NEVA SQUIRES-RODRIGUEZ

The Blog Hop Tour- #Monday Blogs

Hi my name is Neva Rodriguez

 I’m a writer who puts a twist into everything that I write.

I was invited to join this blog tour by Author Chelle Cordero.  Chelle writes romantic suspense stories that are guaranteed to blow you away.  I can’t say enough about her work, it’s simply amazing!  Check out her phenomenal work here:

ABOUT ME

 I’m new to the writing world, but I intend on making waves.   While my writing has not taken me to the point where I can live off of my proceeds, I hope that one day it will.  I don’t think I’m going to get to that point for a while because right now, I owe too much in student loans!  I currently work in customer service (Sigh) and generally spend my lunch breaks devoting time to my writing.  Besides this I have four children, two older, two younger, a husband, a stepson and a cat.

Here’s the links to find out more about my work:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Liliana-Book-1-Neva-Squires-Rodriguez-ebook/dp/B00MV4UD5A

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liliana-neva-squires-rodriguez/1120171413?ean=2940046114188

Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/468277

Noisetrade:  http://books.noisetrade.com/nevasquiresrodriguez/liliana-by-neva-squires-rodriguez

CURRENT PROJECT

I’m currently working on the third book in the Liliana series.  It is my personal favorite- of course all of my work is my personal favorite during the time I’m working on it.  I’d have to say that I think that this one is going to blow you away.  Readers are going to see a side of Liliana that they would have never imagined existed!  It’s pure flame, I tell you!  😉

 WHAT MAKES MY STORIES DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS IN THE SAME GENRE?

I would have to say the exciting twists make my work different than the next persons.  My mind works very differently.  I am the type of person who thinks out several outcomes to a situation before it actually takes place.  I come up with the craziest things.   Imagine someone with that type of imagination writing a book and putting all of their thoughts out there for the reader.

 WHY DO I WRITE THE STORIES THAT I DO?  HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS WORK?

I write the stories that I do, because they excite me.   The idea for Liliana came to me in a dream and I went with it.  I write in first person, allowing me, as well as my reader to become on with my writing.  I promise you that you will enjoy it! As far as writer’s block, I don’t really experience, my block is more so a life block.  I wish that I had more time to write, or a job that involved writing. This is where my passion is.

WHO’s NEXT ON THE BLOG HOP

Next in line for this blog hop is my BFFAF (Best friend forever/Author Friend) and fellow VHP (Vanilla Heart Publishing) Author Tamara Philip.

Her website is:  tamaraphilipwrites.wordpress.com    I hope you’ll pay her blog a visit over the next week.  Tamara writes stories that are sweeter than apple pie.  I think she has something else up her sleeve, let’s see if she tells us about it.  Her debut novel is currently on sale in print, audio and e-format.  Buy it in any format now!

Hello new friends!  I was so excited to post this, that it’s going up a little early.  No, actually I’m going to a friends house Saturday night, who lives out of town and I want to make sure that if we decide to spend the night, it’s up when it should be.  🙂  I’m really excited about that, because I have a babysitter!  Yes!  That’s super exciting, the hubby and I don’t get many of those nights and I really need a break.

So anyhow, a little introduction to this piece.  Oh this is my favorite part of the book (Liliana), the moment Liliana and Antonio meet.  It’s an awkward situation.  It’s pouring rain and Liliana is walking home and has just been offered a ride by someone that she doesn’t know.   You really have to read the book, to completely understand this scene, but it is so hot, I wish we posted more than eight sentences because I’d love to share what happens next.

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He was quiet and I could feel him staring at me in the dark. I began to get nervous when he didn’t start driving right away, instead he turned on the inside lights of his car. I could feel my heart begin to thump heavily as I sat with my hands folded in my lap, too scared to look over at him. If he was going to hit me with something in my head, I didn’t want to see it coming. My mind filled with fear, in imagining what could potentially happen to me. Finally he began to speak and to my surprise, his voice relaxed me.

