Thursday, August 4, 2016

Gemini Moon, A Lella York Novel by Maria Grazia Swan



Hi Carol, 
Gemini Moon was inspired by the death of a very good friend of mine. She died of a gunshot to the head. Her death was ruled accidental. The shooter? Her husband. This happened in 1990, in Southern California. I knew I had to write about it, I also knew i wanted to do it right.
 And one day I was ready. In Gemini Moon, the roles are reversed, the wife shoots the husband. Because of my strong friendship with the woman whose death inspired the story, I describe her as she really was in life, pretty, smart, funny, bubbly and full of love. R.I.P. Yvonne.


Blurb
When her eyes were finally opened to the truth, she couldn't recognize her own life...
Italian-born Lella York is trying to figure out who she is. Her husband has died. Her son is grown and, for the most part, gone. And now, her best friend is missing.

Upon returning to Southern California after a visit to her beloved Italy, Lella is shocked to learn the mysterious circumstances of Ruby's disappearance as well as the death of Ruby's husband. And Lella's son is the prime suspect. Her cat is not so happy about it all either!

Now, someone's stalking Lella. Caught in the middle of it all, Lella stumbles across the perfect topper--namely, a sexy police detective who keeps secrets from her while he's setting her pants on fire. Nothing like a little romance to distract a girl while she's trying to locate a missing person, solve a possible homicide, get her son out of jail and stay two steps ahead of the firing line. 

....A perfect murder mystery....Dana Point Times
In a “suspenseful...smooth, compulsive” read, national bestselling and award winning author Maria Grazia Swan, delivers a “can't-put-it-down kind of read, almost like a dream/nightmare that won't stop”  Italophile Book Reviews

Gemini Moon was awarded the prestigious HOLT Award of Merit from the Virginia Romance Writers Association.

It also received a certificate of excellence from The Heart of the West
 Romance Writers of America

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

SPORE by American Metal Sculptor Christopher Weed



This gorgeous, eye-catching powder-coated steel beauty called Spore is the work of the very talented American sculptor, Christopher Weed.  His work is very well-known in the American West, with pieces on display in Denver and throughout Colorado.  I had the privilege of viewing this spectacular piece in person at the Museum of Art in Colorado Springs, Colorado in the spring.  This giant purple orb draws you to it, bringing to mind some fascinating scientific object... or maybe a squishy toy... or a kidney stone... or an alien spacecraft from Doctor Who, all at the same time.  Once you see a "Weed" in person, you never forget it.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Interview with Author Alisha Jones



Alisha Jones
Greensboro, NC


Good morning, Alisha, and welcome to Vision and Verse, the Place for Art and Authors. Can you tell us a little about what you've written? I’ve written 13 books including two series.

What is your favorite genre to write? 
I write inspirational fiction/Christian romance

Favorite food?
Pasta of any kind


Tea or coffee? 
Sweet tea during the summer and coffee during the winter.

Pizza or ice cream? 
Pizza

Wine or beer? 
Neither


Where would you like to visit?
Always dreamed of going to Paris, France



Favorite musical artist.  Do you listen to music when you write? 
I like to listen to classical music while I write, but while I’m cleaning or just cruising down the highway, I’m addicted to show tunes from the old musicals that I grew up watching.   




What makes you laugh?
My husband and I used to sit at the cafĂ© in a local bookstore and people watch. There is nothing funnier than making up stories for people you don’t even know. This is why I became a writer.


Favorite work of art or sculpture.
To me, there’s nothing prettier than mother nature. With Christ as the painter/designer, His work is magnificent.

How old were you when you started writing?
30

Describe your perfect evening.
My husband and I taking a stroll along the beach around sunset and star gazing when the stars pop out.

Where do you get your inspiration?
From all over. People watching, actual news events, or even a sermon by our pastor can spark an idea.



Who is your favorite author?
I’m addicted to books by Mary Connealy. Cowboys and romance? Who wouldn’t be?


Best book you ever read.
Bible, without a doubt. Life changing.


Last book you read.
“Charity’s Cross” by Mary Lu Tyndall



What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer? 
Well, I’m a stay-at-home mom of four, so I would still be that.


Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
My husband, without a second thought. Other than being the best husband and friend ever, he is also my motivator, my faithful supporter, and my publisher/promoter.


If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
 Jesus Christ. I’d love to ask how he could still love people who so cruelly despised him enough to kill him. His love keeps me inspired to write more and more love stories.



What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
Write all you can, and don’t give up. No matter the struggle, the end result is such a great accomplishment; something to be proud of.


Do you have some links for us to follow you?
Facebook.com/authoralishajones
Twitter.com/authoralisha1
Instagram @authoralishajones
And of course, the website authoralishajones.com 

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Schedule for August 1 - 5, 2016

Beautiful Lake Milton, Ohio
in the Autumn

Schedule for August 1 - 5, 2016
Mon., Aug. 1 -  Every Family Has One 
by Artist Parker Kaufman
Tues., Aug. 2 -  Interview with Author Alisha Jones
Wed., Aug. 3 - SPORE by Metal Artist
Christopher Weed
Thurs., Aug. 4 - Gemini Moon, A Lella York Award Winning
Suspense Novel by Maria Grazia Swan
Fri., Aug. 5 - FREE Today 
Echo of Heartbreak, A Recipe for Life
by Carol Ann Kauffman
Some Reviews