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The world of the Hidden started very simply, as most story ideas do. I saw this sexy guy with an elaborate Dragon tattoo down his back.  I thought, “What if the tattoo changed his very cellular structure, turning him into a full-fledged Dragon?” I usually get a character in some situation that begs me to open the writer’s “What if?” box. And this man/dragon was the most intriguing character yet. I had a lot of questions, as you can imagine. Who are you? Why are you? And will you play with me? This is the really fun part of writing for me, exploring all the possibilities. I got tantalizing bits and pieces. I knew he was commanding, controlling, and a warrior. And his name was Cyntag. Cyn for short. Then the heroine made an appearance, and she in no way seemed to fit with him. She was, in the early version, a suffer-no-fools server in a rough bar. And very human. I knew her name was Ruby. (I love when their names come easily like that. Normally I have to troll through lists to find just the right one.) The television show, American Restoration, inspired a new profession for Ruby, who was desperately holding onto the resto yard she inherited from her mother. I knew Ruby was raised by her uncle after being orphaned, and he’d created a book about a fairytale world just for her. But I was still stumped by how these completely different people fit together. Until I got the scene where Ruby finds her uncle pinned to the wall by a supernatural weapon, and the name he utters on his dying breath: Cyntag. Ah, that’s how they’re connected. *Hands rubbing together in anticipation.* Then the scene where she confronts him rolled through my mind like a movie. Hot-headed, passionate Ruby and the cool, mysterious Cyn, who reveals that he is part of a Hidden world of Dragons, magick, Elementals, and danger. And so is she. Suddenly, her uncle’s fairytale world, with Dragon princes and evil sorcerers, becomes dangerously… real. As does the chemistry that sparks between Ruby and Cyn. I loved creating the Hidden, which exists alongside modern-day Miami. Talk about opening the “What if?” box! I found lots of goodies inside: descendents of gods and fallen angels, demons, politics, dissension, and all of the delicious complications that come from having magical humans and other beings trapped within one geographic area. And a ton of questions that needed to be answered. It was quite the undertaking, but all of it a fun challenge. We all have an imagination. Mine has always contained murder, mayhem, romance, and magic. Feel free to wander through the madness of my mind anytime via one of my books.
 Free at all Major Book Retailers for a Limited Time!  When seasoned search-and-rescue expert Sam meets the determined woman he’s sworn to protect, he’s pulled into a dangerous wilderness—and an even more dangerous emotional battle. As threats close in, Sam faces his toughest challenge yet: trusting his heart. Sam’s Folly is a stand-alone story of survival, sacrifice, and the unexpected power of love. READ MORE  Guilt ridden over his father’s death and his family’s failing business, pilot Alex Belgarde plans one final flight. Instead, he finds a wrecked plane and a stranded woman. Trapped in the frozen Gulf of Alaska with Irene Rose, Alex must face brutal weather, ruthless smugglers, and his own demons. Trust may be their only way home in this stand-alone story of love, redemption, and courage. READ MORE  Follow Carmen's newsletter or author pages to be the first to know about new releases, specials, and writing posts!
Six heartwarming stand-alone holiday stories from bestselling and award-winning authors—each featuring children writing letters to Santa, hoping for the one thing they want most: a happily ever after for their family.
