P.J. MacLayne

This week’s topic on the blog hop is to talk about our favorite song. Sounds like an easy one, doesn’t it? But how do I choose only one song when there are so many wonderful songs out there?

But if you’ve hung out here with me for any length of time, you know I don’t always follow the rules. And I fully intend to break them again this week.

I’ll start with the one song that is obvious to anyone who knows me. John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High.” He wrote the song to express his love of the Rocky Mountains, especially those near Aspen, Colorado. It become the unofficial state song of Colorado during the 1970’s and an official state anthem in 2007. But did you know it was banned on some radio stations in the 1970’s because people assumed that the word “high” in the title and in the song was a reference to drugs!

Now you’re asking “P.J., why is this your favorite song?” Well, I’ll tell you. I “blame” this song for getting my husband and I together. I’d dropped out of college and was working while deciding on a new major when I was introduced to this song and John Denver by a friend. (Thank you, Debbie!) I ended up picking a new course of study and choosing a college in Wyoming, partially influenced by Denver’s music. I ended up meeting my husband while at that college. Do the math and you’ll figure out how long we’ve been together! (Short answer—not long enough!)

Now, on to a few of my other favorite songs.

With the state of politics in the US, it reminds me of an earlier time of our history. So here’s one of the first protest songs I remember. There are many versions out there, but I love Joan’s voice.

Speaking of protest songs—have you ever heard this one?

Now for something a little more up-to-date. Way back, I was introduced to the music of Buffy St. Marie. She released a new album a few years ago and she still packs a punch when she sings.

So what is your favorite song? Tell us about it in the comments. And to find out what our other authors have to say, follow the links below.

February 6, 2017 – your favorite song with background information
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Dear Fans,

I know there are a few of you out there. Only a few, but you are part of the reason I keep on writing.

First off, I want to say thank you. Your kind words and reviews help me feel like I’m doing something right. Writing is a lonely business at its core, and knowing that at least a few people enjoy my stories makes it a little less lonesome. Yes, my characters keep me company, but it’s nice to interact with real people too.

After writing poetry for many years, releasing Wolves’ Pawn was a new adventure. While it never became a best seller except in my dreams, I got enough feedback to let me know it wasn’t a complete failure. So with a little more confidence, I let go of The Marquesa’s Necklace. Since then, I’ve also released Her Ladyship’s Ring and Wolves’ Knight.

I’ve had a complaint or two that I don’t write fast enough. I agree. Sorry about that, but until I can support myself with my books I have a “real life” job to do that takes up most of my day and much of my energy. Plus, many times I “overthink” and while that slows down the writing process I hope it results in a better book.

I’d like to call out my fans by name to say thank you individually, but I don’t know who some of you are except for the fake name on a review  on Amazon or other sites. So please accept my sincere appreciation to all of you. I hope that I’ve given you a few moments of pleasure in what can be a tough world.

What can you expect from me in the future? I’m currently working on two books, one in the Oak Grove series and one in the Free Wolves. I expect to get the next of Harmony’s adventures out first. It’s called “The Baron’s Cufflinks.” After that will be “Wolves’ Gambit.” With any luck, I’ll get them both edited and released by mid-year.

What’s up after that? I haven’t decided. I have a couple of older books that I never released that I feel are solid stories. I might pull them out, clean them up a bit and let them fly. Or there’s still a wedding story I need to write. Can you imagine Tasha from Wolves’ Knight in a bridemaid’s gown?

Before I leave you for another week, let me say it again. Thank you. And you. And you.

If there’s anything you want to tell me, here’s your chance. Tell me in the comments!

Sincerely,

P.J. MacLayne

P.S. You want a picture? Okay, here’s one.

P.S.S. You may have noticed that my plea to sign up for my newsletter is gone. I’m going to be switching companies I do my newsletter through. Pleas stay tuned! If you have already signed up, you won’t need to do it again. I was able to preserve your email addresses.

January 30 – write a letter to your fans.
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2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
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Dear Fans,

I know there are a few of you out there. Only a few, but you are part of the reason I keep on writing.

First off, I want to say thank you. Your kind words and reviews help me feel like I’m doing something right. Writing is a lonely business at its core, and knowing that at least a few people enjoy my stories makes it a little less lonesome. Yes, my characters keep me company, but it’s nice to interact with real people too.

