Character Interview with Katelyn Medena from SECRETS FROM MYSELF by: Christine Hart

Character Interview with Katelyn Medena from SECRETS FROM MYSELF

Today we’re introducing Katelyn Medena, protagonist and narrator of the upcoming middle grade novel Secrets from Myself. She’s a girl from the BC Interior, Nelson to be exact in the Kootenays. But we’re talking to her at her group home in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood.

CJ: Thanks for talking with us today Katelyn. Would you like to tell us why you’re in Kits at the moment?

KM: I’m happy to talk to you, but don’t tell my counselor or my doctor. Actually psychiatrist is the right word. That’s actually why I’m stuck in Kits at Arbutus House. I ran away from home and my mom thinks there’s something wrong with my brain. The doc thinks so too because I’m ‘hearing voices’ and making up stories about past lives.

CJ: That sounds pretty serious. Are you sure your mom and doctor aren’t onto something?

KM: If you’d had the dreams I’ve had, and seen a stranger’s writing in your own diary, you might sound crazy too. But I’m okay with it. I’m used to being a bit of a loner, especially since my friend Bryce had to move here to Vancouver. The only silver lining of being stuck in a group home is that I get to see Bryce again, even if it’s only temporary.

CJ: I don’t think you’re crazy Katelyn. I never use that word. But why don’t you tell us a bit more about your friend Bryce?

KM: He’s my best friend. And if I’m being totally honest, I’ve had a crush on him since fourth grade. It’s horrible. I wish I didn’t feel that way, because I’m pretty sure he’s not into me. I don’t think he’s into anyone though, because his dad is super strict and Bryce likes to focus on school to keep his dad happy. Actually his dad kind of scares me. But Bryce is nothing like his father. He’s sweet and thoughtful and very smart.

CJ: Bryce sounds great, but I’d like to hear a little more about those past lives you mentioned. What’s going on there?

KM: It’s just one girl really. I had strange dreams when I was a little girl, and I know I spooked Mom a couple of times talking about people we didn’t know and places I’d never been. But now it’s just Akasha. Always Akasha. I have dreams from her point of view. I’ve found her writing in my diary, sometimes even in Hindi. She lived in India in the early 1900s and she stowed away on a boat called the Komagata Maru so she could sneak into Canada. Her boyfriend hid her in a steamer trunk, but the trunk was thrown overboard and they got separated. I’m still trying to figure out what happened to her.

CJ: That certainly is a pretty wild story, but that’s all the time we have today. I won’t say I don’t believe you, but I truly hope you find the answers you’re looking for. Good luck Katelyn!

BLURB FROM SECRETS FROM MYSELF:

Eleven-year-old Katelyn has always had voices and visions. She's long suspected she was hearing from past lives. But when she runs away from home and hides out with an old friend in Vancouver, things become more real. She even finds herself writing the words of someone else in a diary: the words of someone whose fate was deeply impacted by the Komagata Maru Incident. As Katelyn learns more about the Komagata Maru and the person communicating with her, she realizes that she has a task to fulfill that will correct a wrong from the past.

EXCERPT FROM BOOK:

I pull a fresh pen out of my backpack and sit cross-legged on the end of the bed with my diary in front of me. I look over at the open door. Sounds of Mariah preparing dinner still carry down the hall. No one else is in the house.

        I close my eyes and try to picture the girl from my dreams. I’ve seen her reflection, but the image was fleeting. Flowing wavy ebony hair and honey eyes met me briefly. Pink lips and an oval face with skin like warm toffee. I picture the brown sari I saw looking down with my own eyes as Akasha crawled up onto the old Vancouver pier.

A thick fog flows over me and my mind’s eye grows dark. A light flickers in the distance, heading towards me, slowly opening up the scene around me.

I am seated at a writing desk in a finely appointed sitting room. My hands are brown again. The sleeves of my old-fashioned dress are navy-blue cotton with ivory lace trim at the cuffs. I am writing a letter.

