Phoenix Entertainment and Development

Phoenix Entertainment and Development

Thursday, November 7, 2013

The Phoenix Blade Chapter 3

Welcome to the Writer's Revolution. It's November and I wanted to share with you my readers the first few chapters of my book, The Phoenix Blade
If you like what you read, feel free to pick up your copy on Amazon.com (paperback or  kindle)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Phoenix-Blade-Andrew-Hess/dp/1482052733/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375974928&sr=8-1&keywords=the+phoenix+blade




Chapter 3

      My brain was racked with questions.  I knew my worst fear came true.  Being told my mother was murdered confirmed the thoughts I had five years ago.  A few months after her death, my father started dating a woman named Mona Jenkins; a woman that was ten years younger and looked like she just walked off a photo shoot.  They were married within a year and forcefully took over our lives. 

      She started barking demands and making us do the cooking and cleaning in the house so she could relax.  Steven and I were the only ones left, but we couldn’t see what our father liked about her.  I was thankful when I graduated high school and managed to leave the house.  Going to college was the perfect excuse to escape; letting Buffalo become my new home.  Steven felt the same way but chose to go to community college while working at a local bank.  He saved his money and ventured out of the house as soon as he could.

      After being away for the last couple of years, I learned the past would always catch up to me; it just took the Benefactor’s call to make that happen.  My biggest fear was for Mike and Lilly.  He knew Mike’s name and Lilly was the only other person I discussed personal matters or opinions with.  They were innocent bystanders of my demented thoughts and were now forced to make the same decision I had to make. 

      Mike has always been like another brother to me.  We met the first day of high school and bonded over watching pro wrestling.  We were the class clowns; even caused one of our teachers to let us teach the class.  One of the greatest memories we shared was taking the final with Mike wearing a sombrero and I wore my leather jacket and sunglasses.  At the end of the test, we stood in front of the class said our goodbyes and did the “Too Cool” dance out of the classroom.  Despite all the hysterical times we shared, he was always there as my best friend; including when my mom died.

      Lilly was a different story.  We had a lot of fun together, but I always think back on the times we just sat at her house watching movies.  We met a few months before the accident.  She became my rock when mom died.  Every night we sat on the porch of her house; staring into the sky for a couple of hours.  We didn’t need to talk to feel at peace.  I just needed to hold her in my arms.  For years I wanted to tell her how I felt, but always thought she wanted to be just friends.  It was enough to keep me at bay, but not enough to keep me away from her. 

      But now everything changed.  The Benefactor’s call made sure of that.  I was forced to let my paranoia seep in; wondering if we were going to be arrested now or after I helped the Benefactor.  The knock on the door broke my concentration.  I ran downstairs to answer it.  I was met by the cold winter’s air blowing through the doorway; making my skin feel like I had been outside for hours without a coat.  When I looked up, there was a man with blond hair wearing a black suit holding a briefcase.

      “Are you Mr. Lancaster,” the man asked immediately.

      “I-Uh-can I help you?”

      “Mr. Lancaster, I am Special Agent Fields with the FBI.  I need a moment of your time.”

      My heart began to beat faster as I stared at the man at my door.  “Uh-how can I help you?”

      “I’m actually here to assist you.  The Benefactor sent me here to discuss your upcoming mission.”

      “I didn’t agree to anything yet.”

      “None of that matters to me.  I’m here to deliver this briefcase to you.  It contains classified information.  I suggest you look over everything carefully before he calls back.”

      Agent Fields handed me the briefcase and shut the door behind him as he left.  I raced upstairs and opened the briefcase immediately.  There were five files inside.  The first contained a simple mission declaration. 

      Mr. Lancaster;

          The information in this file is highly classified information.  You have been recruited to serve your country as part of a new branch of military for the government.  You and your friends have been chosen because of your morals and desire to make the world a better place.  I hereby give you that opportunity.  You will be helping us to eliminate certain evils in our country.  I will provide evidence of their crimes and entrust you will help to dispose of them.  The evidence we obtained would not be admissible in court and the targets would be free to carry on as they see fit.  There is much at stake with these tasks, but the reward will make this country a better place.

