Fearless Friday - Nike Chillemi and her newest book Darkest Hour

Meet Nike Chillemi

Website: Nike Chillemi ~ Crime Fictionista  http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/

Like so many writers, Nike Chillemi started writing at a very young age. She still has the Crayola, fully illustrated book she penned (penciled might be more accurate) as a little girl about her then off-the-chart love of horses. Today, you might call her a crime fictionista. Her passion is crime fiction. She likes her bad guys really bad and her good guys smarter and better. 

She is the founding board member of the Grace Awards and is its Chairman, a reader's choice awards for excellence in Christian fiction. She writes book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. She was an Inspy Awards 2010 judge in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category and a judge in the 2011 and 2012 Carol Awards in the suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense categories. BURNING HEARTS, the first book in the crime wave that is sweeping the south shore of Long Island in The Sanctuary Point series, finaled in the Grace Awards 2011 in the Romance/Historical Romance category. GOODBYE NOEL, the second book in the series released in December, 2011 won the Grace Award 2011 in the Mystery/Romantic Suspense/Thriller category. PERILOUS SHADOWS, third in the series released July, 2012, and DARKEST HOUR, the fourth in the series released in February, 2013.  She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers (Ning). http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/ 

 

 

DARKEST HOUR

B00BE9N6XE

---Murder Mystery w/Romance, late-1940s

---a widow is framed by powerful people/the medical examiners knows she didn't pull the trigger

---Sweet romance, warm intimacy, sophisticated themes presented tastefully 

A petite widow, secretary and sole support of her son and grandparents, is framed for the murder of her boss. Wealthy village residents conspire with the DA to indicte her and stop further investigation. The medical examiner thinks the shooter was a tall individual and when his report is shoved aside, starts snooping trying to clear her and in the process falls in love with her.

 

Buy on Amazon

Your unique talent:   I'm a foodie. I watch the Food Network on TV and love the show Hell's Kitchen. I love to cook and feed people. Food, eating, cooking, restaurants show up in my novels. I guess, at least to some extent, I write foodie fiction.

 

Share something not many people know about you:    I'm a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and worked in the bridal industry for years before writing. I attended bridal shows and fairs in Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Las Vegas, and my hometown of New York. It's quite noticeable in any story of mine where there is a bridal gown, I give a highly detailed description.

 Are you a “pet person” or prefer no pets?  I'm a pet person and in fact was a pet rescuer in my early days. I've rescued about 50 dogs and cats. Even squirrels that were released back into the wilds of NYC.

 

Would you rather travel or stay at home?  Both. I love being at home. But there's nothing like travelling. I'm in love with the ocean, mostly the Atlantic Ocean. I love it's history and lore and love to visit cities and villages on the American's eastern seaboard. I'm in love with Key Largo and St. Augustine, Florida. However, two summers ago our family visited the left coast and the Pacific Ocean was truly magnificent. That wasn't the first time I'd seen the Pacific. My husband and I honeymooned in Acapulco, Mexico and that, of course, is right on the Pacific.

 

Do you read more or write more?      Unfortunately, I find I market the most. I think I even dream about marketing...nightmares, actually. That was a small joke. However, between reading and writing I write more. In fact, my reading was truly nil for a while, but I'm making time for reading again. I missed it so and there were so many books on my to read list it was ridiculous.

 

Prefer cake or pie?   Pie. Lemon meringue, warm apple with vanilla ice cream on the side, and coconut custard. 

 

Would, or do, ride a motorcycle or prefer to ride/drive a car?   My all time fav vehicle is a Jeep. I like to drive along coastal highways and also up windy mountain roads. I live in a city, a huge one, but don't enjoy city driving.

 

How about taking the bus or walking?   Neither. I do like to ride a bicycle. And I like walking my dog and walking on a boardwalk as the ocean waves come in. 

 

Are you part of a big church congregation or a small church? A very small church.