Vancouver, September 10^th, 1914

 Laura, my friend, I can only pray that this letter reaches you some day. You may have learned that I stole away with Sanjay to come to Canada. Things went so terribly wrong. I was a stowaway in his trunk, our goal almost achieved. I was moments from being carried to freedom with my true love. God had other plans and I was cast overboard in an argument. I barely survived.

The ship’s passengers were detained at the port. Only a few were admitted. I did not see Sanjay among them.

My misery does not end there. I am being held by a man who said he ran a home for girls. I quickly discovered he is a liar, but it was too late. How could I have been so naive? I should have let myself starve on the street.

I do not believe I will ever find the money to return home. I cannot even afford to post this letter. If he finds this sheet of paper, he will tear it up and I will feel the back of his hand on my cheek.

If you read these words, do whatever may be in your power to put this letter in Sanjay’s hands. The Komagata Maru left Vancouver on July 23^rd of this year. He may already be home as I write. I pray that he will come back to Canada, back to Vancouver. Whatever else you might do, please pray for me, and for my safety.

Your Loving Friend Always,

Akasha

I fold up the letter and stuff it into a pocket in the skirt of my navy dress. I will not risk leaving home unescorted, but I must hide my letter. I may not get a chance to write unobserved again for a long time. Where to hide it? What spot can I trust to be both safe and secret?

I walk around the room with an escalating sensation of urgency radiating outward from the pit of my stomach. I need a hiding place and quickly. The porcelain flower vase? No, this house is prone to arguments and the vase could be smashed. The underside of the sofa? No, not secure enough. Behind a painting? No, it could be moved or taken away. The fireplace? If I could find a loose brick, it might do until I have the money and opportunity to put it in the post. Is the grout old enough to crumble?

I test each outer brick around the fireplace. When I come to the top of mantle, one brick is slightly loose. I grab a letter opener from the writing desk and pry the brick loose. I scrape frantically at the grout left behind. I make just enough room for my letter to fit comfortably before I replace the brick. I sweep the grout rubble and dust into the fireplace with the toe of my shoe.

“Akasha?” says a smooth, deep male voice from behind me. And blackness returns.

               I open my eyes to find myself still sitting on my plaid bedspread in Arbutus House. No sounds are coming from the hallway. Only white noise knocks inside my ears. My heart thuds thick beats that prickle with primal fear. I had been Akasha, again. I can feel her terror still gripping me. She was so afraid of being discovered.

I look down at my diary. There is fresh writing on the page, but it doesn’t look like mine. It looks like hers; Akasha’s. The text starts with “Vancouver, September 10, 1914 … Laura, my friend.”

It worked! I wrote her words again! It’s all in English to someone named Laura. Who is Laura? Does it matter?

ABOUT CHRISTINE HART:

Located on BC’s beautiful West Coast, Christine writes speculative fiction for YA, NA, & MG readers.  She has an undergraduate degree in writing and literature, a corporate background in communications and design, and an Etsy alter-ego named Sleepless Storyteller. Christine shares her eclectic home and lifestyle with her husband, daughter, and son.

FOLLOW CHRISTINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Web: www.christine-hart.ca
            Twitter: www.twitter.com/chris_a_hart
            Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/ 1335266.Christine_Hart

Google+: plus.google.com/ 105318450527223737083
            Facebook: www.facebook.com/ christineahart
           Amazon: www.amazon.com/Christine-Hart/ e/B01BSDU214
           BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/ christine-hart
           Tumblr: www.sleeplessstoryteller. tumblr.com
           Pintrest: www.pinterest.com/sleeplesss 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ sleeplessstoryteller
BUY LINK FOR SECRETS FROM MYSELF:

https://www.amazon.ca/Secrets-Myself-Christine-Hart/dp/1770864903

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/secrets-from-myself/9781770864900-item.html

BOOK REVIEW: Reborn by: Jane Ederlyn

Carly's View welcomes writer Jane Ederlyn,  author of the paranormal romance, REBORN. Jane Ederlyn is the alter ego of a writing duo from South Florida. 