The Benefactor


      I put down the file instantly and wanted to throw up at the thought of killing another human being.  I joked about the world being a better place without all these evil people, but didn’t actually plan on killing them.  I would be a pawn; a mercenary for some politicians hidden agenda.  But something caught my eye as I backed away from the files.  A piece of a picture was hanging out of the second file.  It looked like a license plate I thought I recognized.  I opened the file and found pictures of my mother’s car accident along with a note pinned to the inside page.     

          Andrew, your first mission will be to obtain revenge for your mother’s death.  You will eliminate her murderers; your father and step-mother.

     I read the file and noticed a copy of the original police report was included with more paperwork.  It noted the cause of death was a fatal car crash leading to a car fire.  However, the rest of the information attached revealed the truth.


      There was a report written from the lead detective in the investigation.  A crime analyst observed the wreckage and had the car towed to his mechanic to look over.  The official report from the detective and analyst documented: The rear axle was manipulated.  It appears that it would dislodge if the car was driven in excessive speeds.  This would cause the car to spin out; forcing the victim off the road.  The rear passenger side tire had been tampered with as well.  There were shredded pieces of rubber found near the site of the accident.  The damage done could have been in part to spinning out of control or may have occurred prior to the accident.  There was also a book of matches found in the backseat.  We are still awaiting further investigation, however it seems foul play might be involved.

      There were more pictures of the accident and the crime scene, but was followed by four more pages of documents.  The first was another notation from the lead detective.  I met with Mr. Lancaster today; he was very uncooperative upon questioning on his whereabouts the night before and the day of the possible homicide.  Further questioning is required and a possible search warrant needed.  Mr. Lancaster remains the primary suspect at this time.

      The next was a copy of a date book entry from the lead detective.  The page copied was March 22nd, with the entry listed: Job interview with Mr. Lancaster at 1pm…Porter’s Restaurant in Melville.  The third page was another police report was written only three days after the supposed interview between the detective and my father.  There is new evidence that supports a defect in the vehicle.  The husband’s alibis have confirmed his whereabouts during the nights in question.  He left for a business convention two nights prior to the investigated time frame, and did not return until after the time of death occurred.  Mr. Lancaster is being removed from the suspect list and closing the investigation.


      The final page contained a handwritten note.  Andrew, I located the lead detective from your mother’s case, and had my people personally interrogate him.  We attained the information privately which led to the Intel provided.  We also procured his employment history at your father’s company.  His official start date was a year after your mother’s murder; however he was listed on Mr. Lancaster’s payroll as of March 23rd.  The former detective is currently in our custody and confessed to the cover up.  Everything has been kept off record up to this point and the decision to move forward is entirely up to you.  I will call you soon in regards to the mission

The Benefactor

      As I read the notes, an email popped up on my computer saying Project Justice; please reply yes or no.  I started to type no.  But I looked back at the pictures from the crash and replied yes instead.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

The Phoenix Blade Chapter 2


Welcome to the Writer's Revolution. It's the first weekend of November and I wanted to share with you my readers the first few chapters of my book, The Phoenix Blade
If you like what you read, feel free to pick up your copy on Amazon.com (paperback or  kindle)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Phoenix-Blade-Andrew-Hess/dp/1482052733/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375974928&sr=8-1&keywords=the+phoenix+blade



Chapter 2

      The Benefactor enjoyed his trips to his private office.  It was a small building that helped him keep his personal life separate from his business.  The walls were lined with books; making his office look like a personal library.

      He entered it and quickly placed his jacket on the coat rack. 

      “Are you still there,” he said into a small cell phone as he approached a large chestnut desk.

      “Yes,” said a man’s voice from the speaker.

      “Good, I need the account numbers.”

      “Are you sure you want to go through with this?”

      He stopped to look at his watch.  “Our guests will be here any minute and the first recruits have been contacted.  There’s no turning back now.”

      “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

      “Just make sure the transactions go through.  We don’t need anyone snooping around.  Everyone has something to lose.”

      The Benefactor opened the bottom cabinet and pulled out a large black briefcase.  It was filled with different color coordinated folders.  He grabbed the first file Creating a New World, and buzzed the intercom.

      The door opened revealing a tall busty blond.  She walked into the room wearing a tight white half buttoned blouse and short red skirt.  “Yes sir.  Is there something I can do for you?”
      The Benefactor watched his personal secretary walk slowly towards him.

      “Joyce, I need the conference room setup immediately and copies of this file placed at every seat.  Our guests should be here soon.”

