Author Archives: Michelle Garren-Flye

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About Michelle Garren-Flye

I am an author of romance, poetry, children's books and graphic novels. I also own a bookstore. My love of the written word runs deep.

Our Magic: Magician R. Paul Wilson on the Past, Present and Future of Magic

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Magician R. Paul WilsonToday I’m taking a break from the normal run-of-the-mill romance stuff I usually blog about. In fact, I’m thrilled to have an actual, real-life magician on my blog. R. Paul Wilson is a close-up magician and sleight-of-hand artist with an extensive resume in the film and television industry. Welcome, Paul!

MGF: Let’s start off with your newest project, “Our Magic”. Tell us about it.

RPW: “Our Magic” is an idea that came to us while I was editing the Unreal Tour videos late last year. Once I started logging all of the footage I started to see the beginnings of a feature documentary. When filming, our intention was to make several short docs on one subject and I conducted the interviews knowing that we would probably allow the public to view these as well.

So the Unreal Interviews were about topics concerning magicians and, wherever possible, I would avoid mention of methods or secrets. Then we started publishing them online and a few of them were posted on well-known blogs like Boing Boing and we discovered there was an enormous interest outside of the magic world. The problem, as far as the general public might be concerned, was that the videos were long and covered many aspects of each topic so were definitely aimed at our community’s interests. To make it more accessible, we would need to cut to the chase, strip it down to essentials but, personally, I had issues with that. The solution was to go back out and conduct new interviews, this time shifting the focus towards the general public without losing the honesty and openness but encouraging the subjects to be more concise.

“The objective became clear to me – a film about magic by magicians.”

Also, we needed more footage away from the interviews. The objective of the new documentary became clear to me – a film about magic by magicians. Often, magic is interpreted by outsiders and then shared with their audience. The reader or viewer responds to this because there is a constant fascination with our art and new information is well received. The problem is that what’s most interesting to those of us inside magic might be the interpretation of that outsider but, when reading their conclusions presented as facts, we usually disagree – sometimes passionately. I believe that the solution is for us to ante-up and offer an alternative. To open the doors and let people in. “Our Magic” will present our perspective of our world. Not to preclude the observations of others but to represent what being a magician means to us.

MGF: If there’s one thing I’ve learned since beginning to write about magic and magicians, it’s that I don’t really want to know how it’s done. I want to be surprised and appreciate magic as an artform from my spot as a spectator. How will you complete such a project as Our Magic without giving away the secrets that allow us a sense of wonder?

RPW: One of our main objectives is to reveal the real secrets of magic. That does not mean our methods. In 1911, Maskelyn and Devant wrote their book “Our Magic”, which discussed these “real secrets” at length. Intended for the magicians and the public, the book caused an outcry within the fraternity because, at the back, it included several effects fully described. We won’t be doing that. Instead, we will concentrate on several aspects of the art itself that are often misunderstood or rarely considered. I also want to give the audience an idea of how deep the rabbit hole goes. All of this is very much in the tradition of the first half of the Maskelyn/Devant book.

“…we are being very careful with the secrets of our art.”

Revealing methods is not what “Our Magic” is (or was) about. We will definitely discuss the issues of exposure and who it hurts most. It’s not magicians! How we illustrate this might cause a little controversy but we are being very careful with the secrets of our art. As Jim Steinmeyer has said “We are not protecting the secrets from you. We’re protecting you from the secrets.”

MGF: You raised the funds you needed to make “Our Magic” in about two days, didn’t you? Did that surprise you? Why (or why not)?

RPW: It did surprise me that it happened so quickly but our community shares an enormous passion for magic in all shapes and sizes and the objective of this film resonated with them immediately. I had no doubt we would get funded but I kept a lot of my ideas in reserve, just in case we were not. Less than two days later and I’m sitting at my table transferring notes from my little leather book onto index cards. The table is now covered in objectives and now we have the funds to achieve them. We are going to aim higher and set ourselves a bigger goal. The more money we can put into the budget, the more we can accomplish.

MGF: You know I love your short film “The Magic Box”. It’s a beautiful story about the way magic can link one generation to another. Tell me about your inspiration for this movie.

RPW: I’m happy you enjoyed it. In fact I couldn’t be happier with the reception it’s had. I wrote a short story years ago about a hand made magic trick being passed from generation to generation. The trick was a reminder of shared experiences and an anchor to magical moments in life. I based it on some of my own experiences. My Grandfather showed me my first bit of sleight of hand, I met a man named Roy Walton who shepherded me towards the great masters of magic, Joe Porper who makes some of the most incredible magic props, Juan Tamariz and many of the mentors I’ve been fortunate to have through the years. The feeling I get when sharing magic with people is founded in those early experiences and, when I connect with those, my audience seems to somehow tune-in. It’s a strange thing.

