Special Guest: New York Times Bestselling Author Heather Graham Talks About WAKING THE DEAD

Waking the Dead follows Let the Dead Sleep. (I guess they’ve slept long enough!) But the book is the second in the Cafferty and Quinn series. The seed for this story came from a fantastic show on one of the educational channels about the “year without a summer.” 

To explain that quickly, there was once what they called a “mini” ice age and the show I saw related many historical events to the weather. In fact, we might have the United States of America because of the cold that descended for several hundred years (some say between 1350 and 1850 while others say it didn’t really begin until about 1550!) At any rate, no one expected Washington to cross a river when it was so flipping cold, but he did, and saved his army—and we went on to be the USA!

But, in the midst of all this, there was a massive volcanic eruption at Mount Tambora. The ash covered the globe. And, combined with the cold, created the “year without a summer.”

Lord Byron, Shelley, and Mary Godwin (later Mary Shelley!) were on the continent; Lord Byron was at Villa Diodati with his doctor/writer friend Polidori. They couldn’t engage in the outdoor activities they might have enjoyed because it was always dark and it was so cold that no one wanted to go out.

Thus, a great work was born—Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus.

I absolutely loved the concept that weather could bring about horrible events that also created things that were, in a way, wonders in the world. (The Irish have peopled most of the world because the weather brought about the great potato famine that sent them seeking better lives in 1849.)

Danni Cafferty and Michael Quinn collect objects that create havoc. Can objects actually be evil?

In my story, Mary and her group of friends visit an artist and engage him in their bet regarding creation during the terrible cold summer. But, Hubert is an artist; they will write, and he will paint.

And years and years later, in modern day New Orleans, that painting will make an appearance . . . .

The death toll will mount up, and they’ll have to discover the painting.

I hope you enjoy Waking the Dead!

Conmen, liars, cowards, bullies and blood-sucking vampires - the trolls of the internet

Why can't we learn to get along, to be friends, to forgive and let go? We have become a very judgmental world filled with online cyber bullies. We're too quick to assume, too quick to judge others based on what someone else says, even without proof. We pounce on each other rather than take the time to learn the facts.

Don't you think that's sad? I know I do.

I'm saying this based on my observations of certain situations involving some of my author friends. Frankly, I'm really tired of it. Fed up!

A group of author friends have been harassed by a bully who slandered them online, and others jumped on the bandwagon to lend their voice to his false claims--even though they had zero facts. They trashed and bashed the authors, believing this malignant person, who shows not one shred of evidence to support his claims. He can't. Because he lied. But some people would rather believe an anonymous coward than a group of prominent, hard-working writers. Why?

One of my author friends was pounced on when something she said was misinterpreted, leading to a lot of bad feelings. Even when she apologized for it and tried to explain, people judged rather than accept the apology, forgive and move on. Where has compassion gone?

One of my author friends was duped into believing something wonderful, and she was so excited about it that she shared that info publicly, and she's being pounced on by others who are calling her a liar and other rotten names. They'd prefer to ASSume the worst. The people spreading rumors that the author lied are nothing more than bullies. Why not wait until you have ALL the facts?

Another group of author friends were conned by a very intelligent sociopath who has been scamming authors for a while. He provided publicist services, a common service in our industry. Others have judged these authors as being stupid, naive amateurs rather than understand how this conman was able to provide all the answers to questions plus endorsements that these authors then checked. These authors did their homework. Some have been in the industry for many years. They did their due diligence. But they were still conned. Believe me, this could happen to anyone, no matter how prepared you think you are. Ever buy ANYTHING online or by phone or in a store that came with a money-back return or guarantee? What if they refused to give you your money back?

Others were convinced to use an author "service" that guaranteed success and is now being considered unethical. It's not something I'd use because it involves a huge amount of money upfront and I personally don't find it ethical, but at one point many considered it okay. Many BIG name authors and even publishers used this service. What was acceptable a while ago might not be today. Do we judge those authors/publishers too and call them unethical?

On this Sunday evening, I urge you all to consider how you judge others. Because one day, YOU may be on the other side trying to defend yourself to people who'd rather judge you than believe you or even listen to the facts. To my friends who have been dealing with these issues, please remind yourself that as long as you stand in your truth, that's all that matters. Conmen, liars, cowards, bullies and blood-sucking vampires will come to light eventually. Until then, may Karma bring you lots of sparkly great opportunities. :-)

Update on Kerry Jacobson "publicist" scam (April 20, 2014): http://accrispin.blogspot.ca/2014/04/take-money-and-run-kerry-jacobson-book.html

Cheryl is Interviewed by Conrad Hall and talks about SUBMERGED, her Army and her New York Times dream

Interviewed by Conrad Hall, much is revealed in three audio interviews with Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of the gripping psychological suspense, SUBMERGED.

Learn about the book, her SUBMERGED Army and her big dream to make the New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists.

Check out Cheryl's audio interviews...


SUBMERGED Army:



SUBMERGED Themes:



Cheryl's BIG Dream & Goals:

Join Cheryl Kaye Tardif's SUBMERGED Army today!

Do you read suspense, mystery, thriller, paranormal/supernatural? Have you checked out the works of Cheryl Kaye Tardif? Want to be part of something HUGE?

Cheryl is recruiting members for her SUBMERGED Army (or what others call a "street team.") Her goal: to make USA Today and New York Times bestsellers lists between March 2-8, 2014.

What’s in it for YOU?

Not only will you get the satisfaction in knowing you helped Cheryl achieve her goals, you'll be entered in exclusive random draws for all sorts of awesome prizes, including the chance to have YOUR name featured as a character in Cheryl's upcoming summer release, DIVINE SANCTUARY.

What do you have to do?

First, join her SUBMERGED Army event. Next, share Cheryl's posts on your Facebook page, Facebook groups (that allow promotion), Twitter, your website and blog--basically anywhere you can. Then invite all your friends--there's an easy Invite button on the page--and ask them to do the same.

You can also buy Cheryl's thriller SUBMERGED on special dates from specific retailers, and ask your friends to do the same. This is the perfect time to reward friends and family with gifted copies of SUBMERGED (it's only $0.99!)

Cheryl will appreciate everything you do to help her reach her goals, and you'll be helping to grow her audience, which ultimately means more books for you to read!

So come on! Enlist in the SUBMERGED Army today! Cheryl needs YOU!

https://www.facebook.com/events/462777760511016