After writing poetry for many years, releasing Wolves’ Pawn was a new adventure. While it never became a best seller except in my dreams, I got enough feedback to let me know it wasn’t a complete failure. So with a little more confidence, I let go of The Marquesa’s Necklace. Since then, I’ve also released Her Ladyship’s Ring and Wolves’ Knight.

I’ve had a complaint or two that I don’t write fast enough. I agree. Sorry about that, but until I can support myself with my books I have a “real life” job to do that takes up most of my day and much of my energy. Plus, many times I “overthink” and while that slows down the writing process I hope it results in a better book.

I’d like to call out my fans by name to say thank you individually, but I don’t know who some of you are except for the fake name on a review  on Amazon or other sites. So please accept my sincere appreciation to all of you. I hope that I’ve given you a few moments of pleasure in what can be a tough world.

What can you expect from me in the future? I’m currently working on two books, one in the Oak Grove series and one in the Free Wolves. I expect to get the next of Harmony’s adventures out first. It’s called “The Baron’s Cufflinks.” After that will be “Wolves’ Gambit.” With any luck, I’ll get them both edited and released by mid-year.

What’s up after that? I haven’t decided. I have a couple of older books that I never released that I feel are solid stories. I might pull them out, clean them up a bit and let them fly. Or there’s still a wedding story I need to write. Can you imagine Tasha from Wolves’ Knight in a bridemaid’s gown?

Before I leave you for another week, let me say it again. Thank you. And you. And you.

If there’s anything you want to tell me, here’s your chance. Tell me in the comments!

Sincerely,

P.J. MacLayne

P.S. You want a picture? Okay, here’s one.

P.S.S. You may have noticed that my plea to sign up for my newsletter is gone. I’m going to be switching companies I do my newsletter through. Pleas stay tuned! If you have already signed up, you won’t need to do it again. I was able to preserve your email addresses.

January 30 – write a letter to your fans.
Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.
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Want the inside scoop on Tasha Roeper? The heroine of Wolves’ Knight? Well, keep reading, because you’re about to get the untold story on what happened to her in between Wolves’ Pawn and Wolves’ Knight.

When I created Tasha Roeper in Wolves’ Pawn, I wrote her as a strong if somewhat cocky companion to Dot, the main female character. She had the skills Dot lacked—she could shoot, knew surveillance techniques, and understood pack politics. In many ways, Tasha was “one of the boys.” But about halfway through the book, she was captured by a rival. And I’ll let her tell the rest of the story.

Tasha:
I don’t remember being captured. I was on patrol and my partner and I were investigating a suspicious noise when I heard a “POP” and my muscle in my shoulder started to sting. When I came to, I was tied to a chair and surrounded by men from the Choate pack. I remember the rope burning and no matter how I squirmed I couldn’t relieve the itch. There’s not much else I remember because I found out later they were kept me sedated, injecting me with a silver suspension and the ropes contained silver strands.

Even under the capable care of the Fairwood pack physician, as well as my supposed rapid healing trait, it took a long time for the silver to flush out of my system. The psychological damage took longer to heal.

When Elders Fairwood and Fenner made the decision to send me away to the pack in Maine, I fought the vertict. I didn’t want to leave when the pack was in crisis. At least, that’s what I said out loud. What I didn’t say was that I was relieved. I felt useless. Vulnerable. Scarred. Afraid. If I hung around, someone would figure out my secret.

What I didn’t know was what I was getting myself into.

The Maine pack wasn’t your ordinary run-of -the mill pack. The Radferds specialized in providing
security and bodyguard services. At least, that was what they advertised. What they didn’t talk about openly were their skills in difficult hostage situations and search and rescue in enemy territory. It didn’t take me long to figure out that they could train me in more than advanced weaponry.

The men coming back from several days worth of training in the same clothing they wore when they left only covered in dirt and mud was the first giveaway. The congratulations they got from the rest of the pack was the second. Whatever they were doing, I wanted in.

I gave the pack elders a sob story about needing to have the skills to take back to my pack. They saw straight through it. They forced me to admit what I really needed was to prove something to myself. That I could survive in the toughest of situations. That I was my worst enemy and my best weapon. With reluctance, they agreed to add me to the advanced training. Then began a year of hell.