“Filmmaking and magic are often the same thing, in my opinion.”

Tamariz told me one night, sitting on his patio in Cadiz, about his “Seven Veils Of Mystery”. He has since written about it and will publish it soon (I hope) but it’s all about how the audience can sense certain qualities from a performer and respond to them, even though they are unspoken. In January, I decided to make a couple of short films and I wrote down subjects that I wanted to make films about. I picked three and wrote three short scripts. The first film was The Magic Box. Filmmaking and magic are often the same thing, in my opinion. I wanted to tell the story simply, using gentle camera moves and classic blocking techniques. Just as magic can be most powerful when performed with great subtlety, I tried to do the same when directing this little film.

MGF: You’ve been making a name for yourself in Hollywood working on movies like Shade and Smokin’ Aces. Do you see movies as the best stage for close up magic in today’s world? Is there any other place for it?

RPW: Actually, I think magic belongs in the real world. On television it becomes something quite different. When experienced live, magic can be exhilarating, exciting and passionate. Real wonder can be experienced when a miracle happens right in front of you. It’s a fantastic feeling for both magician and spectator.

On television, in the movies, it’s just something else happening on screen. Change channels and aliens are blowing up the white house. On a two dimensional screen, it’s about which effect is the most stunning to the eyes. The mind simply observes.

There’s definitely a place for magic in film and television but its home is in front of a live audience.

My friend Michael Weber has a great saying: “Whoever tells the best story, wins.” That’s true in every walk of life and especially true when viewing something on a screen. Story is everything. The eyes will simply watch but, to wake up the mind, we must engage it directly and get it involved somehow. Story is the key. Magic on screen needs something to connect with the feelings of the audience, just as it does when performed live. I genuinely believe that tricks for the camera are the least important part of what makes magic successful on television. What really engages the audience at home is seeing the effect those tricks have on real people. Real reactions, real emotions, real effects. That’s why the audience respond to magic shows that involve people experiencing something magical more than shows that simply point a camera at the magic trick.

There’s definitely a place for magic in film and television but its home is in front of a live audience.

MGF: You’re a magician, a magic advisor, a television presenter, a filmmaker, a writer, a director, an artist…did I miss anything? Do you have a dream project? Something you see everything else as working toward?

RPW: When I started on this adventure, I offered magic and my knowledge of cheating and con games as fair trade for an education in the film and television business. I got that in spades. After several movies and years working in television, I feel ready to do whatever I need to accomplish a project. I have all the tools and the experience to make any idea into a reality. I’ve chosen to do this later in life than most but I’m using that to my advantage. I have a wealth of stories and experience to draw from. “Our Magic” will be a dream project but, when I think about it, I’m blessed with many dream projects. My TV work, the short films and just being a magician is a dream come true. It’s a lot of work and I work every single day for many hours towards that next horizon. I’m fortunate that life lets me do this. I try never to forget that.

MGF: Thank you so much for being here, Paul!

For more information about Paul and his projects, check out these sites:
http://www.rpaulwilson.com/
http://www.conartist.tv/

Watch “The Magic Box” on YouTube.

Visit the “Our Magic” Kickstarter Page to make a pledge.

Special Guest Donna Steele Talks About Inspiration

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Please welcome my guest today, fellow North Carolina romance author Donna Steele, talking about her new book Wraith’s Heart. Oh, and if you want a post from me after reading Donna’s, check out her blog, Steele Stories: Do I Believe in Magic?

Where did that come from?
By Donna Steele

WraithsHeart_finalCoverHow many times have I been asked that? Another good one is, were you this weird when we lived together? The roommates are amazingly honest with each other.

To tell you the truth, I’m not sure myself where all the ideas come from. I do know that I have been fascinated by arcologies (self-contained cities where one never has to go outside) since I was first introduced to them by Larry Niven. But what if you wanted to go outside? That’s what brought about Rth Rising.

I walked into one of the most beautiful lake houses I’ve ever seen and spotted the picture window looking out over the lake. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write, but I wanted it to take place in that setting, and Learning Trust was born.

My publisher put out a call for stories for Memorial Day, for men in uniform. Not a normal topic for me, but when I sat down Welcome Home was already written in my head, from my memories of the Vietnam War.

I understood about Homecoming. I did have to clean out the family home when my parents were gone. Fortunately not alone, like my heroine. We really did find some of the things I mentioned. The story was therapeutic for me.

But I’m drawn to the paranormal, science fiction worlds. So now there’s Wraith’s Heart. I had the idea of someone waking up in a dark place with no memory of how or why they might be there. I write strong women, so I had to make her angry rather than scared but I had no idea what I was in for. That’s why we’re called pantsers. Gail grew with the story. I thought it would be a much shorter tale, but when I got to the point that I thought would be the ending, she wasn’t ready to go and started telling me all about what else she could accomplish. I finally decided not to argue.

