: How summer days or chilly winter nights?
A: Chilly winter nights. I can always put on clothes and layer to keep warm.

Q: What is the top thing on your bucket list?
A: Go back to Germany and see the changes since the fall of the wall.

Q: If you could have a super power what would it be?
A: Endurance!

Where can we find you?
WEBSITE: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com/TWITTER: http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor
GOOD READS
YOU TUBE CHANNEL
PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

BLURB:
Jocelyn Dunkirk is not your typical Victorian lady. She dresses in leather, wears goggles and is not afraid to get a little grease under her fingernails. Gentlemen avoid her like a dirty rivet.

Richard Windsor, the Prince of Wales, travels through time to claim Jocelyn's heart, but if it isn't one challenge, it's another. He determines to be a constant, steady presence in her life, hoping to prove he'd make a worthy husband.

Jocelyn's facing a bucket full of problems. The Prime Minister wants her to assist in ending a coal strike before it cripples the nation while her father attempts to recover from a serious injury. Will Jocelyn's dedication to her country and family ruin the one chance she has at love?

EXCERPT:
She swatted her hand next to her head like she was swatting a fly. Love could flitter away from her heart like a hummingbird for all she cared. Who needed it? Love hurt.

A knock rapped on the door, but before she could voice a reply, Richard walked in. He crossed the room, raw concern splayed over his face and he knelt before her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"You look annoyed."

"A lady never cusses," she replied.

His lips tipped in amusement. "What else does a lady never do?"

"They never wear the same dress twice."

He pulled up a chair and sat in front of her. "I believe that."

"And a lady never lies," she said.

He slid his hand over hers and laced their fingers together. A sweet jolt pulsed up her arm and she smiled despite herself.

"So what's bothering you?" he asked.

Anything else you'd like to add?
REVIEWS:

"You've got romance, betrayal, time travel and gadgets. Perfect mix!!! Can't wait for the next book!" - The Crafty Cauldron

"This is a fun series! The author has a huge imagination." - 4.5 Stars, Clue Review


"A wonderful book."- 5 Stars, Michelle Stanley for Reader's Favorites

Guest Blog: Stephanie Burkhart: Dialogue Dilemmas

Writing dialogue can be fun, but a challenge. Dialogue must do several things well to be effective, so I thought I'd share some tips and ideas on writing romantic dialogue.

#1 – Dialogue should sound authentic, but not reflect real life too closely.

In real life people greet each other with:
"Hello, Bob."
"Hi, Sue. How are you doing?"
"I'm okay. You?"
"I have a little headache."

Dull and boring, huh? Try to strip as much of these exchanges that you can from your dialogue. Get to the heart of the matter by passing over pleasantries. Rule of thumb: Stay away from pointless chit chat.

#2 – Dialogue should move the plot forward, but not be an info dump.

When you use dialogue, reveal a little about your character, but don't go into a monologue that reads like an info dump.
"Lord Varga does not like garlic," said Lazlo.
Amelia arched an eyebrow. "I didn't know. Why?"
"It makes him sick."
"How interesting. Garlic is known for it's healing properties."
Lazlo pursed his lips.

#3 – Should I cuss?

Try not to, but remember there are times when it is necessary. If your characters gets their finger caught in a door, and the pain is immediate, he's going to cuss. Don't, however, liter your character's dialogue with cuss words. It makes your character unromantic and unsympathetic. It's more acceptable to write "he swore" than a cuss word.
"David took the money."
"What did he do with it?"
"I think he blew it on cigarettes."
Sam swore. That was all the money he had.

#4 – Dialogue shows passion.

Ah, pillow talk. Flirting banter. Promises of seduction. All these types of dialogue "show" romance. And don't forget to use dialogue during your love scenes. Let your characters be playful. Show them flirting. Depending on the hero, if he's talkative, then being intimate with the heroine might be a time where he's quiet and more reflective.
"I didn't get a chance to tell you last night so I'll tell you now – I love you."
"Madly?"
"Passionately."
"Wholeheartedly?"
"Most assuredly."

#5 – Avoid dialect in dialogue.

Why? Quite honestly, most authors can't do it well and readers who don't "get it" might find it a bit stilted.

#6 – You are what you speak.

The words characters say reveal who they are so make them shine. Are they educated? Young? Friendly? What do they value?
"Old lady Jenning's pig ran away again."
"Did you find him?"
"Sure did – down by the river."
"Did you return the pig?"
"I sure did. She said she appreciated my honesty."

#7 – Dialogue shows suspense.

The lack of dialogue or reluctance to talk may heighten the suspense.
"Do you know what she wanted?"
"Yeah."
"What?"
"What was what?"

Question: I'd love to hear your tips for writing dialogue. Feel free to share!

BIO:
Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She loves coffee, adores chocolate, and is a proud mom of a cub scout and boy scout. She's published with Victory Tales Press, 4RV Publishing, and Desert Breeze Publishing. She loves to walk and is walking in a 5K to support Alzheimer's in September. Her steampunk series, "The Windsor Diaries" is an award winning series. Book 1 is "Victorian Scoundrel."

BLURB:
It's 2011 and compressed natural gas has taken over from the coal producing steam machines of the Victorian Age. Alice Windsor, Princess of York, follows her mischief-making cousin, Edmund of Wales, back to 1851 where Prince Albert is hosting Britain's Great Exhibition.

Alice soon finds herself over her head in trouble. Edmund is determined to help Prince Albert build a dirigible and the prime minister appears intent in preventing her from stopping Edmund. Alice knows it's too early for the massive flying machine to take to the air. Complicating matters is the passionate Grayson Kentfield, Earl of Swinton. Alice can't stop her pulse from pounding when she's near him.

Can Alice give her heart to a man from the past while working to stop Edmund from changing history?

Victorian Scoundrel is print and as an ebook.
FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com/
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor
GOOD READS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/