I hated it and loved it. Tested physically and mentally, I almost broke. Correction. I did break. The first time I participated in a mock-capture scenerio, I froze. It took the combined efforts of my teammates and trainers to bring me back from the memories I’d caged myself in.

After that, I was given a choice. Quit or go all in. I chose to give myself and the training a second chance. It wasn’t easy, and there were many moments when I doubted myself and my decision, but I powered through them, and got stronger. I got good enough that I was given an invitation to sign on with the Radferd pack.

And I considered it. I could see myself spending the rest of my life having one adventure after another, risking my life on a regular basis for the cause of what is good and right in the world. But when the call came for me to return to the Fairwoods, I realized where home was. And that’s where I went.

You can read the rest of Tasha’s story in Wolves’ Knight.

http://www.amazon.com/Wolves-Knight-Free-Book-ebook/dp/B0199BC6YI/

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/wolves-knight

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wolves-knight-pj-maclayne/1123127673


https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1066865102

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0199BC6YI

Oh, and thanks again to K.M. Guth for the great cover!

To find out what our other authors are revealing about their characters, follow the links below.

January 23 – post background information on your characters (possibly things that will never be in the books, but are back of who they are).
Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.
Wordpress:

Custom Blog:

Code for Link:

get the InLinkz code

Want the inside scoop on Tasha Roeper? The heroine of Wolves’ Knight? Well, keep reading, because you’re about to get the untold story on what happened to her in between Wolves’ Pawn and Wolves’ Knight.

When I created Tasha Roeper in Wolves’ Pawn, I wrote her as a strong if somewhat cocky companion to Dot, the main female character. She had the skills Dot lacked—she could shoot, knew surveillance techniques, and understood pack politics. In many ways, Tasha was “one of the boys.” But about halfway through the book, she was captured by a rival. And I’ll let her tell the rest of the story.

Tasha:
I don’t remember being captured. I was on patrol and my partner and I were investigating a suspicious noise when I heard a “POP” and my muscle in my shoulder started to sting. When I came to, I was tied to a chair and surrounded by men from the Choate pack. I remember the rope burning and no matter how I squirmed I couldn’t relieve the itch. There’s not much else I remember because I found out later they were kept me sedated, injecting me with a silver suspension and the ropes contained silver strands.

Even under the capable care of the Fairwood pack physician, as well as my supposed rapid healing trait, it took a long time for the silver to flush out of my system. The psychological damage took longer to heal.

When Elders Fairwood and Fenner made the decision to send me away to the pack in Maine, I fought the vertict. I didn’t want to leave when the pack was in crisis. At least, that’s what I said out loud. What I didn’t say was that I was relieved. I felt useless. Vulnerable. Scarred. Afraid. If I hung around, someone would figure out my secret.

What I didn’t know was what I was getting myself into.

The Maine pack wasn’t your ordinary run-of -the mill pack. The Radferds specialized in providing
security and bodyguard services. At least, that was what they advertised. What they didn’t talk about openly were their skills in difficult hostage situations and search and rescue in enemy territory. It didn’t take me long to figure out that they could train me in more than advanced weaponry.

The men coming back from several days worth of training in the same clothing they wore when they left only covered in dirt and mud was the first giveaway. The congratulations they got from the rest of the pack was the second. Whatever they were doing, I wanted in.

I gave the pack elders a sob story about needing to have the skills to take back to my pack. They saw straight through it. They forced me to admit what I really needed was to prove something to myself. That I could survive in the toughest of situations. That I was my worst enemy and my best weapon. With reluctance, they agreed to add me to the advanced training. Then began a year of hell.

I hated it and loved it. Tested physically and mentally, I almost broke. Correction. I did break. The first time I participated in a mock-capture scenerio, I froze. It took the combined efforts of my teammates and trainers to bring me back from the memories I’d caged myself in.

After that, I was given a choice. Quit or go all in. I chose to give myself and the training a second chance. It wasn’t easy, and there were many moments when I doubted myself and my decision, but I powered through them, and got stronger. I got good enough that I was given an invitation to sign on with the Radferd pack.