I hope you enjoy!

Excerpt

“Ryan, come on in.” Doc motioned to him and he moved inside. Another death to investigate. Gail took one look at the woman on the table and decided it would be a wonderful time to check in with Hank. Ryan might not be here long and she didn’t want to miss her ride. She slipped out and headed upstairs.
She found Hank sitting patiently in the corner of the waiting room, watching as a family waited for word.
“Gail, I’m surprised to see you.” He stood to greet her and she gave him a quick hug.
“You are? Why?”
“I figured you would’ve moved on.”
“Not yet. I want to ask you about some stuff.”
“Sure, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to answer everything.”
Gail grinned at him. “I don’t think anyone can.”
“Shoot,” Hank nodded.
“Can you touch anything?”
“Touch? You mean people? No.”
“Actually I mean like the magazines on the table or that ugly fake tree.” She indicated the dusty plastic green thing in the corner with her chin.
“No. My hand just goes through them. Why?”
“I can touch things.”
“What kind of things?”
Did she blush at her first thought? He made no comment, so she continued. “Computer keys, papers.”
“Show me.” It wasn’t really an order, but he was obviously surprised.
She stepped over to the side table. Several older copies of People Magazine and Time were spread out on the surface. Gail glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention, then reached over to lift the cover on the top one.
Nothing happened.
She looked over at Hank, who was watching with a “Sorry, honey” look on his face.
“No. Really, I can touch things. I have been touching them at the police station and the apartment.”
“Then why can’t you touch that?”
She was silent a moment, thinking. “I need to get back downstairs. Can you come with me?”
“Sure. I’m not bound to this floor and you obviously aren’t.” He walked with her toward the stairs, to avoid disturbing the live people using the elevator.
“There’s more I wanted to ask you. Why am I still here?” She took one last look at the offending magazine, then followed Hank into the stairwell.
“Well, as far as I know it’s different with each person. Maybe you need to hang around until they catch your killer. You were murdered, right?”
She nodded. “But what if they never find out who did it?”
“I wish I could answer that, honey. Are the police still working on it?”
“Yes. I’m staying with the detective in charge of the case.”
“Staying with him?” Hank stopped right there on the stairs as a young orderly swept past them, then turned to look at the “empty” spot as he shivered and picked up his pace to get to the next floor. “Is that the apartment you mentioned? Isn’t it uncomfortable for him?” He cocked his head at the retreating back of the orderly.
“That’s another thing I wanted to ask you. He doesn’t feel the cold when I touch him. He never shivers and pulls away. It’s almost like he’s aware of me.” An understatement after last night, but she didn’t want to share any of Ryan’s revelations to her. And she certainly wasn’t going to confess her role after Ryan had fallen asleep.
“Aware of you? Are you sure?”
Okay, be careful how you phrase it, Gail.
“Not exactly. His hand has brushed against me in the car and in his office and he never shivers. He almost seems to look for me. And I have touched things in his office and apartment. I’ve typed on his computer. Is that normal?”
“Well, I’ve never heard of it. Of course, I’m not really an expert. I’ve been here for a relatively short while.”
“Do you know why you’re still here?”
He chuckled. “I think of myself as one of those Wal-Mart greeters. Hi, you’re dead. How can I help you?”
She chuckled with him. “It did help me, because I was in deep denial.”
“Most everyone is when it’s an accident or murder. The ones waitin’ for it just go on as soon as someone from the family or friends come to pick ’em up. In cases like yours it seems to take a little longer, like they’re caught off guard. You must have an assignment you haven’t handled yet.”
“Great. Think I’ll get points taken off for being tardy?”
“No, you’re doing fine. And if this cop really is aware of you, he probably has something to do with it. I haven’t heard of that before.” They continued on down the stairs, meeting no more of the live inhabitants of the hospital.
“Ryan’s here about another case. Another DB—see, I’m picking up the jargon.”
Hank chuckled and patted her on the shoulder. They’d arrived at the morgue and he looked around. “I haven’t been down here in awhile.”
“Yeah, I don’t much like it, but when Ryan gets called here I come along.” Her head came up as an idea occurred to her. “I’d like to try something.”
“Okay, what?”
“Do you mind coming in with me?”
Hank shook his head and they stepped through the door together. The doctor continued to talk but Ryan’s head came up and he glanced toward the door. His lips lifted into a small smile.
Gail stopped just inside the door. She knew her eyes had to be big and round with surprise. He had sensed her come into the room. It wasn’t possible, but he had turned instantly and he’d smiled. There was no way he had heard her, there was nothing to hear. By her estimation she hadn’t reapplied her blueberry body splash in at least a week.
But it had felt like they were looking into each other’s eyes for a moment.
Impossible.
Should she admit she felt very warm and safe?
“Gail, he knows you’re here.” The wonder in Hank’s voice drew her back.
“Yes, he does.”
“How?”
“That’s what I asked you.” She shook herself. “Watch.” When Ryan turned back to the doctor, she carefully raised the corner of one of the reports on the counter.
Hank stared at the paper. “You couldn’t do that upstairs.”
“I know. But I’ve been able to every other time.”
“Have the other times been when you were near him?” Hank looked over at Ryan who now had his back to them, listening to the doctor.
“Yes.”
“He doesn’t feel the cold from you?”
“No.”
“I have no idea.” Hank shook his head. “But I bet if I touched him, it would be cold.”
“Please don’t try.” Gail spoke immediately.
“I won’t.” He moved to the report and attempted to move the same page. Nothing happened. “How well do you know him? Were you friends before?”
“No, I’d never met him before he came here to begin his investigation.”
“So you don’t know if he maybe had a near death experience?”
Gail looked up at him. “I think that might have happened.” She spoke slowly, thinking hard. “Do you know anything about something like this?”
“Not really. I’ve not had anything like it happen to me. It’s a puzzle, but I don’t think I can find any answers for you. You’re going to have to get them from him.” He looked toward the door. “I’m gonna get out of the way. It could get too crowded in here and I don’t want to freak anyone out. Keep me up on what’s happenin’ with you. Let me know if you figure out your assignment or what’s going on with him. I’m learning as much from you as you did from me.”
“Of course I’ll check back. Guess there’s not a better way for us to keep in touch?”
“Not that I know. But it was good seein’ you.”
Gail gave him another hug and watched him slip through the door.