Women's Fiction, Humor, Family
Contemporary Romance, Single Mother
Contemporary Romance, Single Mother, Greek Culture
Mystery, Supernatural Suspense
Historical Fiction, Family
Historical Fiction, Family
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 From NYT and USA Today bestselling author Tina Wainscott comes a gripping spin-off Christmas story that reunites fans with Silas and Katie, the unforgettable couple from Unforgivable. If you fell in love with their story of resilience, redemption, and love overcoming the darkest of pasts, you won’t want to miss this next chapter in their journey. Even if you haven't read Unforgivable rest assured that Whispers in a Silent Night is a stand-alone story. In Whispers in a Silent Night, Silas and Katie are ready to celebrate their first Christmas together, cherishing the hard-won peace they’ve built after the trials of Unforgivable. But peace is fleeting when Silas’s extraordinary ability to sense emotions pulls them into the mystery of a young boy in peril. As they navigate Atlanta’s festive, snow-draped streets, the couple is drawn into a chilling threat that reminds them—and readers—that sometimes the holidays bring both miracles and dangers. Tina Wainscott has a knack for creating characters that resonate long after the last page is turned. Unforgivable, first published years ago, became a fan favorite for its blend of heart-pounding suspense and raw emotional depth. Silas, the deeply flawed yet fiercely protective hero, captivated readers with his struggle for redemption. Katie, with her unwavering strength and compassionate spirit, stood as his equal and partner. Their chemistry and resilience turned them into one of Tina’s most beloved couples. But every great story leaves questions, and fans have long wondered: What’s next for Silas and Katie? Tina answers with Whispers in a Silent Night, a story that not only brings back the couple we love but also deepens their bond as they face new challenges together. 💬 “An emotional rollercoaster, packed with suspense and the warmth of Christmas spirit.” 💬 “Silas and Katie feel like old friends—it’s such a joy to revisit their world.” 💬 “A perfect balance of heart-pounding action and holiday cheer.” Join Silas and Katie on a thrilling holiday adventure, and experience a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat while warming your heart. READ MORE!
  The characters in my books In Search of the Cannibal King and Cannibal King were not simply born from my pen—though it was my description that breathed life into them. Each character emerged from the story, shaped by their culture and society into the multi-dimensional and colorful people they became. I dressed them in words, but they introduced themselves.
As the author of a story filled with diverse, multi-dimensional characters from various societies and walks of life, it was my responsibility to present them as authentically as possible. My goal was to connect with you, the reader, on a deep level, so that you might find yourself immersed in a scene, seeing the world through the eyes of either the villain or the heroine. When you read a book and feel equal passion for the characters as you do for the story itself, the author has succeeded in giving those multi-dimensional personalities their due—adding just enough salt and pepper to spice them up! As an unknown writer once said, “A book is knowledge shared.” Another said, “A story told is a story that's never forgotten, but a memory of what was past and what will be." Both are true…yet the rest is subjective, as every reader’s experience of a story is unique. Here’s what one reviewer said after reading Cannibal King, “I miss its characters, and they stay with me now, alive in my mind, days after finishing the book. This is such a feat for this talented author! Her outstanding writing made every little detail of the tribes’ villages and customs come alive in my mind’s eye, as if I were on the Marquesas Islands, too.” What that reader conveyed to me was that I had achieved what I set out to do—make the characters live on. Until next time, happy adventuring! Nanine If you want to explore with me, start with In Search of the Cannibal King, which my publisher is offering FREE for a limited time. If you want to dive right into the fast-action historical adventure of John Rumell, head right to the Cannibal King! START YOUR ADVENTURE NOW!