Jane, a registered nurse by day, by night lives to create havoc and conflict in their stories, relentlessly strategizing ways to kill off one more character.

Ederlyn, a cruise-line professional by day, by night loves to plot meticulous happily-ever-afters for the hero and heroine, often battling Jane to save her favorites.

Carly's Review of REBORN:

REBORN is a paranormal romance published by Soul Mate Publishing. This is book one in the Princess of the Blood series.

What I like about vampire books is the way you can either incorporate real history into the back story of the characters or you can take that history, give it a twist, and create something like historical fantasy. Whichever way you decide to go, you at least get an element of what it was like back in that era, while being entertained by the vampires.

 Marie is  a survivor. I like that she is a strong character who overcame what life handed her. She was turned while a young mother. She may have become a creature of the night, but that didn't stop her from protecting her son and her future bloodline. Fast forward a few centuries and we find Marie in Miami with her several times removed, grand daughter, Abby. Marie's main focus is for Abby to become pregnant in order to carry on the family name.

Enter Odin, a shape shifting werewolf with a Nordic background. Marie and Odin should be natural enemies, but it is that excitement that draws them together. The sparks fly between these two. The sex scenes between them are hot and steamy. 

I like the way Jane weaves the past in France into the present story in Miami. It's interesting to see how Marie grows more powerful throughout the ages. It is also sad to know that she gave up her own happiness in order to protect her family. 

Marie and Odin are both strong characters. I like the sparks, the chemistry, and the humor that bounces around these two. I like that they overcome their natural animosity to see the good in the other.  

All in all, I enjoyed this book. It is well-written, it has strong characters, some make-you-blush moments, good supporting characters, an excellent story line. If you are looking for a new paranormal series to read, then I recommend this one.

Blurb from REBORN:

Marie Josette d’Orgemont, cousin to Louis XVI, watched in horror as a rogue creature took her husband’s life before turning on her. A powerful vampire swept in and spared her life, but she never suspected surviving meant immortality or the price she’d have to pay to protect her surviving son.

Centuries later, in Miami, with her family on the verge of extinction, Marie is preoccupied with the continuation of her human bloodline. When she meets sexy and persistent Odin Ulfsson, his icy-blue gaze and burning touch are hard to resist. Will a forbidden romance with the Nordic werewolf be the key to her happiness, or will it set in motion a wrath that endangers not only her last human heir but her entire existence?

Buy Link for REBORN:

https://www.amazon.com/Reborn-Princess-Blood-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01MEBSN40/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1494899938&sr=8-10&keywords=Reborn+kindle

Featuring the PERFECTLY SERIES by: Linda O'Connor

Today on Carly's View, I would like to welcome author Linda O'Connor. Linda wrote the six book, romantic comedy series, PERFECTLY. Check out a snippet on each book below and then continue to read to learn more about this amazingly witty author.

INTRODUCING THE PERFECTLY SERIES:

Perfectly Honest (Book 1, Perfectly Series)

You never know where your words will take you.

When Mikaela Finn agreed to be Sam’s ‘fiancée’ for a weekend, she probably should have told him that she’s a doctor. Sam O’Brien, aka ‘Dr. Eye Candy’, is trying to shed his playboy reputation and convince a small town hospital that he’s ready to settle down.  But when his ‘fiancée’ helps deliver a baby in the middle of the meet and greet, it’s a bit of a shock. If he’d known the whole truth, he might have done things a little differently because somehow his ‘fiancée’ ends up stealing his job and his heart. Not exactly the change he wanted. Lies and deceit – it’s a match made in heaven!

Buylink: http://amzn.com/B00S77IW9O

Perfectly Reasonable (Book 2, Perfectly Series)

Margo MacMillan finished medical school, but in the process, her self-confidence and self-esteem took a beating. So for the sake of self-preservation, she’s stepped away from medicine to re-group. In the meantime, painting soothes her soul and pays the bills.