Musings on Magic Memories and a Few Announcements without Alliteration

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I’ve been reading some “how-to” type books about magic and it got me thinking. When did I really get interested in magic? It feels like I’ve always been fascinated by magical things, and I can’t ever pass up a magic show, whether it’s on the corner of a street fair or at a birthday party or in Las Vegas. If somebody wants to get my attention, they just need to whip out a pack of cards and tell me to pick one.

But when did it all begin? Well, I’ve mentioned the magic show my mother took me to way back when I was a little girl. I was probably about five or so, because the memory is very dim, as if most of the lights are out in that particular room of my memory attic. I remember bits and pieces of the show. I think he may have pulled some animal or other out of a hat…maybe a rabbit, maybe a dove. I know I remember the rings because they glittered and fascinated me. But the best–and worst–part of the show was the end.

All the little kids had been told to pick a carpet square to sit on in the front of the audience. Normally I was a timid thing that wouldn’t have wanted to leave my mother’s side, but I had done it for this show. I wanted to see the magician and his beautiful assistant up close. I think the carpet square I selected was tiger striped, but my memory may have added that. I know I was sitting stage left.

For the finale, the magician announced one of us was sitting on a magic carpet and his assistant would come down and get us and help us make the carpet fly. Of course this was very exciting to a room full of children. Who was the lucky one? To my childish amazement, the assistant came directly to me, led me onto the stage and handed me over to the magician.

He probably asked me some questions. I can’t really remember. I’m sure he asked my name and how old I was. I think he asked me if I wanted to fly. I do remember he lifted me onto a carpeted table and told me to sit very still and close my eyes. And not to open my eyes until he told me I could. Of course I obeyed. I was no rebel. I’d been taught to behave myself and listen to adults. Of course, if I’d opened my eyes, I might never have believed in magic again, because I probably would have seen the trick.

And that’s the real magic I remember from that day. Of the fifty or so kids in the audience, how did he and/or his assistant know to pick me? I might have been the only child out there too timid to do anything other than what the adults told her to. Most kids would peek. Most kids would open their eyes unless you duct-taped them shut. My daughter would. But I would never have thought to do such a thing, and so I sat still, eyes tight shut while I heard the audience ooh and aah and clap. And then the magician, smiling in triumph no doubt, helped me down and told me to take a bow.

That’s not just my favorite magic memory. It’s one of my favorite childhood memories, and it’s definitely the beginning of my lifelong love for magic.

On to the announcements.

You may notice some slight changes to my blog. On the right side of your screen, you’ll see a lovely new JPEG announcing my virtual book tour in June. Watch this space for my blog tour engagements. I’ll get them up soon.

Also, I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be hosting fellow romance author Donna Steele, who’ll be discussing her newest release and writing and whatever else she takes a mind to this Friday. Meanwhile, I plan to insinuate myself into her blog over at SteeleStories.com and blab about magic and Close Up Magic and whatever I can get anyone to listen to. Hope you’ll check in both places and say hey!