 

Would you describe yourself as happy or joyful?  I can be either. But I think more joyful. The more I stay in the Bible, the more joyful I am. However, to be honest, I can be a total grumblecrunch too. I have to repent of that a lot.

 

Do you like to telephone people or prefer to use e-mail?  Email. Don't have time to talk on the phone. Of course, now I'm finding keeping up with my email in-box is overwhelming. I think there's too much information coming at everyone these days. 

 

Do you eat at home or eat out?   I like everything about eating except over eating. I like to cook, feed people. I love cooking, for holidays, setting a holiday table, and eating with family and friends at holidays. I like well-made traditional recipes. I'm not so much into the new cuisine. I love going to a good restaurant. It could be rustic, family style, or five star. I've learned a lot about food and have gotten into healthy eating. I buy quite a bit of organic food and try to get produce locally and in season.  As much as I love the fun of cooking and eating, I see the health and healing aspect of food as part of my Christian walk. I don't think it's either/or. I think it's both and a balance has to be found. 

 

Listen to music or prefer quiet?  I vastly prefer quiet. I don't have a musical ear at all. Although, there are times when I must listen to music...absolutely must. But that's not often. Mostly I like the stillness of early morning or very late at night.

 

Prefer sunrises or sunsets?  I love both, especially when I'm on the beach.

 

Fearless Friday! Meet Matthew R. Horn

Meet Matthew!

Growing up in north-central Indiana, Matthew learned the value of a good imagination at an early age. Bob Kane and Bill Finger's Batman, Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt, and Ian Fleming's James Bond were constant visitors to Matthew's imaginative world.

At the age of 14 Matthew began taking writing classes from none other than his own mother. Having a Master's in English, she wanted her children to be able to communicate properly with the written word. Of course, Matthew hated this. However, nearly twenty years later the lessons learned combined with the imagination born from sheer boredom have cultivated a desire to share his imaginings.

To better tell his adventure stories, Matthew began taking lessons in Martial Arts in 2011. Having achieved a Red Belt in Tae Kwan Do and having broken his nose during a sparring session, Matthew has a unique ability to combine his imagination with real-life experiences to tell stories in a way that are creative and adventurous, yet gritty and realistic.

In September of 2011 Brighton Publishing made Matthew's second book, The Good Fight, his first published novel. The sequel, Nothing Good, is Free is now out in eBook and will be released by Brighton in paperback in March 2013. The final installment, The Price We Pay is currently being written and will hopefully be released during the summer of 2014.

You can contact him clicking the "Email the Author" link from the homepage. You can also follow Matthew on both Facebook and Twitter.

 

The Good Fight

ISBN 978-1-936587-04-9 

 

About the Book:

Jeffery Scott had always made it on his own. An unwanted child, Jeff spent his childhood being pushed from family members to orphanages before finally ending up on the street, until one night, in an alley behind a popular restaurant, Jeff’s life was saved by a dark suited vigilante. Through the mask of the vigilante, Jeff found the courage he needed to change his life, to get an education and become the person even his own family had told him he could never become.

Sixteen years later, Jeff is only a semester away from graduating from community college. With his eyes on graduation, Jeff’s life once again crosses with the dark suited vigilante. But this time, he learns the vigilante’s identity. Over the next year, Jeff fights to discover the line between what he wants and what he must do. His decisions will not only affect those he cares about, but will also alter the course of his life.

 

Purchase on Amazon

Purchase at Barnes and Noble

 

 

Nothing Good is Free

ISBN: 978-1-621830-37-5

About the Book: 

Detective Martell of the Chicago Police Department has a big problem on his hands when he discovers a connection between a recent drug bust and a case he worked on in the ’80s. Not sure if he can trust his peers, Martell goes to the one person he knows he can count on: Jeff Scott. 

