Mar 31, 2012

Inspiration!

First of all, you all should know by now that I have a bit of a crush on Hanson. I can't get enough of their quirky, honest style. So, when I ran across this song... it hit home with the story of I Dream... Listen and enjoy!

Mar 28, 2012

Inspiration!

I was cuddled up with my boo on the couch watching AI when Jessica sang this cover of Beyonce's Sweet Dreams. It is soooo perfect for I Dream... Listen close and you might find a few clues to what's to come when the book comes out ;)

Mar 27, 2012

New Review!

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story!, March 27, 2012
By Becky Hope -


I adore YA fiction, and this book is one of the better ones I have read. It has a strong female lead which I appreciate. No simpering or catty behavior. The humor in this book was wonderful, I love the bacon- vegetarian, and the characters are vibrant, honest, and very real. The story is different and new and has room to grow into a prolific series.

Read the whole review HERE

!!! March Madness !!!



Now that I have shaken off the shackles of conventional work, I am far more focused on my writing. All of my energies are put toward churning out book 2 of the Jinn series, but... and this is a big but, I still have to work on promoting I Wish... in order to gain new fans and spread the word.
So, during our last few days of March Madness, I would love your help in moving I Wish... forward in any way possible. Here are some quick ideas:

Tell a friend

Leave a review on any book site you frequent

Like an I Wish... page (Amazon, Facebook, Barnes & Noble, Shelfari...)

Pin I Wish... to Pinterest

Email the excerpt of I Wish... to your 11-15 yr old nieces or friends

Leave a note on Facebook

Be creative! & thanks in advance!

Mar 25, 2012

Inspiration!

So often books focus on the negative and the conflicts in order to give a good resolution at the end, but I love the moments in the middle where the characters pause in the midst of all the chaos and stop to appreciate something, to laugh, and to bring the reader a smile.

A friend posted this this morning, and I think it says it all.

Sunday Ponderings


You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.

- unknown

Mar 24, 2012

Inspiration!

This song has been running nonstop through my mind as I write I Dream... Once you reach the precipice how hard is it to cross that line? This song expresses Kira's point of view perfectly.


Mar 22, 2012

Inspiration!

A little bit of wonderful! Sweet, simple elegant words that portray so much feeling and depth of need.

Mar 21, 2012

Inspiration!


We all know what is coming in 2 days... Hunger Games!!!! I am so excited! I inhaled the books.
I was truly inspired by the clearly painted pictures of the characters. Each one stood out in my mind, and I could see the movie playing along as I raced through each chapter. So, when they announced that Jennifer Lawrence would be playing Katniss, I instantly knew she would be a good fit. I could see her fit into that movie in my head.
For I Wish... I had a hard time nailing down my image of Kira. She was an ethereal mystery for me. It wasn't until I saw this particular picture of Emily Browning that I knew SHE was Kira.
Now, I know that Emily Browning will not actually play Kira when some movie mogul begs to put I Wish... on the big screen, but it is the feel of her in this picture that finally made Kira real for me.

Mar 20, 2012

Another Mile Marker!



We have officially turned over 3000 views for this blog since I Wish... was published just a few short months ago. Celebrate, Jump Up & Down, and Tell a Friend. It is exciting how we have grown and spread the word. Thank you to all of the amazing people who have given me your continued support!!!

Inspiration!

Book 2 is always a hard one in a romantic series. I mean, if you did it right in book 1, the 2 main characters should get together, right? So, what is a new twist on a classic love story? Hang tight to see how it is done in book 2 of the Jinn Series, I Dream... (coming this summer)

Mar 19, 2012

Inspiration!

One thing about inspiration for me is not capturing the moment from a book or movie... It's about catching the feeling of those moments. I love the moment in this dance when it turns from almost a competition to the realization of sparks flying back and forth.

Mar 18, 2012

Inspiration!

I am to a crucial part in I Dream... A crossroads of sorts.
So, as I was cuddling up with my daughter and youngest son, watching A Cinderella Story, I thoroughly enjoyed this part when Sam tells off her would be prince. It is such a 'strong woman' moment, but I shirk to make Jack any sort of coward.
Sometimes inspiration can just muddy the waters... What do you all think?

Sunday Ponderings



"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." ~ Bill Russell


I love this quote because opposition comes in all forms, but most often it takes place in our mind. When we can overcome our own fears... we become stronger.