Finally, a reminder! You can still enter to win the Kindle Paperwhite. Enter as often as you like. You can enter by tweeting about Close Up Magic and tagging me (@michellegflye), liking the Close Up Magic Facebook Page, posting about Close Up Magic on your Facebook page and tagging me or the Close Up Magic Facebook Page, blogging about Close Up Magic…etc. I’m doing my best to catch every entry, but go ahead and make it hard for me! I like a challenge.

Welcome Zoe Dawson to My Blog!

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Presto-Change-O, I’m switching blogs with author Zoe Dawson today! Please help me welcome her to talk about her upcoming releases! And if you want to hear anything from little ol’ me after that, I’m over at her beautiful blog: Zoe Dawson’s Blog.

Out of my Comfort Zone
By Zoe Dawson

authorpicEver since I started self-publishing I’ve been out of my comfort zone and for a routine-loving, grounded Taurus that’s downright scary.

Of course, anything new comes with a learning curve, which can be both satisfying and frustrating, but also creates a way for an author to stretch and grow. This summer I have two new releases which are both in genres that are in uncharted waters for me. When I decided to self-publish a year ago, I looked through all my rejected ideas and really thought about what was marketable and what I wanted to write. A series I had developed and tried to sell to traditional publishers, Going to the Dogs, came to mind. I loved the story ideas, thought they were very funny, but could I write comedy, something I’ve never even attempted? I pretty much wrote romantic suspense and sexy romance. I often wrote humor in the context of these novels, but not premise-based comedy. Do I feel I was successful? A resounding yes! I’m glad that I pushed myself out of that box and decided to branch out into something new. So with the first two books under my belt, I’m about to release the third book in the series that focuses on Poe Madigan.

Here is the blurb:

Hounded

I’ll get you and your little dogs, too!

Veterinarian Poe Madigan enters The Fur Ball with her Jack Russell terriers (aka The Terrible Two) to compete for a substantial cash prize that will keep her mother from losing her home. But when her fabulous partner sprains his ankle, Poe must trade him and his talented Bichon for a sexy, muscle-bound hunk who can’t dance and his basset hound, Lazy Daisy. If that’s not enough to make her despair, it seems The Terrible Two have angered someone and they’re receiving death threats!

Security specialist Jared Taylor promises one of Poe’s friends that he will go undercover as her dog dancing partner to protect her from danger. He didn’t expect to find his staid, traditional life would be turned all topsy-turvy and he would find a soft spot for a neglected hound and fall for a Goth princess. But when he reveals who he really is and why he is in Poe’s life destroy the foundation of trust they’ve built? Could he lose the real prize – Poe?

I will be revealing the cover on June 4, 2013 and I’d love for you to stop by my blog to see it and comment. My blog address is http://zoedawsonauthor.blogspot.com/

If you are a blogger and would be interested in helping me out, the sign up for the cover reveal will be up at ATMOR Tours sometime in May. Here’s their website: http://atomrbookblogtours.com/ And, thanks in advance!

If you’d like to see where it began and get Callie’s and Brooke’s stories, you can find Book #1 and #2 at the following retailers.
Leashed is available at Amazon
Groomed for Murder is available at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

downloadThe second genre venture into unknown territory is new adult. I have always been interested in writing this type of novel. I’ve had practice with it over the years as writing twentysomething characters in traditional romance is a must. I’m excited to see how new adult is crossing genres and blossoming into an honest to God phenomenon. I will be starting A Perfect Secret series with A Perfect Mess.

Here is the blurb with little teasers for book #2 and #3:

I know what you did last summer.

Aubree Walker, the perfect girl most likely to succeed, is sure there’s only one person who knows what she did.

Booker Outlaw, one of the three Outlaw brothers—all identical, all gorgeous, all from the wrong side of the tracks, and all pure bad boys. He was always the unpredictable one, the one who would be brash enough to make it big self-publishing horror novels on the internet. He promised never to tell, but everyone knows you can never trust an Outlaw.

Then a year later, in the middle of the night, she receives a phone call at Tulane. Her aunt, who took her in after her mother’s death, has passed away under suspicious circumstances. Now she has to face that one person who knows all about what she did that summer—sexy Booker.

Returning to Hope Parish to lay her beloved aunt to rest, stirs up all those ugly memories. When Aubree starts getting threats, she can’t help but wonder if what she did last summer was tied to her aunt’s death. Afraid, she turns to the only person who knows the truth and Booker doesn’t hesitate to offer his broad shoulder for her to lean on. But Booker has a secret of his own that could crush their fledgling relationship.

As the hot, sultry summer days move on, she finds that even a perfectly smart girl can lose her heart to a perfectly bad boy. What is she going to do when someone starts asking questions Aubree doesn’t want to answer? She’s knee deep into a terribly dangerous, wholly life changing, who-can-she-really-depend-on perfect mess.

A Perfect Secret Series: Three perfect girls, three perfect secrets, one unholy trinity

A Perfect Mistake, Book #2 – A preacher’s daughter, a reckless Outlaw, and a secret that will change her life forever.