“Hi, I’m Antonio.” He said.

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Ok, now you must visit the other fabulous writing warriors pages, located here:

http://www.wewriwa.com/

Don’t worry, you can buy my book if you want to read the rest, or just read the first four chapters:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MV4UD5A

Good morning warrior friends.  This week I decided to give you a taste of what you will find in Liliana book one.  “Liliana” is a suspense filled romance, but the goal I had in writing it was to really make the reader feel as though they were one with the character.  I am positive this book will hook you.  As for me, it’s been a cold-cold week in Chicago, hard to believe we were in the 80’s last weekend, hopefully this is not a taste of what’s going to come for us this winter!  Yikes!  It’s 48 degrees currently and I’m sure it was even colder last night.  Hope everyone else is warm in their neck of the woods.  🙂  And now… introducing Liliana:

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“No!” I screamed in disbelief.

I tried to call out for help but grasped my throat instead as no words would come out. Tears flooded my face. The man turned the gun on me, but for whatever reason decided not to shoot. I thought that maybe it was because he realized how young I was. I clutched the door handle as if it would save me, the same way I did when my mother was cutting through traffic in the morning rush hour. I looked up and saw a person’s head quickly move back from a window of an apartment building at the corner of the block.

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And there you have it, these eight sentences appear in book 1 which is on sale now!  If you enjoyed that, check out the other phenomenal Weekend Writing Warriors posts by clicking here:

http://www.wewriwa.com/

Also, I am trying something new this week.  I am trying to create a social media blast for my book.  You can help out by donating your tweets, shares and tumbler messages.  I need 100 supporters in the next 2 1/2 weeks in order to make it possible.  So far, I have one.  😦  Thanks Tamara!  You can help out by clicking here:

http://thndr.it/1wipW8N

Thirteen years ago today, I remember dropping my kids off before I went to work with my mother.  Good Morning America played in the background as I stood talking with her.  We watched as the first plane hit the World Trade Center in the background and our attention immediately went to the television.  I didn’t know what to think.  I thought it was some kind of a prank that they were playing on us.  I remember telling her “That’s a really bad joke,” and heading off to work.

The radio stations began to discuss it as I drove to work and by the time I arrived at a local car dealer that I was working at in the License and Title department, the second plane had already hit.  All the employees gathered around the television and I remember the owner walking in and everyone immediately turning to run off to their desks and he said, “It’s alright.  You guys stay here, this is important.”  This only added to my confusion as I stood side by side with co-workers and the owner of the dealership watching as every channel focused on the events that were taking place.

I remember beginning to worry about my father who worked in downtown Chicago and excusing myself to call my mother to see if she had heard anything from him.  Downtown Chicago would shut down for the most part hours later as people tried to get home to their families, the nation unsure at that point of how many of the planes that were in air and still “safe”.  A third plane hit the Pentagon and all flights were grounded.  America’s heart literally stopped pumping as everyone stood in shock.  People remembering the things that they had forgotten to tell their loved ones before leaving the house and suddenly wanting to get in contact with them, to hold them and to cherish the seconds that they had together.

I remember feeling frightened to see the first planes over the city.  I remember every channel focusing on the events that had taken place for three days straight and I remember when America finally went back to its regular broadcasts it was almost a sigh of relief.   People suddenly cared.  They not only cared about their own families but about others around them.  They cared not only about their being but about their opinions.  In weeks to come I can’t tell you how many cars that I saw driving through the city with an American Flag decal affixed to the back window.   If you didn’t have one, you simply had to get one and newspapers made it easy, putting one in the Sunday paper.

