Hot Blogging with Chuck

Welcome to my Blog!!! Chuck was born feral and homeless, but lucky for him, this belly boy, this rascal cat was rescued and traveled the world with me for years. Yeah, he was snarky and he was mostly on the lookout for good food and beautiful girl cats, but I loved him all the same. Now we pass the torch to Theo, an equally rascally feline explorer who will carry on Chuck's legacy. Join me as I continue to visit exotic locales with Theo and do the things that no one dares.

The Inspiration Behind the Blog

I was born to be a writer. When I published my first novel Wild Point Island, my orange and white rescued feral tabby Chuck decided he wanted to travel and see the island for himself. Chuck's desire to travel inspired me to begin the blog and take Chuck with me whenever I traveled, which I do frequently. This was not an easy task. First, I had to deflate the poor kid of all air, stuff him in my carry-on bag, remember to bring my portable pump, and when I arrive, I pump him back up. Ouch. He got used to it and always was ready to pull out his passport and go. Now it's Theo's turn. Smart. Curious. And, yes, another rascal.

Showing posts with label vintage postcards. Show all posts

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Chuck and Bunny Love

Years ago, before Chuck, the rascal cat, was even part of our family, my sister owned a pet rabbit. Well, let me rephrase that. She decided to adopt a rabbit. And this particular rabbit became a treasured member of her family. Mopsy (and honestly I can’t even remember the bunny’s name so I’ll just call her Mopsy from the famed Peter Rabbit story) lived in a cage which Cheryl kept in her bedroom. She ate carrots and other bits of rabbit food. Cheryl was quite taken by her and incessantly talked about all the different things that she did--rabbit things that never seemed all that outstanding, but still I listened, of course, because Cheryl is my dearly beloved sister, and if she loved the rabbit, well, what could I say?

I would never, for example, tell her that I had eaten rabbit once, when I’d stayed with friends in Italy. Rabbit is served up like chicken in that country and it would have been very rude not to have partaken of the feast.

But I digress because even though I’d never adopt a rabbit myself, I still have tremendous respect for them, and I was beginning to notice that Chuck didn’t. Have respect for them, I mean. Not that he has that many opportunities to engage with rabbits, but we do have property around our house and rabbits come and go. Chuck sits at a window, watches them hop by, and he snarls at them.

So I decided - in honor of Easter - that I was going to do a bit of therapy with Chuck. I sat him down, the day before Easter and with the promise of some tasty SNACKS, I offered him a proposition. “Chuck,” I said, “I have some lovely vintage postcards to show you. Of rabbits.”

Well, he looked at me as if I were crazy.

“I know what you’re thinking,” I said hastily. “But, remember, you had a cousin who was a rabbit.”

Postcard #1 - rabbit sits under a beautiful flower

Chuck yawned and ate a snack.

Postcard #2 - two rabbits in the grass

Chuck looked mildly interested and ate another snack.

Postcard #3 - rabbit with flowers

Chuck really looked at the postcard and ate a third snack.

Postcard #4 - rabbit family goes for a walk

Chuck smiled at the postcard.

Postcard #5 - beautiful girl with rabbit in her backpack

Chuck was impressed. He grabbed the postcard and scooted away with it.

Did Chuck like rabbits now? Or was it the pretty girl?

Happy Easter!

My paranormal romance, Wild Point Island, is now available in mass market paperback and ebook formats at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. Average Amazon Reader Ratings: 4.7 stars

Digital Book Today is reprinting my blogpost -- "What People Read 100 Years Ago" as part of their Best Guest Posts series on Sunday, March 31 (Easter) at 5 p.m. If you're even vaguely intrigued . . . this blog sums up the research that was done at a midwestern library -- collating all the books that were taken out to be read over a one year period at the turn of the century. What were Americans actually reading 100 years ago??? Simply fascinating and surprising!!!

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Readers' Favorite Review

The Blue Medallion by Kate Lutter is book two in The Wild Island Series. Lily Pattenson, a half-human-half revenant, conceals her identity as a descendant of the Lost Colony of Roanoke known to survive as immortals on Wild Point Island. Accused of wrongdoing, she must return to the island to prove her father's innocence and restore her reputation. Aligning with Nicholas Johnson, the island's powerful High Councilor, she can gain access to the time portal in the obelisk to obtain evidence. However, to do so, she must surrender her cherished blue medallion, which traps her on the island indefinitely. Nicholas seeks the medallion to defeat the Council and restore justice after ruling the island for 400 years.

I've been on a Roanoke history kick for about a year and was looking for something that was a little more creative to fill the void. The Blue Medallion by Kate Lutter fits the bill perfectly. It's only based on the Lost Colony but, frankly, this was a “you had me at Roanoke” situation. I love the backstory and the seamless way Lutter transitions new readers in comfortably. Revenants will die off on the island but, having 400 years to perfect a way to bend that, portals, alliances, technology, and centuries of wisdom all commingle nicely. Lily mucked up big time previously but it's hard not to feel sorry for her when she gets blind-sided by a contract that shows how a powerful man's view of a woman's worth hasn't changed much since 1590. Later Lutter provides a twist that changes our perspective somewhat. Between strong character development, plot twists, emotional depth, immersive world-building, and fantasy elements, the exploration of themes such as family and loyalty that transcend fantasy make Lutter's work relatable and a joy to read.