A Perfect Dilemma, Book #3 – The town’s poor little rich girl, a sweet-talking Outlaw, and a secret that will ruin all that she holds dear.

Will I be successful at it? That remains to be seen. All I can say is that I will write a heartfelt novel with romantic suspense elements that will hopefully touch hearts and keep readers coming back for more.

Now talk to me. Have you ever attempted to move out of your comfort zone? How did it work out for you?

Thank you for having me Michelle!

About the Author

Zoe Dawson is the alter ego of Karen Anders, award winning, multi-published author. Her writing journey started with poetry and branched out into fiction. With a couple of college English courses under her belt, she penned a historical, then moved onto contemporary romance fiction. Today, she is happy producing romantic suspense, romantic mystery, urban fantasy, new adult and paranormal novels. The words feed her soul and the happily ever afters feed her heart.

You can find her at the following links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebookpage | Blog | Goodreads | Newsletter

Having Fun With Magic…Wanna Join Me? Contest!

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Dedication page of Close Up Magic

Dedication page of Close Up Magic


As I mentioned earlier, for the next couple of months, I’ll be tweeting magic, blogging magic, posting on Facebook about magic and generally having lots of fun. And I want you to join in the fun.

I’ve decided to give away a Kindle Paperwhite on June 1 to celebrate the publication of Close Up Magic. To sweeten the deal, I’ll also gift you my books Weeds and Flowers and Ducks in a Row, both of which have very good reviews on Amazon. If you’d like to enter, here’s how to do it:

1. Leave me a comment here or on one of my other magic-related posts.
2. Like Close Up Magic on Facebook. (If you’ve already done this, you’re automatically entered.)
3. Tweet about Close Up Magic and tag me @michellegflye.
4. Join me on one of my guest posts between now and June 1 (I have four lined up and I’ll announce them later on).
5. Post on Facebook about Close Up Magic and tag me.
6. Mention Close Up Magic on your blog and email me a link at michellegflye at gmail dot com.

You can enter as many times as you like. The point is, I love talking to people, and this should be a great conversation starter!

I’ve already been hard at work promoting Close Up Magic, although my silence over here might seem to indicate otherwise. You see, while researching Close Up Magic, I accumulated a lot of unusable but fascinating data. And I’ve decided to put it to work. Everyday I post a little tidbit of the history of magic over on the Facebook fan page I made for Close Up Magic. For instance, just this morning, I posted about the first magician to perform the Sawing a Woman in Half illusion. Don’t know? Head on over and find out: Close Up Magic Fan Page. And tell your friends!

You see, writing Close Up Magic was so much fun, I figure promoting it should be too. It’s all bringing back to me that original childhood excitement I felt when I saw my first magician at the age of five and he made me fly on a magic carpet. I had a string of magic sets as a child. Each time I got one, I was certain I could become the most famous woman magician of all time (more about women’s place in magic on my Facebook page this week). Of course, that never materialized. I always turned to a book to read or a story to write, but, hey, it was fun while it lasted, right? And maybe this is my contribution to the world of magic.

Close Up Magic to be released June 1

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CloseUpMagicI’m a little behind the eight ball in putting the cart before the horse here (ahem) because I couldn’t wait for my blog to catch up to my progress! I’m in the last stages of getting my new book, Close Up Magic, ready for readers, and I’m super excited about this one. It’s not that it’s deep or has anything to do with anything real in my life. In fact, it’s a pretty superficial, straightforward romance. And it’s set in Las Vegas, not North Carolina!

Every book I’ve published so far is a story that wanted to be written. I often feel like I have very little to do with them other than fixing a word or two here and there. I hear other writers talk about the “craft” of writing, and I try to relate it to the process I go through. I don’t create story arcs. I create the characters and they tell me their stories. I’ve found that the further I delve into what makes my characters tick, the easier their stories are to tell.

I may be digressing, but that’s what I went through for Close Up Magic, so I’m going to leave it. The moment I decided to write a romance with a magician hero, Andre Hawke began to form in my mind. Because of my lifelong crush on David Copperfield, he started out looking like a young David, but before I knew it, his eyes changed color, he gained weight, got brawnier…all good stuff, no insult intended to Mr. Copperfield, who remains the epitome of a magician in my mind. I gave Andre quite a colorful family background (and yes, he hails from North Carolina. I had to get that little tribute to my home state in!), and of course, nothing can bring on trouble and controversy quite like family!