Mar 17, 2012

Inspiration!

I was blasting Pandora today and heard this song by Bruno Mars come across the playlist. It hit me like a wave... washing over me with so much emotion. I can see this song playing in the scene after the dance... Jack regretting pushing Kira away and wishing he could take it all back.

!!! March Madness !!!

Hi everyone! New March Madness Challenge!!!
Take a few minutes and 'like' all of the I Wish... links you can.

Facebook

Amazon

Nook

Youtube Book Trailer

Youtube Short Book Trailer

It will only make I Wish... stronger for your support. Thanks All!!!

Mar 16, 2012

A sneak peek of I Dream...


I have had quite a few people contact me lately eager to find out when I Dream... is coming out. I have been plugging away at it and decided to give you all a little taste of what's to come. It's not much, but hopefully it will carry you all through for a while.


I dream…


By: Tia Harrington

© 2011 by Tia Harrington

Chapter One
Captive


The night was tangible. Pure absence of light imprisoned him, bound only by the inky tentacles of darkness. Jack blinked back the throbbing pain in his head and sat up slowly. His hand went automatically to the source and encountered a sticky slick of blood oozing from a gash behind his ear. Jack felt his stomach roll as pain clawed its way through his body at just the mere brush of his fingers across the wound. He tried to swallow down the sickness by taking deep, calming breaths… but the heavy air stuck in his throat.

Jack’s mind began to fight past the haze of pain as his instincts kicked in. The absolute night didn’t scare Jack... Even the pain was something he could deal with… No, it was the thickness of the air that made Jack’s blood run cold. It was unnatural.

Jack focused his senses and took stock of the situation. He reached around him and felt rocks covered in a coat of spongy moss beneath his fingers. Jack sniffed the air. He could smell pines and the faint scent of wood smoke. A soft mist touched his cheeks, and Jack identified the sound of rushing water close by. Beneath the roar of the water he heard what sounded like a very human moan. Jack hesitantly reached out his hand toward the source. His fingers grazed something, and he felt a familiar tremor of energy run up his arm. Jack’s heart began to pound wildly in his chest. “Kira?”

Kira’s fingers tangled with his, and she tried to edge herself closer to Jack. He grabbed hold of her arm and pulled Kira until her head rested on his lap. She moaned and rolled to her side, tucking her face into Jack’s shirt.

Jack gathered Kira into his arms and felt her tremble in his hands and then go completely limp. Her power ebbed from his soul.

Jack felt… agony!!! A deep, raw pain clawing at him from the inside. On a great, wrenching sob, Jack screamed out, “No!”


Chapter Two
What Ifs


Jack woke in a cold sweat. His heart was thundering through his chest as he gasped for a full breath. “It isn’t real. It isn’t real.” Jack rubbed a hand over his throat and chanted the words to himself. Every fiber of his being betrayed this belief. He could still feel the warmth of Kira’s breath seeping through his shirt where her head had lain.

Jack sat up in a bed that was not his own and fought off the feeling of disorientation by blinking through the memories of his journey back to the City of Fen.

He closed his eyes and massaged his head until the memory came into focus. Jack remembered opening his back door just a week ago. Councilor Mundo stood on the steps leading to the back yard, with his back to the door, staring off into the woods. Mundo didn’t turn at the noise of the door opening, but instead greeted Jack with, “These woods do look to hold more magic than most. Don’t you agree, Mr. Morgan?”

Jack shook off the shock of seeing this particular magical being standing on his porch. Mundo looked powerful and alive with energy while he stood gazing off into the woods. His pinstriped white leisure suit contrasted against his dark skin only stood to make him stand out even more.

Jack looked past Mundo into the woods, but all he saw was the sight of Kira emerging, with the moon glistening off the ethereal dress that clung and flowed with the breeze. Her hair floating down around her. That was all he ever saw anymore when he looked into the woods. Instead of sharing that bit of knowledge Jack replied, “It’s like the woods belong to another world entirely.”

Mundo nodded and turned his head to glance over his shoulder at Jack. He asked with a casual tone, as if they were talking about the weather, rather than Jack’s entire future, “Have you made your decision?”

Jack took a deep breath and looked out into the woods. He knew the answer. He had made the decision right here less than a month ago. His heart ached with missing Kira, and he would do anything… anything to be with her again. Even leave his normal life behind and step into a magical realm where fantasy became reality and fairytales were the things of nightmares.