While all this was taking place I felt bad because I had friends that were Middle Eastern and people weren’t looking at them the same way.  Many became targets for peoples whispers and regardless of what great personalities they exhibited, strangers assumed they were much different.  I am thankful for my friends strength that got them through those rough patches of time.  I am thankful for the strength of so many Americans who lost loved ones, friends, colleagues.  I’m also thankful for all of those who got out of the building safely, emerging into the chaotic streets that would reflect the chaos that America would feel in years to come as America began to live in fear, scared to make purchases, frightened to attend large events and in some cases afraid to leave their homes.

Thirteen years later, aside from today, how many of us remember what we were doing on 9/11?  How many of us remember what we were feeling about the future of America?  How many of us take the time to care about our neighbors, to encourage them, to inspire and ultimately to be there for them?  I’ve been asked time and time again, what if I remember where I was or what I was doing on 9/11?  Just once, I would like someone to inquire on how I was feeling on that tragic day.  I won’t forget.  I never will.  Maybe it’s that everyone knows that we were feeling exactly the same way on 9/11/2001.   Scared out of our minds and apprehensive about the future of the land that we call our home.  Today in Chicago, it’s cold and gloomy, a reflection of the somber mood of the events that took place so many years ago.

Thanks for the interview Ben!

Hello friends.  I’m super excited, because this week I’m hosting a virtual book tour!  Let me take a moment to introduce myself to the visitors.  I’m Neva Squires-Rodriguez, author of the Liliana Series, a suspense filled romance, which will leave you both speechless and wanting more.  Liliana faces numerous twisted surprises in her adventures in the United States and Colombia that are both relatable and unimaginable.  It’s a real page turner folks, I promise you, but enough about me, let’s get down to business!

Last week I had the honor of Interviewing the One, the Only, Tamara Philip author of “The Trouble with Playing Cupid” a tantalizing love story that will make your heart stop.  -Side note, I love that book.  This week I am interviewing Ben Burgess author of “Wounded” Samantha Miller, his compelling protagonist.  Friends, let me tell you, his character is hot, this interview, just doesn’t do her justice.  You simply have to meet this exciting new character.  Don’t forget to give Ben a “great” review on any site, I’m talking a five star minimum.  🙂  Us author’s love reviews.  Especially good ones.

What is your character’s name?

My character’s name is Samantha Miller.

That’s pretty hot.  It reminds me of Sam, from “Who’s the Boss.”  Does your have a nickname?

Her nickname is Sam, sometimes Sammy.

Interesting, I like it already, tell me about your character.

Samantha has brownish hair and green eyes.

She sounds pretty.  What would you say is most attractive about her?

Her eyes are what draw people to her most.

Tell me more about Sam.  Describe her face for me?

I would say Samantha’s full lips and green eyes are facial features that stand out the most.

Your character is getting ready for a night out. Where is she going? What does she wear? Who will she be with?

She’s probably wearing anything that makes her feel sexy. It could be a nice form fitting pencil skirt to yoga pants. She loves to show off her figure.

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Does your character have any distinguishing markings?

Samantha doesn’t have any physical scars, but she does have a tattoo that reads “Pain is Love”

Who are the characters that Sam is closest to?

Samantha’s best friends are Jackie aka” Silka” and Jaime. They are like sisters to her. Samantha grew up with them while being in the foster care system. Samantha’s mother was a drug addicted prostitute named Joan Miller and her father was a Bajan pimp known as “Silky” Samantha never had a relationship with her parents, but she wished that her life were different. She wishes she could experience what a real family feels like. Sasha is Samantha’s lover and friend. Silka, Jaime, and Sasha form a surrogate family for Samantha.

Where was your character from?

The borough of the Bronx is where Samantha was born, lives, and where she comes home.

Hmm, the Bronx, huh?  I bet she is feisty, tell me about that side of her.

When Samantha is angry, she goes “hunting.” She goes to bars and other strip clubs to look for women who are “on the fence.” She gains a faux sense of control in a reality/world where she feels she doesn’t have any.

Really wow, this character is kind of scary.  I’m almost afraid to ask any more questions, does Sam have any fears?