“Is there anything I can do for you after that,” she said seductively.

“Hold all of my calls.  I don’t want any disruptions.”

She leaned over the desk; letting her breasts come down to his eye level.  She picked up the file and sauntered out of the room.

“Oh and Joyce…I want to see you in my office after the meeting.  I’ll be conducting your performance review.”

She looked back and smiled at the Benefactor.  He waited until she closed the door before dialing another number into his phone.

“Good afternoon Agent Fields.”

“Afternoon sir.  What can I do for you?”

“Did you get the files I sent over?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good, I need you to deliver them to the address I provided.  You need to be there by tonight and be very discreet.”

“I’ll be there in a couple of hours.”

He placed the phone down as the intercom buzzed again.  “Sir, I wanted to let you know your guests have arrived.  They’re in the conference room.”

“I’ll be with them in a few minutes.”  He stared at his computer and found an email with a small list of numbers on it.  He printed out multiple copies and took them into the large conference room. 

The door swung open; causing everyone to drop their paperwork and turn their heads toward him.  He looked at the men in well dressed suits sitting at an oval mahogany table.
 “My friends, you know why I have asked you here.  I contacted our first recruits and have started the ball rolling on Project Justice.  I have one of our assets delivering their first mission and supplies.  It will be costly, but our mission needs to be kept confidential.  If you would open your files, I would like to cover our expense report and future expenditures.  We need to allocate our resources to an off shore account which will be closely monitored by our own personal accountant.”

Friday, October 18, 2013

The Phoenix Blade Chapter 1

Welcome to the Writer's Revolution. Today I bring you Chapter 1 of my book the Phoenix Blade.  If you like what you read, feel free to pick up your copy on Amazon.com (paperback or  kindle)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Phoenix-Blade-Andrew-Hess/dp/1482052733/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375974928&sr=8-1&keywords=the+phoenix+blade