Jack crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the porch rail. He looked up into Mundo’s shadowed eyes and answered, “I have.” He paused and steadied his nerves before committing to the unknown. Jack’s jaw clenched, and he said, “I am ready to serve.”

Mundo nodded and smiled ruefully. “I did wonder.”

Jack asked, “So, what now?”

Mundo reached for the door and opened it. He swept his arm before him and answered, “Now, we get the okay from your Aunt.”

Jack blinked back his shock at that announcement and entered his small suburban home with an extremely intimidating, giant genie following behind him… to tell his aunt that he had magical powers. This was really going to go well.

Aunt Sheila was shuffling around in the kitchen, humming along to the music blaring from her antique radio sitting in the window. Her pink and yellow tie-dyed mumu swayed to the rhythm of the song. Bacon was sizzling away on the stovetop, and Sheila ducked into the fridge to grab some milk.

Jack hesitantly offered, “Um, Aunt Sheila?”

“Yes, Sugar?” She was still rooting around in the fridge.

“I, uh… well, that is…”

Sheila spun around with a carton of soy milk under one arm and bunch of green onions in her hand. “What is wrong with you, Ja…” Her eyes went large and she dropped the contents of her arms. A slow sweet smile touched her lips and she reached up to pat at her long braid hanging over her shoulder.

Jack ducked down to grab the carton that was slowly spurting milk from its top. He palmed the carton of milk and stood.

Aunt Sheila extended her hand to Mundo. “Well now Jack, are you going to introduce me to your friend?”

Jack looked back at her and was perplexed by the silly smile that somehow made her look younger. He answered, “This is…” Jack paused, thinking of how to introduce Councilor Mundo, Head Councilor of the Infriti, Tribe of Yafahi. Jack said, “This is an acquaintance of Kira’s parents, Mr. Mundo.”

Mundo took her hand and bowed over it saying, “Jelani Mundo at your service, Ma’am.” Sheila fairly giggled. Mundo looked up into her eyes and said, “If you would have a seat, I have a matter I would like to discuss with you… concerning your nephew, Jack.” Mundo pulled out a chair for her and Sheila sat without taking her eyes off the Councilor.

Jack shook his head and proceeded to remove the bacon from the heat and mop up the spilt milk with a handy towel, all the while his aunt was making eyes at a mythological creature. Jack tossed the soiled cloth into the sink, and turned to sit in the empty chair next to his aunt. He really didn’t want to see her eyes as she learned of his… magical inclination.

Mundo sat in one of the mismatched chairs and a mighty creak emanated. He straitened his suit jacket and said plainly, “I am a Jinni of the tribe of Yafahi.”

Mar 15, 2012

Inspiration!

As I write the second book in the Jinn series I find that it is a fine line to walk between deep love and obsession. I think all young girls go a little 'crazy' for the right boy. In this, I will take inspiration from Adele's song, Crazy for You.

Mar 13, 2012

Inspiration!



I sat and watched Charlie St. Cloud tonight with my daughter and really appreciated to very slight part of the EMT who saved his life... a stranger, but connected... a mentor whose words gave Charlie the push he needed when the time came for a choice to be made.

In Hunger Games it was Haymitch. In Ella Enchanted it was Lucinda. In Harry Potter it was Dumbledore. These characters aren't always the most pleasant people, but they tell it like it is and ultimately inspire the main characters to greater things.

Mar 11, 2012

Sunday Ponderings

I think this video is an ideal Sunday Pondering for our month of March Madness with I Wish... So many of us have failed, but only the truly inspirational get back up again.


Mar 8, 2012

Inspiration!


I stumbled upon this particular version of Pride & Prejudice tonight and lingered because my hubby is out for the evening. It is not my favorite version of P & P, but it still hits all of the top points.

I have to admit that this pure and simple love story is utterly genius... It truly boggles my mind how beautiful each turn of phrase and misconstrued moment twist into a story that makes you laugh... makes you cry... and makes you lean back, put a hand to your heart and deeply sigh.

This is what I aspire to. I know I am a far cry off, but if I can bring a smile, and perhaps a giggle or two, I feel I have succeeded thus far.

Mar 7, 2012

!!! Word of Mouth Explosion !!!