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Crafting Compelling Characters: The Evolution of a Prequel! Plus, a $0.99 Book and a New Release!7/8/2024 Creating Multi-Dimensional Characters: The Story of Claire  One of the most rewarding aspects of writing is crafting characters that resonate deeply with readers. As a storyteller, it's essential to breathe life into your characters, making them as complex and multi-dimensional as the people we encounter in real life. In my Midnight Sons series, Claire, the mother of the five brothers, exemplifies this approach. She started as what seemed like a background character but evolved into someone readers demanded to know more about. Let's delve into how Claire's character was crafted and what you can learn from it. Introducing a Character with Purpose From the very beginning, I knew Claire wasn’t just going to be a passive presence. In the first book, we meet her sitting in a dive bar, celebrating the youngest Midnight Son’s 21st birthday. This introduction was intentional. It immediately paints a picture of a woman who is deeply involved in her sons’ lives, not just as a mother but as a friend and mentor. Sam mentions how she was a climber back in the day but now handles the business end of things. This tells the reader that Claire has had an adventurous past but is now the backbone of the family business. Building a Multi-Layered Persona Claire’s role in each book is pivotal. When Sam is upset, she’s there to encourage him. When a new woman enters the scene, Claire is the first to take her under her wing. She speaks truth into her adult sons’ lives, offering wisdom and guidance that only a mother can provide. This consistency in her character makes her a reliable and relatable figure for readers. However, what makes Claire truly compelling is the gradual revelation of her past. Unveiling the Backstory In every book, readers learn a little more about Claire’s previous life. This slow drip of information keeps readers intrigued and invested in her character. She even mentions to one of her son’s girlfriends that she shared a similar situation, hinting at a depth and complexity that isn’t immediately visible. This technique of revealing backstory bit by bit can be incredibly effective in maintaining interest and adding layers to your characters. The Importance of Knowing Your Characters When crafting a story, I make sure to know all my characters’ backgrounds intimately. Often, I find myself sharing a scene from a book with someone, going into more detail than what’s in the book. They often stop me with a, “Wait! I didn’t read that.” That’s because not all details make it into the final version, but they’re still a part of the character’s history—in my head. This comprehensive understanding of your characters’ pasts, motivations, and desires is crucial. It allows you to write them with authenticity and depth, even if all those details aren’t explicitly stated. Readers’ Demand for More The real test of a well-crafted character is how readers respond to them. Imagine my surprise when readers started demanding to see Adam and Claire’s story. I had included so much detail about what seemed like a background character that she became central to the narrative in readers’ minds. This demand led to the creation of Adam’s Rising, where I delve into the origins of the Midnight Sons and explore the rich backstory of Adam and Claire. Until next time, Happy Reading and Writing! Carmen Grab Sam's Folly for $0.99 for a Limited Time! Or... If you've already finished the series, grab the new release for only $0.99!
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Synchronicities in Setting: The Magic of Finding Your Story's Perfect Place by Tina Wainscott6/10/2024 
The setting also came to me easily. Although I’m a Florida girl, I love Georgia and North Carolina. For many years, we’ve had a place in the NC mountains where I can escape the Florida humidity. I saw and felt the small southern town that the story would play out in, and I knew it was in Southern Georgia. I wanted to choose a place that I could pop off the interstate on the way up or back and easily explore the town and take pictures to inspire my story. But by then, I had mostly written the book, using my imagination and Google maps to guide me. Back then, Google Maps didn’t have all the user photographs, so I went by what I saw. Imagine my surprise when we drove into Clinton, Georgia and it looked exactly how I had seen it. I mean, eerily similar. Even down to the cemetery that I had totally made up. It was so cool and validating that this was a book of my soul. As a writer, it’s important for me to have a clear visual idea of my world so I can convey it to you, the reader. More importantly for me, I want to convey it with a few concise words and not paragraphs of description. Those classics and books of yesterday could go on and on about a settee and the drapes that framed it in the parlor, but not anymore. And thank goodness, right? I want to sink you into the town, the woods, the house, and pull you right along with the story.
Especially because it’s set at Christmas! Ahh, that most wonderful time of the year! Even when it’s actually May. Hot and muggy in Florida already, and I was playing my Christmas music and watching my favorite rom-coms to get in the mood. Not a hardship, let me tell ya. I love the holiday season. And it was fun to put in all those details (but not too many) that make that time of year so fun—the music, the tinsel, the Santas! Okay, I’m not actually into Santas, but since there’s a creepy and suspicious man in a Santa costume in my story, I had to put in a lot of Santas. Settings are incredibly important for a story, and I think they should play a significant role for the characters—and the reader. What are some of your favorite settings? I'd love to hear your thoughts as a writer and/or a reader! Tina Follow Tina to stay up-to-date on New Releases and Specials!
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