A Look Inside: A Book Review Blog : 5 STARS

The Blue Medallion by Kate Lutter is Book Two in the Wild Island Series and is a spellbinding tale that seamlessly blends elements of adventure, fantasy, and romance to create a mesmerizing narrative. At its heart, the story revolves around Lily Pattenson, a unique character who is half human and half revenant, with a hidden connection to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Lutter crafts a rich and imaginative world where Roanoke colonists have survived but been transformed into immortal revenants, making for an intriguing premise.

As Lily, who has been living among humans, faces the need to return to her birthplace, Wild Point Island, the story unfolds with layers of suspense and mystery. The corrupt High Council on the island has unfairly accused her father, setting the stage for a gripping and emotionally charged journey of redemption and justice.

The character dynamics in The Blue Medallion add depth and complexity to the narrative. Lily's reluctant alliance with Nicholas Johnson, the enigmatic High Councilor, introduces a compelling blend of attraction and fear. Their interactions are laced with tension, making readers eager to discover what lies ahead.

What truly sets this novel apart is the concept of the blue medallion, a symbol of great importance. The dilemma Lily faces, having to forfeit this treasured possession in exchange for justice, creates a powerful internal conflict that drives the story forward. The stakes are high, and the consequences of her decisions have far-reaching implications.

Kate Lutter's prose is engaging and evocative, painting vivid images of the island and its inhabitants. The pacing is expertly handled, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with every turn of the page.

The Blue Medallion is not just a tale of adventure and fantasy; it's a story of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love. As Lily embarks on her quest, readers are taken on an unforgettable journey filled with twists, revelations, and emotional resonance. This novel is a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance, offering a captivating narrative that will leave a lasting impression. Kate Lutter's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this enthralling tale. 5 STARS

Demetria C. Head

The Blue Medallion Available Now on Amazon

Even though The Blue Medallion is Book Two of the Wild Island Series, it can be read as the sequel to Wild Point Island or as a stand alone novel.

Banished from Wild Point Island as a child, Lily Pattenson--a half human-half revenant-- has managed to hide her true identity as a descendent of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Thought to have perished, the Roanoke colonists survived but were transformed into revenants—beings who live forever as long as they remain on the island.

Lily, who has lived among humans since she was banished, must return to the dreaded island of her birth. The island’s corrupt High Council has levied unjust accusations against her father. If Lily is to prove her father’s innocence, survive, and redeem her own sullied reputation, she must align herself with Nicholas Johnson, the powerful High Councilor, who attracts, yet frightens her. He can offer her access to the island’s obelisk, a time portal, to gain the proof she needs to save her father. Under one condition. She must forfeit her treasured blue medallion.

Nicholas Johnson has ruled Wild Point Island for 400 years and needs Lily’s medallion to defeat the Council and restore justice. Lily wants to help, but relinquishing her blue medallion is her worst nightmare. It means she will be trapped on the island forever.

The Blue Medallion weaves together adventure, fantasy, and romance as Lily searches for redemption and love. She doesn’t know that the sacrifice she is called to make to fulfill her destiny will change her life forever.

Wild Point Island Available Now on Amazon

“We were drawn to Wild Point Island as if called by sirens, entrapped, and realized too late that there was no escaping our fate.”
Two twin sisters, Ella and Lily Pattenson, banished from their remote island home twenty years before, are lured back to rescue their father who is unjustly imprisoned in the bowels of the earth.

They aren’t ordinary sisters. Half human and half revenant, they possess special skills. They can thought talk and read minds.

The island isn’t your typical island either. It is ruled by a corrupt Island Council. The revenants who live there are immortal beings who can’t leave. They consider the sisters second class citizens since they are half human.

Ella’s only hope is to trust a seductive revenant, Simon Viccars, who seems to have influence with the Council. He is sexy and like no man she’s ever met. But he’s been trapped on the island for 400 years and is willing to do anything for his freedom.

With the forces of the island conspiring against her, and her own sister sabotaging her every move, Ella is left with one choice. She must use her magic, but rescuing her father means risking her heart and her life on love.

BOOK REVIEW: MY GUILTY OBSESSION

Kindelmom of My Guilty Obsession reviewed Wild Point Island on August 3, 2012 and wrote:

"This synopsis of this one completely piqued my interest. It sounded completely unique and one of a kind that I knew I just needed to try it.

"And this was just that. Unique, unusual, and completely different. This one kept me wondering from the very first chapter . . ."

"This was an unusual story that kept me guessing ad I have to love it for that alone because truly, a story that isn't predictable and will keep you on your toes is sometimes few and far between in the novel world . . .

"Overall I would say this was a fun read that will keep you guessing and give you something new and interesting to read in the paranormal genre that hasn't really been done before."

Hot Blogging with Chuck

The Inspiration Behind the Blog

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Chuck and Bunny Love

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