Chapter 1
      “Drew, Drew, wake up,” a man’s voice shouted.  “ANDREW!”
      My body hit the floor; waking me up instantly.  “What the hell happened,” I asked while I rubbed my bruised forehead.  The sun was shining brightly through the windows on a cold winter day in Buffalo. 
      “You passed out on the couch and started shouting in your sleep.”
      I cleared my eyes and saw a large built man with a buzz cut sitting on my old blue couch.  I shook my head; trying to remember anything.  “How long was I out for?”
      “About an hour or so.”
      “What day is it?”  Mike stared at me in disbelief.  I pulled myself off the floor and searched for my cell.
      “Have you been drinking,” he laughed.
      I ignored him as I searched the bedroom; finding my phone plugged into the charger on my nightstand.  “It’s only December twentieth.”
      “That must have been some dream you had.”
      “Yeah you can say that.”  I walked back to the living room and sat on the couch.  “It was about my mom and her accident.”
      “I thought you stopped having those dreams a while ago.”
      “I get them every now and then.  But this time I was at the accident and saw the car.  I could hear the police talking about her.”
      “You probably just remember hearing them at your house.”
      I stared out the window; thinking about their words.  “No, they were talking about her being burned alive.  They didn’t think it was an accident.”
      “Don’t start this again.”
      “Don’t start what?  I’ve always thought someone was behind it.”
      “I’m not going to argue over this.”
      “Fine.”  A part of me didn’t want to talk about it anymore.  I relived my final moments with my mother over and over for the last five years.  I wanted to tell him about the rest of the dream, but every second it took me to remember, much more slipped away.
      “What’s wrong,” Mike asked as he paused his movie.
      “I keep thinking how so much has changed in the last ten years.”
      “Here we go again.”
      “I mean it.  When we were kids everything was different.  The world was peaceful.  Everyone got along and helped each other.  But now everyone’s fueled by greed, corruption, and they get some sick pleasure from hurting others.”
      “I know what you mean, but there’s not much we can do about it.  Too many people think they have to do whatever’s necessary to get ahead in life.”
      “I still wish we could change it.”
      “Yeah, it’d be great to get rid of all those people.”  Mike reached for the remote to turn the movie back on.  “Too bad it’ll never happen.”
      I knew he was right.  Our idea was ludicrous.  But at that moment, my cell started ringing. 
      “Talk to me,” I answered.
      “Yes hi, I’m looking for Mr. Andrew Lancaster,” a stern confident voice said. 
      “Who’s calling?”
      “Someone who has the power to change your future.”
      “If this is some telemarketer, you can hang up now.  I’m not interested.
      “I assure you this isn’t a sales pitch and I’m not a telemarketer.”
      “Then what do you want?”
      “It’s come to my attention that you and a few friends have been talking about eliminating certain types of people.”
      My jaw dropped as he threw his accusation at me.  “What are you talking about?”
      “Don’t play dumb Mr. Lancaster.  You and your friends have been monitored for some time now.  We know everything.”
      “Who are you?”
      “I’m someone from the government that would like to give you an ultimatum.  We have emails and recorded conversations between you and your friends talking about killing people that are as you said evil.”
      “Look, Mr. we were only joking around.”
      Mike heard the panic in my voice.  My face turned pale white.
      “What’s going on,” he whispered.
      I placed the call on speaker and placed a finger to my lips.
      “Be that as it may.  You’ve been under our watchful eye for several months.  Now, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way.”
      “And that would be?”
      “The hard way is we send our agents to your house and arrest you for conspiracy and possible treason.”
      “Are you fucking serious,” Mike shouted.  I quickly covered his mouth with my hand.
      “Who is that?  Who’s with you?”  I didn’t reply.  I could hear him rifling through papers.  “Ah yes, that is most likely Mr. Santangelo.”
      “How does he know my…”
      “What’s the easy way,” I asked.
      The man cleared his throat.  “Simple, we hire you to go through with it.”
      I laughed it off immediately.  “Yeah right, and next you’re going to tell me that I’m the next in line to be King of England.”
      “I don’t know about that, but I’m very serious.  We have a list of targets and evidence that proves their illegal activities.  We would like to give you the chance to make the world a better place.”
      “If you have evidence against them, why not put them in jail where they belong?”
      “Because they have ways of getting around our judicial system.  We all know it’s fallible.”
      “But why me?”
      “Who better to lead a team than someone who has never received justice for his own mother’s death?”
      “But it was ruled an accident.”
      “That’s what you were led to believe.  I have proof she was murdered and know who’s responsible.”
      “Who?  How?”
      “Never mind that right now.  One of my men will be by tonight and will deliver some files for you and your friends.  I suggest you look them over carefully.  I will need your answer immediately.”
      “Wait what’s your name?  How do I contact you?”
      “You can call me the Benefactor and I will contact you.”
      The phone went dead.  Mike’s jaw hung in disbelief.
      “That’s gotta be a prank,” Mike said.
      “I guess I’ll find out later.”
      Mike turned off the TV and placed the remote by the entertainment center.  “I hope for our sake it’s just a joke.”
      “If it is, it’s not funny bringing my mother’s death into it.”
      Mike grabbed his bag and walked towards the door.  “Keep me posted about it.”
      “Where are you going?”
      “My sister’s place in Albany; remember?”
      “But what if this guy shows up tonight?”

      “Then call me and we’ll handle it together.  I’ve got your back.”

Thursday, October 10, 2013

The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice Prologue


Welcome everyone to a special post of the Writer's Revolution.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix BladeAndrew Hess. Today I wanted to share a little bit of my book The Phoenix Blade.