Trace Bennett set his sights on a medical degree and has to prepare the perfect medical school application. His big plan is to paint his condo for a little feng shui divine luck. When Margo shows up to paint, he realizes he’s found exactly what he’s looking for. He just has to convince Margo to share more than the art of medicine.

She’s got it. He wants it. It’s Perfectly Reasonable.

Buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Perfectly-Reasonable-Linda-OConnor-ebook/dp/B0143ZW2P8

Perfectly Planned (Book 3, Perfectly Series)

She has it all Perfectly Planned . . .

Chloe Keay is on the hunt for the perfect sperm donor, but who knew it would be this hard? So many things to consider in a father – sure height and hair color are important, but what about the real issues. How does he feel about bagpipe music? Does he buy the extended warranty? Skittles or M&Ms? She doesn’t want an average Joe. She’s narrowed it down to two candidates and has the perfect plan to pick the heir and the spare.

Staff Sergeant Rip Logan, head of the elite Tactics and Rescue Unit, has a gut feeling that Chloe Keay is trouble. She’s a sexy little spark plug who radiates innocence, but it doesn’t jibe with her suspicious behavior and probing questions. The fact that he’s attracted irritates him. What exactly is she after? And should he go with his gut or follow his heart?

Planning for love – what could possibly go wrong?

Buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Perfectly-Planned-Linda-OConnor-ebook/dp/B017GGC346

Perfectly Unpredictable (Book 4, Perfectly Series)

Kalia Beck always dreamed of starting a family, living in a house with a white picket fence, and finding her soul mate. Just not in that order. Kalia is coping with an unplanned pregnancy when she learns the father has passed away. She soon finds out that single parenthood isn’t easy, especially when the only thing that soothes the baby is the guitar-playing of a reluctant and reclusive next-door neighbor.

Mack Challen, lead guitarist in a rock and roll band, knows it takes a village to raise a child. He just doesn't think there's a village big enough to help “gay momma” and her screaming baby.

Kalia and Mack aren't looking for love and aren't ready for each other, but when the future unfolds, it’s … Perfectly Unpredictable.

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Perfectly-Unpredictable-Linda-OConnor-ebook/dp/B01IMEH5GC

Perfectly Christmas (Book 5, Perfectly Series)

On the first day of Christmas, his true love said to him, “Sorry, I have to work.”

That’s the life of a surgeon, and Dr. Madison Hayes wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dr. Quinn Malone has another priority. In the countdown to Christmas, he needs to convince his old flame that there’s more to life – and love – than the job itself.

This time, his heart is in it for the long haul. Really.

Romantic and . . . complicated – it’s Perfectly Christmas!

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYW5T7X

Perfectly Together (Book 6, Perfectly Series)

Newly graduated naturopathic doctor Jayden Locke has a dream – start a practice in small-town Emerson and never move again. She’s found the perfect office building to buy. It passes an inspection, design plans are drawn up, and the bank okays the loan. Only one problem.

Dr. Cole Cameron scoops it before she has a chance to submit an offer. What?

It’s a good investment. Cole isn’t interested in settling down. He works three jobs in three different towns and would just as soon keep moving. But something about Jayden’s defiant eyes and sexy smile makes him pause and reconsider.

What are the chances that a heart filled with wanderlust and a soul longing for a home fit Perfectly Together?

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NC1VW5R

LEARN MORE ABOUT LINDA O'CONNOR:

Linda O’Connor started writing a few years ago when she needed a creative outlet other than subtly rearranging the displays at the local home décor store. It turns out she loves writing romantic comedies and has a few more stories to tell. When not writing, she’s a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic (well, even when she is writing she’s a physician, and it shows up in her stories :D ). She hangs out at www.lindaoconnor.net. Laugh every day. Love every minute.

FOLLOW LINDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Website:  http://www.lindaoconnor.net

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LindaOConnorAuthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LindaOConnor98

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Linda-OConnor/e/B00S7CNLEA