And I considered it. I could see myself spending the rest of my life having one adventure after another, risking my life on a regular basis for the cause of what is good and right in the world. But when the call came for me to return to the Fairwoods, I realized where home was. And that’s where I went.

You can read the rest of Tasha’s story in Wolves’ Knight.

http://www.amazon.com/Wolves-Knight-Free-Book-ebook/dp/B0199BC6YI/

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/wolves-knight

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wolves-knight-pj-maclayne/1123127673

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1066865102

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0199BC6YI

Oh, and thanks again to K.M. Guth for the great cover!

To find out what our other authors are revealing about their characters, follow the links below.

January 23 – post background information on your characters (possibly things that will never be in the books, but are back of who they are).
Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.
WordPress:



Custom Blog:

Code for Link:

get the InLinkz code

We’re talking about food this week. Specifically, our five favorite foods. You know, the food you couldn’t live without.

Of course, I’m not talking about nutrition-wise. I’m talking comfort food and the oh-my-heavens this is the good stuff type food.

The first thing on my list isn’t one particular dish. It’s a whole category. Italian. I inherited my love of Italian food from my mother. There’s not a drop of Italian heritage in our blood, but we share the tatste for spaghetti and lasagna and fettucini alfredo and pizza and okay, I’ll stop now. Just thinking about it makes  me hungry.

Next on the list is homemade chicken and dumplings.Yes, it takes most of the afternoon to make, although it’s an easy recipe, but when you finally get to take a bite—YUMM! One helping is never enough.

For number three? On a whole different wavelength, when I’m in the right mood, I enjoy a good chef’s salad. The mix of meat, cheese, egg, salad greens and whatever else I want to add can turn a boring salad into something delectable. It’s got to have a great dressing, of course. That way I can eat healthy and dangerous at the same time.

For number four—although I’m not from the South originally, I did live there for quite a few years. That gives me an honest claim to the next food on my list. BBQ. Specifically, pulled pork. Of course, it has to have the right sauce. The sauce makes or breaks the dish. It has to be the perfect combination of tangy and sweet. I’m not a big fan of dry rub BBQ, I prefer my meat to be messy when I eat it. Paper-towel messy, preferably. I’m 50-50 on having coleslaw on the sandwich itself. Baby-back ribs come in as a close second in the BBQ category, but the cost drops them out of contention for first place.

I saved the best for last. Number five might not count as a food at all, but I’m including it anyway. Chocolate. Milk chocolate is good, but dark is better. And I don’t need any fancy fillings or flavors. Give me a piece of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth plain dark chocolate, and I’m good. For a little while, anyway. But if you want to offer me some chocolate-covered raisins, chances are I won’t turn them down. Ditto for just about any chocolate candy bar you name.

So what are your favorite foods? Feel free to let us know in the comments. And to check in with the other authors, click on the links below.

January 16 – list your 5 favorite foods you could not live without
Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.
Wordpress:

Custom Blog:

Code for Link:

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We’re talking about food this week. Specifically, our five favorite foods. You know, the food you couldn’t live without.

Of course, I’m not talking about nutrition-wise. I’m talking comfort food and the oh-my-heavens this is the good stuff type food.

The first thing on my list isn’t one particular dish. It’s a whole category. Italian. I inherited my love of Italian food from my mother. There’s not a drop of Italian heritage in our blood, but we share the tatste for spaghetti and lasagna and fettucini alfredo and pizza and okay, I’ll stop now. Just thinking about it makes  me hungry.

Next on the list is homemade chicken and dumplings.Yes, it takes most of the afternoon to make, although it’s an easy recipe, but when you finally get to take a bite—YUMM! One helping is never enough.

For number three? On a whole different wavelength, when I’m in the right mood, I enjoy a good chef’s salad. The mix of meat, cheese, egg, salad greens and whatever else I want to add can turn a boring salad into something delectable. It’s got to have a great dressing, of course. That way I can eat healthy and dangerous at the same time.