Prologue

Bright white lights.  It was the first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes. 
“Just relax Mr. Lancaster,” a stern woman’s voice said as she laid a hand on my chest; forcing me back to the bed.  “You’ve been through a major ordeal and need rest.”
I tried to push myself up on the bed, but found my arms tied down with restraints. 
“What’s going on?  Where am I?”
“Relax, you’re in good hands.”
I craned my neck to look through the window on a solid door.  I thought I saw a woman with short brown hair.  She looked familiar.  I continued to fight the restraints.  I was always claustrophobic and being pinned to a plain white bed didn’t help that feeling.
“Mr. Lancaster, you need to relax.” 
My eyes cleared; allowing me to see a tall heavy set woman dressed in white standing over my bed.  Her surgical mask told me something was off.  I struggled to get free, but was locked in too tight.  The woman reached for a syringe and placed it into my IV.
“This should calm you down.”  My vision blurred and my body felt limp.  The woman’s voice sounded like she was yelling down a long hallway.  “He should be out any minute.”
“Good bring him downstairs,” a stern male voice said.  My eyes closed as I was wheeled out of the room forcefully. 
When I awoke, I was back in my parent’s old house; sprawled out on the old brown living room carpet.  The TV clicked on and recaps of last night’s baseball games were playing.  I looked up and saw a teenage boy lying on the couch with the remote in hand.
“Steve,” I asked while pulling myself off the floor.  He didn’t flinch or respond when I called his name.  His eyes were fixated on the TV and wouldn’t budge.
I sat down on the love seat and wondered why he couldn’t hear me.  A woman’s voice could be heard coming down the hallway.  A short woman with shoulder length blond hair entered the room with a slightly chubby sixteen year old boy.
“Now Andrew, you’re in charge while I’m gone.  Make sure your brother doesn’t get into any trouble and no rough housing.”
“Yes mom.”  I looked at the boy and realized it was a younger version of me.
“Hey mom,” Steven said from the couch.  “Can you bring us home lunch?”
“What’s wrong with what’s in the fridge?”
“I’m sick of having soup and making sandwiches.  Can you bring us home something different?”
“Fine,” she reached into her purse and pulled out a twenty dollar bill and placed it on the fireplace mantle.  “Order yourselves a pizza and try to save me some.  I’ll be back in two hours.”
I watched the teenage version of Steven and I waive to our mother through the window as she approached her car.  I knew what this was.  I dreamt it every night.  I stepped through the front door to stop her from leaving.  The house was gone, and then found myself standing on the side of the road.  A handful of police, fire, and rescue trucks had it blocked off trying to put out a car fire.
“MOM,” I shouted while running towards her overturned car as it burst into flames.  Tires, bumper fragments, and glass littered the highway.  Police tried to keep everyone away who attempted to get a glimpse of the wreckage.  I ran to the car; knowing I couldn’t be stopped. 
I pulled the car door open and walked into a funeral home.  A long line of people stood along the wall; waiting to pay their respects.  There were colorful combinations of flowers lined up around the casket and two large cardboard displays filled with pictures.  The younger Steven and Andrew were standing next to the couches; accepting their guests’ condolences.  I walked past the line of people; wanting to see my mother one last time.
I looked at the pictures as I made my way to the front.  My left hand rested on the kneeler as I looked into the casket.  I jumped back immediately; trying to catch my breath.  I wanted to scream, but somehow lost my voice.  I wasn’t staring at my mother.  The body lying in the box was mine.

Paula Hrbacek Interview Part 2

Welcome everyone to another great week of the Writer's Revolution.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix BladeAndrew Hess.  Our guest this week is author Paula Hrbacek


If you could only bring three items with you to a deserted island (non-writing items or people) what would they be and why?

Craft projects, to relax in the evening with.  Music to listen to, because when I’m sad, I like to dance.  Something to read, either a novel or a psychology book.

The world is going to end tomorrow.  How do you live out your remaining time?

I’d publish my next novel just to be able to say that I did it.  I’d help out where I could.  I’d tell everyone I love how I feel.

Someone wants to make a movie based on your life.  Who would you pick to play you?

Helen Hunt has my eyes and nose, but she’s much more daring than I am.  I’m rather introverted.  I’m the youngest child in my family, and the youngest grandchild overall.  I’m not as outspoken as she is because of that.

Alive or dead, who is the one person you would want to interview and why?

Like I said, I’m rather introverted.  I’d probably buy their book instead.  Well, maybe not.  I’ve seen several books for sale that I was tempted to buy, but I was too shy to admit that I really liked that person, so I decided to wait for the paperback.

Okay, crystal ball time.  Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

I’d like to have a few more titles published that I can be proud of, and a few more grandchildren to hug.

Any final words for our readers?

Please take the time to post a review of what you read.  Authors need reviews so badly.  It doesn’t have to be an essay; just a few sentences that say what you liked or didn’t like will be enough.

Where can we find you?