Jeff has taken over as the city’s vigilante after Jim, his predecessor, was killed in a drug bust. Toward the end, Jim’s demeanor took a turn for the worse as he became more violent in his work and went after bigger thugs, which ultimately led to his untimely demise. The last thing Jeff wants is to let a life of violence get the better of him and end up like Jim. So, in a pursuit to avoid the same destiny as his mentor, he seeks the truth about Jim and the life he led before the two joined forces. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Barnes and Noble

 

Now for the interview:

 

Share something not many people know about you:  In January of 2011, I joined the Blue Dragon Tae Kwan Do school in order to learn a new skill, try something new, but also to learn the mechanics of hand-to-hand combat to better write my adventure novels. This last December I took a punch to the face while sparring and broke my nose. Having now been through the surgery and almost fully recovered, I feel that I have ‘earned’ a unique viewpoint in how these fight scenes can be described. I would, however, not recommend anyone try this at home.

Are you a “pet person” or prefer no pets? I love animals and grew up with cats in the home.  However, my wife is extremely allergic to pet dander and as such, my house is animal free.

Would you rather travel or stay at home? Honestly, it depends on the last time we went out. I love to read, and spend time with my wife in the safety of our own home. However, we love to travel and have seen a good deal of the country so far.  We just booked our first European trip as well.

Do you read more or write more? I definitely read more than I write. I try to read the Bible every morning and I like to read fiction before I go to bed. My writing usually occurs when my wife and child are napping.

Prefer cake or pie? I know I’m not helping by straddling the line, but if it’s a birthday, cake. If it’s a holiday meal, pie. I love’em both.

Would, or do, ride a motorcycle or prefer to ride/drive a car? Finally an easy one. I love motorcycles and have two of them. My father taught me to ride as his father taught him. I always ride with full gear ie. helmet, leather coat, leather gloves, jeans, and boots.

 Bus or taxi or walk? I prefer to walk. I don’t like to spend a lot of money on transportation and I prefer the freedom of space.

 Are you part of a big church congregation or a small church? Definitely a small church. I attend a small church in a very small town. We know everyone and everyone knows us. It’s a great family.

 Do you like to telephone people or prefer to use e-mail? I think I’m more effective with email. As it’s less personal I don’t feel as many restrictions on word usage. 

Are you happy or joyful? Joyful. I know Jesus, how could I not be?

Do you eat at home or eat out? I’m a routine guy so eating at home is the most important thing.  However, I really love a good restaurant.

Listen to music or prefer quiet? I enjoy music sometimes, but I definitely prefer quiet.

 Prefer sunrises or sunsets? Sunsets. When I get up in the morning I’m usually focused on a workout or on getting my routine started. The evening is when I take the time to enjoy the beauty of a wonderful sky.

Fearless Friday - Meet Lisa Hainline!

Lisa Hainline

www.lisahainline.com

www.lionsgatebookdesign.com

www.thehealingsource.org

http://www.seasonofrestoration.wordpress.com  

E-mail: lhainline2-at-gmail.com

For thirty-five years Lisa Hainline has developed the visual vocabulary to say a thousand words with one picture. For the past three decades, Lisa has produced and directed custom graphic design for ad agencies, corporations, radio stations, hospitals, banks, manufacturers, local retailers, and magazines.

She recalls graduating from high school with a passion for advertising and a meager portfolio.  Pounding the pavement and looking for work, she drew the attention of a creative director for a large advertising agency. 

“He was so impressed with my portfolio and taken with my passion and drive that he made a call to a colleague at a local art studio that housed 35 illustrators. I ran 8 blocks and entered into a world of opportunity after opportunity. I learned from the best while having the chance to be a part of exciting work for national accounts.”

Lisa grew in talent and skill over the years, owning two private design studios and became the Senior Art Director for a mid-sized ad agency. Soon after, Lisa went solo, freelancing out of her home while homeschooling her daughter for eighteen years. 

With daughter newly married, Lisa has again turned her attention to private studio ownership, catering to businesses and authors who need the expertise and talent of a professional graphic designer without the high costs of hiring an ad agency.

A Personal Life, Too

 

Lisa dedicates much of her off-design time to helping people heal from emotional pain through her ministry website at TheHealingSource.com.