Samantha’s biggest fears are that her dreams will eventually consume her, she will never be more than a stripper, and she will die alone. Samantha hasn’t told this to anyone because she doesn’t like to appear “weak” to her friends.

Interesting, “her dreams will eventually consume her.”  She sounds mysterious, does she have any secrets?

Her secret is that while she acts like she strong and secure, she’s really not. She wants “real love” and she wants a family.

A family, so she has a “lighter” side?  Tell me about that.

Samantha has a very cynical sense of humor. She loves anything that is witty.

Ok, Ben, let’s get even “lighter” then cynical.  Has your character ever been in love?

The first time Samantha fell in love was with a woman she met in prison named “Cheryl.” Cheryl broke Samantha’s heart, but left a lasting impression on her. Later on in life, Samantha falls in love with Sasha.

Nice, alright tell me about Sam’s house.  Describe the things that the reader can find in it.  Don’t leave out any detail.

Samantha’s refrigerator is stocked with V8 and lean steaks. She doesn’t have junk food in her house because she has to be in top shape since she’s the headliner at the strip club. Her bedroom floor is empty as well as her garbage can. Samantha is neat and keeps everything in it place. It’s her way of controlling things.

Ok, I see, she likes everything orderly.  Does she take care of herself in the same fashion?

Samantha is looking at a pair of nice manicured toes. She gets pedicures frequently and when she’s home, she walks around bare foot.

Does Sam remember anything in particular about her childhood?  A certain room of the house perhaps?

When Samantha thinks of her childhood kitchen, she becomes depressed. She has no fond memories of her mother baking cookies or cooking in general. The only meals she remembers are cold cereal, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

What is one strong memory that has stuck with your character from childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?

A strong memory that stands out the most is when Samantha realized she was a Lesbian. Due to the circumstance it was bittersweet discovery.

You can find Ben Burgess Jr.’s book “Wounded” at these fine retailers:

Amazon: 

http://www.amazon.com/Wounded-Ben-Burgess-Jr-ebook/dp/B00JSBE3KA/

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wounded-ben-burgess-jr/1119273400

Book Tour:

http://elitebookpromotions.com/book-tours/

Good day, my “Weekend Writing Warrior” friends.  Thank you so much for your encouraging words last week.  I’ve decided to share the story I’m currently working on with you this week.  Here is the background on my eight “electrifying” sentences.  This comes from the first chapter of the third book of the “Liliana Series.”  In case you haven’t read book one yet, this series is a twisted romance, full of suspense, deceit and hot and steamy passion.  Book 2 ends with a major event that I can’t go into details on since it hasn’t been released, but imagine my protagonist feeling completely devastated and confused.  Antonio is your new book lover and I’ll give you this much information, he is hot!  He has dark curly hair, chiseled cheeks and literally will make your mouth water.  See book 1 for a full description of his sexy self. 

Hoping that you enjoy this, let me know what you think and hoping that you all have a phenomenal week!  🙂

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I slowly turned and gazed at Elena and the rest of the family without saying a word.  Not a tear fell from my eyes as I sat staring at them.  My eyelids blinked, notifying me that I was in fact awake.  I turned very slowly and looked up at Antonio.  His eyes appeared both apologetic and eager, as he waited for my response without saying a word.  The truth was, I didn’t know what my response would be.  I needed direction that no one in the room was trustworthy enough to give me.  I silently closed my eyes and lowered my head folding my hands in my lap and asked for direction from the only being I felt credible enough to guide me.

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Don’t forget to stop by the rest of the warriors pages.  🙂

http://www.wewriwa.com/

Also Book 1 of the “Liliana” series is now available for download.

Check out all of the Vanilla Heart Publishing Authors here:

http://www.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com/

Please click to read the awesome interview that I had with fellow author Tamara Philip, author of “The Trouble with Playing Cupid”

Tamara Interview