Facebook fan pagewww.facebook.com/pages/Paula-Hrbacek/199054570166688 Amazon author pagehttps://www.amazon.com/author/paulahrbacek Book reviewshttp://www.examiner.com/book-review-8-in-panama-city/paula-hrbacek Good Reads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/81744.Paula_Knoderer_Hrbacek/ Web pagehttp://paulahrbacek.weebly.com/ Twitterhttps://twitter.com/PHrbacek Linked Inhttp://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=104609576&trk=tab_pro    Stars Shine After Dark, a sweet 

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Paula Hrbacek Interview Part 1

Welcome everyone to another great week of the Writer's Revolution.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix BladeAndrew Hess.  Our guest this week is author Paula Hrbacek


Tell me a little about yourself.

I graduated from the University of Missouri with degrees in journalism and art.  I’ve always been a little bit torn between those two interests.  I’m married, with four children and five grandchildren.  We live in Pensacola FL.

What inspired you to write?  What type of genre do you write?

I’ve wanted to be a writer since the third grade.  It’s just something that has always been in my heart.  When you feel a calling to a destiny, it comes from God, and what you do should be in keeping with God’s will.  I write sweet stories and helpful articles, because that is what I think I’m supposed to be doing with this gift.Tell me about your book.Stars Shine After Dark is about two stars.  Mona is an actress, raised in Holly wood, who wants to have a more normal life, and a more mature image.  She decides to take time off from acting and go to UCLA.  She becomes friends with her agent’s niece, and meets Tim, the star quarterback for the Bruins.  At first, it seems like a fairy tale, but someone is leaking stories about them to the tabloid papers.  The stories take the facts and twist them just enough to make it look like something else.  The story is about truth; not only telling the truth, but being true to that inner desire that fills your heart.

Tell us about the main character, what makes them unique and what makes them tick

Mona was raised in Hollywood as a child actress.  Her parents did all of her management, but they have to duck out of the picture for health reasons.  She is now a young woman, taking steps on her own for the first time, managing her own career, making her own decisions for the first time.  She is strong, but also a little afraid.

What inspired you to write this book?

Stars Shine After Dark is a sweet love story set at UCLA.  It was inspired when someone I cared about was facing a divorce.  When someone is going through that, the last thing you should say is “I know what to do” because, really, you don’t know.  So I took my concerns and insights, gave them to fictional characters, and worked out the problem as a story.

What other books or blogs have you written?


My first three books are out of print now; St. Louis Is for Families, a tourist guide, Created in Faith, a craft book, and Bible Verses for Young Children, a coloring book.  My current books include Day Camp in Hawaii, a leader’s resource for program ideas that is suited for any type of summer camp or recreational program.  It has games, skits, crafts, and all the things you do at camp, all using a tropical theme. I’m working on my second novel, which I hope to release soon. I also write two newspaper columns for The Examiner.  One is about children’s arts and crafts.  The other is about books and writing. Were your other books self-published or traditionally published? The first three were traditionally published by the publisher I worked for.  I guess it’s true that you need to know someone, because that’s what happened to me.  They were assignments from my boss.  Stars and Day Camp are self-published.  Stars doesn’t quite fit into the romance category because the characters get married half way through the book.  Day Camp has a very small market, so I published it to be of service to the few camp directors that are looking for program ideas. Who is your greatest writing inspiration? When I was growing up, I wanted to be the next hints to Heloise.  My first published piece was a handy hint, and I’ve been published in her column three times. 

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Paula Hrbacek novels

Welcome everyone to another great week of the Writer's Revolution.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix BladeAndrew Hess.  Our guest this week is author Paula Hrbacek




Stars Shine After Dark takes romance past the wedding and into the conflicts that lie ahead.

Stars Shine After Dark, by Paula Hrbacek is a sweet love story that has faith woven through the plot and used as a means of making decisions.  Faith is the compass that guides them through their problems. 
Mona is an actress who grew up in Hollywood.  She is trying to revamp her image from a child actor to a mature woman.  She decides to go to college, and makes friends with her agent’s niece.  The niece introduces her to Tim, a football star for UCLA.

They are both stars, both successful.  It should be a fairy tale romance, but someone is leaking stories to the press that aren’t true.  Mona intends to find out who is leaking the stories, and stop it.
Tim is offered a contract to play professional ball, but before he can sign the contract, his career is ended by a car crash.  Mona reacts by being strong, and kicking her own career into high gear.  Tim goes into real estate, and hates his job.  He is jealous of her success.  He thinks about divorce, and comes up with a plan that will let them separate without harming Mona’s image in the eyes of her conservative fans.  He still loves her, he just isn’t happy with his life.  He discusses his problems with a friend, a woman who also has broken dreams and unfulfilled ambitions.  Because of her insights, Tim turns to meditation and examines his heart.