She also spends time on the joys of her life: her dedicated husband John, and newly-married daughter Samantha, who is equally creative as well. Moving up the ladder of loves is her droopy-eyed Labrador named Harley, sometimes Bo, and other times, Jasper-one confused puppy.

 

 

Lisa says: My writings are on http://www.thehealingsource.org and not into printed book form as of yet. Working on that as my editor nags at me!

Your unique talent: Gosh, I use my gifts every day in design and creativity, and also draw realistic portraits, but how unique is that? I used to be able to do a back bend to the point of touching my head with my butt, and was the family “pet attraction” when young, but a fused spine disallows that now.

Share something not many people know about you: I had the opportunity to sing in chamber choirs across Europe at the age of 18 and sang under the conductor Leonard Bernstein in Vienna (1976). OMG, did I just date myself?!

Answers to the survey:

Are you a “pet person” or prefer no pets? No, I spent so much time caring for my daughter with multiple diseases, homeschooling and in and out of doctors, that I ended up giving my dog to my lonely sister. Kittys are cute though!

Would you rather travel or stay at home? STAY HOME! Done roaming. I have clients who keep begging me to come to their home for a weekend slumber party, or event for their book, and my editor nags me into attending a book conference here or there but I’m still in survival mode, hiding away in the mountains after moving across country, after many family crisis’s and loss.

Do you read more or write more? Neither.

 

Prefer cake or pie? Cheesecake or Tiramisu! Or is that a psychological question with hidden meaning?   

Would, or do, ride a motorcycle or prefer to ride/drive a car?

Bus or taxi or walk?  none of the above! Can’t walk far but my husband thought that I needed a big 4-wheel drive up here in the mountains, considering the hills and snow. The neighborhood knows when I start that diesel and I can’t park anywhere, so I stay home more. AND I get too much notice! What is it with men and bright big shiny trucks?!

Are you part of a big church congregation or a small church? TINY, but who have a heart for worship, and the youth, and a ministry to those on the street. My healing site ministers to many and we pray for healing for those who want it. We also have a ministry to lead the kids at the RAVES to the Lord (www.plurway.com) and so I’m so blessed to see the Lord moving and move in that anointing towards the advancement of the Kingdom.

Do you like to telephone people or prefer to use e-mail? Email, but people want to talk and I’m always available, but I do ‘hide’ from time to time.

 

Are you happy or joyful? I’m an artist. We’re never totally joyful all the time but are tortured souls. I do have joy in the Lord way more than I ever have in my life so I guess I could say I’m up and down. J

Do you eat at home or eat out? HOME! After gourmet cooking for years, I’m whooped, and as empty nesters and my husband on the road much, I’m thankful to be released from my food addiction.

 

Listen to music or prefer quiet? Quiet…enough noise already. I DO listen to prophetic worship in the mornings as I get into my “Daddy Presence” time, for worship, prayer and to listen and wait and receive from Him.

Prefer sunrises or sunsets?  I’m usually up only for sunsets, however I think it’s amazing to experience a part of the day that you don’t usually experience, whether it’s 3 am and you step out to see Orion right above you, or a sunrise like the one I captured on the way to the doctors’ one morning (attached). Being so not used to the California dry climate and yet amazed at living above the clouds, every time I get up in the middle of the night I quickly step outside on my balcony and breath deep and enjoy the night air that is not bitter like it is in Wisconsin, where I’m from.  I think both sunset and sunrises are God’s reminder of His light and power, something apart from ourselves that shows beauty beyond what we can control, and yet signaling new beginnings, and what needs to be put to bed (the past). I know, sappy, but since my spinal surgeries, I’ve not been able to see the past or the future, only able to focus on today. It may be a brain-thing but I choose to see it as a GOD-thing.

Please leave a comment this week for a chance to win a free print copy of How to Launch a Best-Selling Christian Book!

Fearless Friday - Meet Michael Duncan!