Bring on brassy, sexy, hard-boiled reporter Stacey Matthewson. She’s the type of reporter I always wished I could be, but I was too timid and accommodating to do manage it. Stacey knows what it takes to get her story, and she’s willing to do it, even when it comes to exposing her own idol’s darkest secrets. Stacey hasn’t had much reason to believe in magic in her lifetime. She’s got family problems of her own, a career that may be going down the wrong path and one last chance to redeem herself. But then Andre Hawke, the only man who’s ever persuaded her to believe in magic, offers her a chance to go another way, and she finds she’d rather help him than get another story. And that’s just the beginning of their story.

For the next couple months, I’ll be writing and thinking and breathing magic around here, and I’ll probably be posting a couple of excerpts from Close Up Magic, too, but if you can’t wait, click on the cover picture and you’ll be magically transported to a preview, featuring the first half of the first chapter of Close Up Magic.

Writer Beware? My thoughts on Amazon’s return policy…and a review. :)

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Authors are petitioning Amazon to change their return policy on ebooks, and an unfortunate line has been drawn between writers and readers.

I signed the petition, not because I have a huge problem with people returning my books, but because I see why it was started. Currently, Amazon allows the return of an ebook within seven days of purchase. Readers say it is a fair policy, even if they’ve read the book, if they find the book is sub-par for some reason. And most readers don’t abuse the policy, it’s true. But the fact remains that the loophole is there, and some people will abuse it. Many people won’t even think of it as cheating. Remember back when women used to buy a dress, tuck the tags out of sight, wear it and return it the next day? How many of those women would have been shocked if you’d called them a thief? Most, I’m betting.

Most stores have now put a stop to this sort of practice. My last purchase from Nordstrom’s came with a red tag attached in a conspicuous place which, after removal, rendered my dress non-returnable. Good for Nordstrom’s!

Maybe I feel the way I do about this petition because I do not a have a “borrower’s” frame of mind, which is weird since I have a master’s in library and information sciences, right? But I don’t go to the library on a regular basis now that I don’t work there, and I HATE library fines, so I frequent book stores (and Amazon) instead. I buy my kids books and exchange them at the secondhand bookstore after they’ve outgrown them. I buy myself NOOK and Kindle books. And yes, a few of those have been regrettable. I did not return those.

To the readers I may have offended by signing the petition, I ask that you look at my side of the fence. I am a reader and I am raising readers. I am a librarian, and I believe in libraries. I have no real problem with Amazon’s lending feature, either, although I don’t utilize it. But if you buy an ebook you need to understand something. Whether the author is J.K. Rowling or me, a lot of work went into that book, and if you buy it and return it after you’ve read it, you’re stealing.

CloseUpMagicPersonally, I believe in giving readers lots of chances to read my stuff before they purchase one of my books. That’s why I post excerpts on my blog, have a Free Fiction Page, and have been known to give away books. I currently have four copies of Weeds and Flowers up for grabs on Goodreads, for instance, and I’ve given away four copies of Ducks in a Row over there recently. Over the course of the next couple months, I’m going to be promoting my new release Close Up Magic. I’ll be posting excerpts and quotes and (hopefully) a few advance reviews. I’m going to give you lots of chances to decide if you want to read the whole book before you hit that all important “Buy” button.

And I’m going to be hoping that those who do hit the “Buy” button will take into account that I gave up sleep to write this book. I cursed and sweated and bled on the pages. I endured a lot to bring those voices to life. Don’t cheat me out of the few dollars I earn off each copy I sell.

For an advance preview of Close Up Magic, click here.

In Other News

I was fortunate enough to obtain another review of Ducks in a Row the other day. Steph at Book-A-Holic Anon gave it 4.5 stars! Here’s a little taste of the review and a link, if you’re interested in checking it out:

“…a tragic story in some ways with a glimmer of hope that even at our bleakest moments real love can conquer all.”
—Book-A-Holic Anon

Steph is brutally honest in her review that Ducks may offend some readers. And it might. I knew it when I wrote it, but the story wanted to be told. This review might be one of the best I’ve ever read of one of my books, because it was honest, blunt and to the point. And beyond that, she really got what the book was about. The above quote sums the story up perfectly. I love it when a reviewer really understands where I was coming from because it means I did my job as a writer. Thank you, Steph, for giving me that moment.

Today is Gold Star Wives Day! Tell me your story.

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Today is a day of remembrance and celebration for the Gold Star Wives of America. I’m inviting everyone to help me celebrate our men and women in the military on this special day set aside to remember those who gave up so much for our country. You can do this one of two ways.

First, I want to hear your story. I’m a storyteller at heart, but you can read my stories any time you want. Today I want to hear from those who have a loved one in the military. To encourage this, I’m offering up to twenty free ecopies of Where the Heart Lies to those who will leave me a comment and tell me their story about military heroes.

Second, if you don’t have a loved one in the military, you can purchase a copy of Where the Heart Lies and I’ll donate my royalties to the Gold Star Wives of America. Just send me a proof of purchase to michellegflye at gmail dot com.