For number four—although I’m not from the South originally, I did live there for quite a few years. That gives me an honest claim to the next food on my list. BBQ. Specifically, pulled pork. Of course, it has to have the right sauce. The sauce makes or breaks the dish. It has to be the perfect combination of tangy and sweet. I’m not a big fan of dry rub BBQ, I prefer my meat to be messy when I eat it. Paper-towel messy, preferably. I’m 50-50 on having coleslaw on the sandwich itself. Baby-back ribs come in as a close second in the BBQ category, but the cost drops them out of contention for first place.

I saved the best for last. Number five might not count as a food at all, but I’m including it anyway. Chocolate. Milk chocolate is good, but dark is better. And I don’t need any fancy fillings or flavors. Give me a piece of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth plain dark chocolate, and I’m good. For a little while, anyway. But if you want to offer me some chocolate-covered raisins, chances are I won’t turn them down. Ditto for just about any chocolate candy bar you name.

So what are your favorite foods? Feel free to let us know in the comments. And to check in with the other authors, click on the links below.

January 16 – list your 5 favorite foods you could not live without
Rules:
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2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.
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There are quite a few events I’ve lived through even if I wasn’t there in person. The assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy and  Martin Luther King, and the attempt on George Bush Sr.’s life. The first landing of men on the moon. The fall of South Vietnam and the rout of the US military. The attacks of 9-11.

But the one event I wish I could have been at? Hands down, Woodstock. The original one.

Why? The music is the big thing. So many talented musicians sharing their hearts and souls to a crowd that reflected the love right back to them. Great songs that live on today.

How about Joe Cocker ?

Or Santana?

How about Joan Baez? And so many others?

But what do I find most attractive about Woodstock? Sure, it was an imperfect event, but for a brief moment, peace and love reigned. People shared food, water and “other things” and helped their neighbor, even when that neighbor was someone they met walking the long road to the concert. Love was in the air in more ways than one.

There have been many attempts, but I don’t believe any event has ever matched what happened those four days. I wish I had been there.

To find out what moments in history our other authors wish they witnessed, follow the links below. (If they aren’t working, they should be soon.) If you want, tell me about what event you wished you witnessed in the comments.

January 9 – If you could witness a moment in history, what would it be and why?
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There are quite a few events I’ve lived through even if I wasn’t there in person. The assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy and  Martin Luther King, and the attempt on George Bush Sr.’s life. The first landing of men on the moon. The fall of South Vietnam and the rout of the US military. The attacks of 9-11.

But the one event I wish I could have been at? Hands down, Woodstock. The original one.

Why? The music is the big thing. So many talented musicians sharing their hearts and souls to a crowd that reflected the love right back to them. Great songs that live on today.

How about Joe Cocker ?

Or Santana?

How about Joan Baez? And so many others?

But what do I find most attractive about Woodstock? Sure, it was an imperfect event, but for a brief moment, peace and love reigned. People shared food, water and “other things” and helped their neighbor, even when that neighbor was someone they met walking the long road to the concert. Love was in the air in more ways than one.

There have been many attempts, but I don’t believe any event has ever matched what happened those four days. I wish I had been there.

To find out what moments in history our other authors wish they witnessed, follow the links below. (If they aren’t working, they should be soon.) If you want, tell me about what event you wished you witnessed in the comments.

January 9 – If you could witness a moment in history, what would it be and why?
Rules: 1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
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Happy New Year! We’ve made it to 2017 and have a chance to start fresh. At least, that’s what the pundits tell us. Over and over again. So let’s talk about making resolutions.

The experts also tell us we should use the new year to make resolutions. Things about ourselves that we want to change. Butt my question is, why wait?

So the simple answer to the question of “Do you make New Year’s resolutions?” is a resounding NO!

I prefer to make my resolutions throughout the year. No waiting for a new year. If I need to make a change in myself, I need to start now, not in a month or two. Or three.

Experience has shown that most people don’t keep their resolutions anyway. Ask the experts at the fitness places.

So what is my current resolution that I made before the New Year started? I owe my readers a couple of books, one in each series. I’d like to get them both published during the first half on 2017. I’m this close to finishing the first draft of Wolves’ Gambit, then I can go into an editing frenzy for both it and The Baron’s Cufflinks.

So do you make resolutions? You can tell me about them in the comments. And to find out what our other authors have to say, check out the links below.

January 2 – New Years resolutions or no? If yes, what are yours? If no, why?
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2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
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