About the author:

Michael Duncan http://www.michael-duncan.net or follow me on Twitter - @luvtogolf1

 

Christian author and pastor, Michael Duncan has served the Lord and the church for nearly 25 years preaching and teaching God's Word. He has shared God’s message across the U.S. and beyond and is currently the pastor of his church in the Pacific Northwest and a co-host on the Alive in Christ radio network. He is also on the executive board of the Northwest Baptist Convention and a board member of the Northwest Christian Writer’s Association. Given the opportunity, he may be found on the golf course! Michael has been married to his wonderful wife, Patty, for almost 20 years and they have three amazing children – all in their teens (which is the reason for the greying hair).

 

I have three novels in print, and two non-fiction books. All my books can be purchased through my website at http://www.michael-duncan.net/book-store.html.

 

 

 

 

 

About the book:

My latest novel is called Shadow Remnant.

(ISBN 9781480168268)

 

When truth is lost, liberty dies.

 

For a hundred years the United States has been gripped by martial law, with freedom and faith a forgotten memory. In the summer of 2132, Peter Sheridan learns this the hard way when he finds himself on the wrong side of the government–but the right side of freedom.

 

All he wants to do is escape the notorious education center and find his parents. But when he is shot and left for dead, he is rescued by a mysterious recluse and finds himself drawn into a world of chaos and intrigue.

 

Racing against time and the government to try and complete his father’s mission—Peter must reignite the call for freedom. To do so, he turns to the last hope for America, the mysterious group known as the Shadow Remnant.

 

 

 

 

Your unique talent

I don’t know if I have a “unique” talent. I sing, play guitar, piano and saxophone (but not all at the same time). I preach and teach God’s word every week at least three times or more in various services of the church or conferences. I have no gift to repair a car, but I can fix just about anything electronic. I love finding solutions to problems and improvising when no immediate solution is available. I taught myself to read Greek, and I make an absolutely delicious grilled hamburger!

 

Share something not many people know about you:

The first time I ever preached at a church was in South Korea – and only one person was in the audience that day.

 

Answers to the survey (Which best describes my personality):

Are you a “pet person” or prefer no pets?

I’m okay with pets – as long as they stay outside.

 

Would you rather travel or stay at home?

I enjoy traveling – but I love to stay at home.

 

Do you read more or write more?

I write more. I wish I had more time to read, however.

 

Prefer cake or pie?

Unless Cheesecake is counted as a “cake” I would prefer pie.

 

Would, or do, ride a motorcycle or prefer to ride/drive a car?

I much prefer a car – in fact, you’d be hard pressed to get me on a motorcycle!

 

Bus or taxi or walk?

I think I would rather walk – unless I had a LONG way to go.

 

Are you part of a big church congregation or a small church?

I pastor a small church, nestled in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

 

Do you like to telephone people or prefer to use e-mail?

I’d rather talk with someone face to face – but as the telephone or email are my choices, I would prefer the telephone.

 

Are you happy or joyful?

I’d like to think I’m both. J

 

Do you eat at home or eat out?

We eat at home – nothing better than being with the family.

 

Listen to music or prefer quiet?

I don’t listen to much music, but I’m not one for too much quiet. I have either a sermon from another preacher going, or listening to the news.

 

Prefer sunrises or sunsets?

I prefer sunsets, definitely! I am not a morning person.

Please leave a comment this week for a chance to win a free print copy of How to Launch a Best-Selling Christian Book!

 

Fearless Friday - Lisa Lickel

Lisa J. Lickel

Web site: http://www.lisalickel.com

Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives with her husband in a hundred and sixty-year-old house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. Surrounded by books and dragons, she writes inspiring fiction. Her novels include mystery and romance, all with a twist of grace. She has penned dozens of feature newspaper stories, short stories, magazine articles and radio theater. She is the editor in chief of Creative Wisconsin magazine and loves to encourage new authors. Lisa also is an avid book reviewer, a freelance editor, an editor at Port Yonder Press, a writing mentor, a hostess at Clash of the Titles.com, and enjoys blogging at theBarnDoor.net and AuthorCulture.blogspot.com. Find her at LisaLickel.com.