God bless our military and families who let them serve our country.

For the Families of Our Military with Thanks

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I’m saluting families of the military for the next week and it occurred to me I once wrote a story from their point of view. It’s just a little story written way back in 2004, but I still like it, and that’s saying something because I almost never like something I wrote that long ago. Nine years is a long time. A lot has changed in that time. I’ve become a full-time romance novelist, for instance. But a lot of stuff has stayed the same, too.

After you read this, consider helping me salute military families in one of two ways. You can either tell me about your military hero on my Facebook page or purchase a copy of Where the Heart lies and send me a proof of purchase to michellegflye at gmail dot com, and I’ll donate my royalties to the Gold Star Wives of America.

The Protector

By Michelle Garren Flye

 

The child wakes in the dark, still night. Once, he would have cried for his mother and wanted his father to come chase the demons away. Now his parents have other things to deal with. The child tries not to add to their worries.

 

It’s hard having a parent away fighting a war. At least, that’s what his grandmother says. She comes to take care of him in the afternoons now. To keep him from being too lonely, she says. The child knows she’s lonely and worried, too. He wonders if she ever wakes, cold and sweating, from a dream of guns and noise and sand.

 

He thinks the sand might be the worst part of his dreams. It’s so sharp and bright and invading. In his dreams, it’s everywhere – in his mouth and eyes, under his clothes, encasing him in a fine armor that makes it impossible to run from the violence surrounding him. He wonders if that’s what it’s like in the desert on the other side of the world.

 

The child sits still as a pool of silvery moonlight breaks through the clouds outside and spills across his bed. Mother could chase his fears away. Mother has always been his protector, his shield, the “safe” base in a game of tag gone mad. For a moment, he believes he can run to Mother, feel her sweep him up in her arms, kiss him, and tell him there’s nothing to fear. But then the moonlight is gone behind a cloud again and he is alone in the darkness.

 

The stillness overwhelms him and he slips from his bed and pads down the hall to the kitchen, hoping one of Grandma’s cookies will rid him of the fear. He stops, surprised to see a bright streak beneath the kitchen door. He considers going back to bed, but the dark hallway is too frightening and he shoves through the door.

Father sits at the table, his head in his hands. He looks up when the door opens, then holds out his hand to the child. The child runs to Father and is picked up and cuddled on his knee. “You’re thinking about your mother,” Father says and the child nods his head against Father’s chest. “You shouldn’t worry about her, you know,” Father says.

 

The child looks up at Father. “Why are you awake, Father?” he asks.

 

Father sighs and hugs his son closer. “Because it’s daylight there and I wonder what she’s doing,” he says with a little smile. “Because it’s hard letting her go thousands of miles away.”

To fight a war. The unspoken words hang deadly in the air between father and son. Neither looks at the dangerous sparkle of truth. Instead, they pretend for a moment that Mother is thousands of miles away doing something fun. That she is safe and happy.

 

They try not to remember because Mother cannot protect them this time.

 

Saluting the Gold Star Wives: Win a Free Ebook!

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I got some great news in my email last week, and surprisingly, it was about politics. (Normally, politics is about as unromantic as you can get, right?) Simple resolution 67 designating April 5, 2013 as Gold Star Wives Day was passed in the Senate on Monday. The resolution was co-sponsored by Senator Richard Burr of my own state of North Carolina. While Mr. Burr and I disagree on many key points, I was thrilled that he was involved in this. So thrilled, in fact, I’ve decided to give away up to twenty ebooks.

In honor of our nation’s Gold Star Wives, I want your stories about your military hero. Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard…whatever. Tell me about him or her on my Facebook page. I plan to give out up to 20 free e-copies of Where the Heart Lies to those who comment. And if you’re not a military spouse, you can still help me salute those who are. Just send me a proof of purchase of Where the Heart Lies and I’ll donate my royalty to the Gold Star Wives of America. Send proof of purchase to michellegflye at gmail dot com.

Why Where the Heart Lies? Simple. Alicia, the heroine of Where the Heart Lies, is a Gold Star wife.

I tried to write Alicia to be a testament to the strength and courage of military spouses. The ones who carry on with the kids and school and paying bills and keeping life as normal as possible. I’ve often looked at friends who have spouses in Afghanistan and wondered, How do they do it?

The Gold Star Wives of America was started during World War II, when war widows were plentiful. It began in the kitchens of four young widows in New York City and grew from there when Eleanor Roosevelt, widow of the commander-in-chief, joined it. There are now chapters throughout the nation, eager to support the wives of the men who gave everything to the service of our nation.

On April 5 (and every day), let’s all take a breathing moment and remember the sacrifices this nation was built on…and support those who were left behind to carry on.

Where the Heart Lies on Amazon
Where the Heart Lies on Barnes & Noble
Where the Heart Lies on Carina Press