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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Guest Post and Giveaway: Glimpse of Darkness (Chronicles of the Cursed, #1) by Nicole Delacroix

Description:

Charlene (Charlie) Bennett is a simple waitress in the wilds of Hyder, Alaska whose father has just gone missing. Isolated and alone, her fathers’ disappearance is nothing new to her, but this time things are a little different. 

For starters, there is a handsome stranger, Daniel that has come to town and while Charlie has never taken more than a passing interest in strangers, she has an immediate and intense attraction to this one. Secondly, she’s soon to find out that this stranger isn’t what he appears. He’s about to throw Charlie’s entire world into a major upheaval. 

Now Charlie has to decide if she believes this strangers’ incredible story and follow Daniel or if she wants to stay in the only home she’s ever known for an uncertain future and an absentee father. As she comes to terms with what Daniel shows her, she realizes that he’s the only true thing in her life and leaves everything she knows behind to follow the handsome stranger.

GUEST POST
Do We Need Paranormal/Fantasy? 

Deeply ingrained in our DNA is a longing to be something more than ordinary. We, as a society, elevate the unique to heights that the ordinary only dream of. So, what is it that makes us believe that ordinary isn't good enough? In a word, escapism; most of us hope and dream of that one moment when we're seen as extraordinary. Whether it's that perfect guy or girl seeing us as interesting and unique, or on a grander scale, being elevated to the heights of celebrity, we all long to be unique. 

When I read a paranormal or fantasy book, I immediately connect with the characters. Suddenly, I'm no longer just me; I now have an intimate connection with someone who is exceptional… extraordinary. It could be a Hobbit on an incredible journey, a centuries-old vampire looking for redemption, or a humble witch just looking for love. No matter who or what they are, I'm now a part of their story. In that most intimate of connections, I too am made extraordinary. 

I'm no longer the casual observer, I'm riding shot gun on their adventures; living vicariously through their every thought and action. I breathe with them, cry with them, live and die with them, and I'm still firmly planted in the ordinary world. I’m still a part of the thrill or fear the character now feels as I become a part of the story. I have that small piece of the exceptional that I carry in my heart, which makes me extraordinary. It fills my world and makes me strive to be better, smarter and braver in my own life. 

We learn what we are willing to face when we look to our fantasy worlds. Fictional creatures allow us to face the difficult truths about ourselves and the world around us without having to see the truth head on. We can empathize and even fear them to find our way to the truth. But the one thing paranormal/fantasy helps us face is the unknown. The unknown can hold terror or complete fascination, but you never know until you pull back the curtain and look for yourself. Good fantasy will bring you to an apex of fear or wonder and then step aside and let you find your way in the dark. 

It’s through fantasy that we think how can make this world a little more like our dreams; those dreams can hold wonder for some and terror for others. Star Trek was the springboard for the technological advances we see today. We dream big, therefore, we invent big, but our minds might never reach their heights without paranormal/fantasy. I think Paranormal/Fantasy is a stepping stone to unlocking the potential we each have in our hearts and minds. We look to the heavens and think, how can I live there?

About the author:
Nicole Delacroix was born in Frankfurt Germany to a German mother and American Military father. Her parents instilled in her a deep love of the written word and a profound respect for literature in all forms. So it's little wonder that from the moment she could first write she knew that writing would always be a part of who she is. From short stories to dabbling in scriptwriting she passes her time with her day job as an IT professional but feverishly writes well into the night. Her passion for literature encompasses many different genres but her heart beats true with fantasy and science fiction. She's fiercely loyal to friends and family and is eagerly awaiting the day when she can move to London England, her childhood dream.


12 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for featuring me on your wonderful site! I'll be popping by periodically so if anyone would like to chat or has any questions for me I'm available! Ask me anything, I'm a bit of a glutton for punishment :)

Joseph Hawkshaw said...

Love the cover looks so cool.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Joe! I looked forever for a talented artist and finally found him on deviantart. He does great work and is beyond easy to work with.

Linda Romer said...

A glimpse of darkness sounds like a good read. I know I would enjoy reading this book.

Unknown said...

Thanks Linda! I may have a Kindle promo coming up in August. If I do I'll post on my website.

Nicole The Reading Rebel said...

Those bookmarks are very neat.Thanks for the giveaway.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Nicole, I loved them too when I saw them. You are so welcome and good luck. PS - Love the name!

Anonymous said...

Major cover love! Thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

Thanks Stephanie! I'm passing all the art love over to my artist - super talented and wonderful guy! You're welcome and good luck on the giveaway!!

Kai said...

I just love the wings of the angel on the cover. Thanks for the giveaway.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE those wings! And thanks for the giveaway. ^_^

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Selenityjade! You're very welcome and good luck!