My latest novels include:

The Last Bequest, book one of the Buried Treasure series

Pages: 186

MuseItUp Publishing (September 17, 2012)

ASIN: B009CU25WK

Just how high a price does rumors of buried treasure command?

School teacher Judy Winters sets out to solve the mystery surrounding her only living relative’s murder. Back on the farm where Aunt Louise grew up, Judy encounters Hart Wingate, a young man renting the adjoining farm who helps with farm chores. When Judy learns that her boyfriend, Graham, had been secretly visiting Louise, Judy takes the opportunity to move away from him for the summer and think over the situation.

The Map Quilt, a cozy mystery, Book 2 of the Buried Treasure Series

MuseItUp Publishing, May 2012

AISN: B00802VRK2

Pages: 187

ISBN: 978-1-77127-038-0

Price: $5.95

Purchase links: Muse Store: http://bit.ly/JE7kti

E-book - Amazon: http://amzn.to/KFRxrk

P-book – Amazon

Paperback: 274 pages

Five Loaves and Two Small Fish (September 1, 2012)

ISBN-10: 0985621508

ISBN-13: 978-0985621506

$9.95

Just how high a price does a family secret command?

Death in rural Wisconsin is only the beginning to new chaos in Robertsville. What do a stolen piece of revolutionary agricultural equipment, a long-buried skeleton in the yard, and an old quilt with secrets have in common? Hart and Judy Wingate, who met in The Gold Standard, are back to solve the mystery of The Map Quilt. Hart’s new battery design could forever change the farm implement industry. But after the death of Hart’s most confrontational colleague in a fire that destroys Hart’s workshop, the battery is missing.

Model for Murder, a short story

December 20, 2012

When two happy-go-lucky beach-cleaners find a strand of pearls attached to a dead body, they’ll do anything to keep from becoming murder suspects—even calling Connor LaFoy’s little sister Stella who’s about to graduate college with a degree in criminal studies—to help solve the murder of former jewelry model Jennifer.

ASIN: B00AR93YOS

.99

Meow Mayhem

Just released from Whimsical Publications e-book out; print coming soon
Whimsical Publications,
LLC/paperback, 256 pages
Jan 2013
$4.99 & $12.95

ISBN-13: 978-1-936167-84-5

Ivy Preston keeps other people’s secrets for a living. When a small town mayor invites Ivy Preston and True Thompson, along with their Egyptian Mau cats, to move their businesses to Apple Grove, can their love survive the sudden rise in crime?

Your unique talent: I am slightly compulsive about patterns and making things that are supposed to match consistent, like spaces in manuscripts, and opening and closing parenthetical phrases. And font size. And the height of shades.

Share something not many people know about you: I toured Moscow a few months after we boycotted the winter Olympics in 1981.

Are you a “pet person” or prefer no pets? I like cats. My husband is allergic.

Would you rather travel or stay at home? I like to travel holding onto someone’s hand.

Do you read more or write more? Read, especially when I’m editing for someone else.

Prefer cake or pie? Yes.

Would, or do, ride a motorcycle or prefer to ride/drive a car? I like to ride in a car with my eyes closed.

Bus or taxi or walk? Walk.

Are you part of a big church congregation or a small church? Small church.

Do you like to telephone people or prefer to use e-mail? E-mail!

Are you happy or joyful? I’m more of a moment-by-moment person so I have to admit to being happier than joyful.

Do you eat at home or eat out? Home, especially when someone else is cooking. Unless I’m trying a new recipe.

Listen to music or prefer quiet? Much prefer quiet – music is so emotional.

Prefer sunrises or sunsets? Sunrises are so quick; I seem to be able to linger over sunsets.

Please leave a comment this week for a chance to win a free print copy of How to Launch a Best-Selling Christian Book!