It has been two months since our last Word-of-Mouth event. Let's kick it up a notch and reach even more people! Tell everyone how much you love I Wish...

***Word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) is an unpaid form of promotion—oral or written[1]—in which satisfied customers tell other people how much they like a business, product, service, or event (or book). Word-of-mouth is one of the most credible forms of advertising because people who don't stand to gain personally by promoting something put their reputations on the line every time they make a recommendation.

Simply put, word-of-mouth marketing happens when you have a good product or good service (or book), and your customers tell everyone they know about it. As the word spreads, your customer base grows. *** Wikipedia

So, the question is, how far can we spread I Wish...? I can only do so much, but all of my friends can do so much more. If each one of you shared a link on facebook, and you only had 100 friends, I Wish... would reach around 100,000 people by the end of this weekend. Will you take 10-15 min of your time and post my book trailers and/or links to Amazon and Nook with a personal review on Pinterest, Facebook, Two Peas, and anywhere else you can think of?

Facebook

Amazon

Nook

Youtube Book Trailer

Youtube Short Book Trailer


Thank you all so much!
Tia

Mar 6, 2012

Chapter Quote of the Day

This is my final Chapter Quote post for I Wish... Any more would give away too much.

Kira took two more steps. Her dress swayed gently with the breeze, and her eyes clung to Jack’s. She accused, “You never said goodbye.”
Jack closed another foot of distance, and replied solemnly, “I couldn’t... I wouldn’t have been able to leave.”
Kira’s heart ached with all of the hope inside her. She took another step, and asked, “Why is that, Jack?”
Jack felt his heart thump a little harder, hearing his name on her lips. He had spent so many nights dreaming of her, and now… now she was here, and it felt so right. Jack stood rooted to the ground –vulnerable- and admitted, “Because I couldn’t stand the possibility of never seeing you again.” ~ Chapter 64 ~

Mar 5, 2012

Chapter Quote of the Day

The moon looked down over the scene… casting its glow on the two star-crossed soul mates. They both stood, locked in their own worlds. The porch light above Jack anchored him firmly into the human world, with his home at his back. The forest clung like a web to Kira, holding her in a magical realm. Between them was more than just an expanse of grass… There was a world of differences… A world of choices waiting to be made. ~ Chapter 64 ~

Mar 4, 2012

!!! March Madness !!!


The February Challenge went over with a bang! We got a lot of involvement and even more fans to step up and make their presence known.

March is all about the Madness... I will be throwing out MAD challenges all month and am just looking for participation this month.

Keep an eye out on Facebook for the most recent challenges.

Sunday Ponderings



God sometimes does try to the uttermost those whom he wishes to bless.
Mahatma Gandhi

Mar 3, 2012

Chapter Quote of the Day

Jack’s head came up, and he narrowed his eyes in her direction. He knew she was there. He could feel her.
Kira swallowed her fear and took a single step into the moonlight. The night breeze rustled through her dress, and made it appear as if she had stepped straight out of his dreams.
Jack stood up slowly and took one step down. He had loosened the tie at the neck of his tux, and looked devastatingly handsome to Kira… like the man of her dreams. ~ Chapter 64 ~

Mar 2, 2012

Chapter Quote of the Day

Kira thought over the last month. It had been beyond brutal. She was so thankful that Amirah had been there for her. Kira had poured out the entire story to Amirah, and when she had finished, Amirah had sat with her legs curled under her and a look of consternation on face. She had asked simply, “So, do you love him?”
Kira answered without questioning her heart. She said, “With all of my being.” But she could do nothing about it. He was gone, and only he could decide to come back. ~ Chapter 63 ~

Mar 1, 2012

!!!! February Winners!!!!



The results are in for the four winners of our February Challenge...

Crystal V.
Janice P.
Rhonda T.
Kylene G.

Each winner has won an e-copy of I Wish... to keep or give to friends or family.

Chapter Quote of the Day

Jack felt a tear begin to creep down his face. He swiped it away roughly. This wasn’t how his life was supposed to turn out. He had a plan. And that plan had been in place to ensure that he would never fall wildly in love with the wrong person... like his parents had. Kira had taken all of his well laid out designs, and made them disappear with a twinkle in her eye and a snap of her fingers. Gone. His nice neat life was gone. His plans for his future... gone. And the girl who he had fallen wildly in love with was… gone too. ~ Chapter 62 ~