Mona finds her answer by reading the book of Hosea.  She realizes that she has lost sight of what is really important to her, and decides to change her relationship with Tim.  They may have been going through a dark period, but if they are stars, they will find a way to keep their love shining.

On Higher Ground features angels and divine intervention
The story features three humans and two angels.  The angels have been assigned to help the humans find God’s will for their lives.  They offer inspiration, good luck, divine intervention, and at times, appear in human form.
“One review of the book didn’t like the angels,” comments the author.  “She said that everything I had to say about a “still small voice” should have been attributed to the Holy Spirit, instead.  She’s right.  It could have been the Holy Spirit, but I had to use angels in order to create a dialogue.  Characters speak when they don’t understand or don’t know something.  The Holy Spirit doesn’t need to explain anything to the rest of the Trinity, because they already agree with each other.  So, instead, I made one angel an apprentice, and one a supervisor, so that they would have something to talk about.”
At the end of each chapter, the angels discuss why God has answered one prayer with a no, and another with a yes.  The angels take a look at why bad things happen to nice people.  It also discusses why good things happen to not so nice people and why bad things happen to bad people.
The main character is a young adult woman, Melanie Worlds, who has run out of luck; no job, no friends, no future.  Desperately wanting to replace the middleclass life she once knew up on “the Hill”, her faith is being tested to the limits.  JT, her newest friend, is up to something, but Melanie isn’t sure what it is.  And then Brad, her high school crush, comes back to town.  She can’t let him know how bad it is, or he’ll lose all respect for her.  And, to make matters worse, someone is trying to break into her apartment. 
None of her prayers are getting answered, and she feels all alone.  But she’s not.  Two guardian angels have been assigned to help these three humans.  The angels know God’s plan, and it’s going to take everything they’ve got to pull it off.  To battle temptation, the angels will need to instill courage; courage to dare, courage to dream, and most of all, courage to love one another.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Week 11 Preview Paula Hrbacek

Welcome everyone to another great week of the Writer's Revolution.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix BladeAndrew Hess.  Our guest this week is author Paula Hrbacek






Paula Hrbacek has a BJ in magazines and a BA in art from the University of Missouri, and certification in both elementary education and after school care in the state of Florida. She and her husband have four children, and are active in Boy Scouts and other youth programs.

She writes two columns for The Examiner, a free online newspaper. Her arts and crafts column, http://www.examiner.com/childrens-arts-and-crafts-1-in-panama-city/paula-hrbacek has local events for children, crafts for youth groups, after school care and summer camp, as well as art lessons and beginning crafts. Her book review column, http://www.examiner.com/book-review-8-in-panama-city/paula-hrbacek, features books for women and self published authors. Click on the subscribe button at the bottom of the page, and follow her articles for free.

Paula has published four trade paperbacks and a long list of magazine articles in publications such as Highlights, Flower and Garden, Modern Romances, Family Fun, Scouting, Instructor, Am. Scouting Digest, and others. She has several lesson plans for art posted on The Lesson Plan Page.
Follow her on Twitter as @PHrbacek, on Good Reads, Linked In and Facebook. Her web site is http://paulahrbacek.weebly.com/

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Welcome everyone to another great week of the Writer's Revolution.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix BladeAndrew Hess.  Our guest this week is author and teacher Adra Young




Now for a little fun.

If you could only bring three items with you to a deserted island (non-writing items or people) what would they be and why?

Having low blood, I would bring a blanket to keep me warm, a picture of my family, and plenty of my favorite Reiner cherries.

The world is going to end tomorrow.  How do you live out your remaining time?

I would want to be around all the people I love

Someone wants to make a movie based on your life.  Who would you pick to play you?

It would definitely be Taraji P. Henson, or Halle Berry.

Alive or dead, who is the one person you would want to interview and why?

I would have loved to interview Bruce Lee.

Okay, crystal ball time.  Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

In five years I see myself retired from teaching as a public educator.  I envisioned myself in love and happily married to a wonderful great guy. I see myself running a productive business promoting youth advocacy whether through socialization skills, performing arts, or both.  As far as writing, I see my blogs becoming highly recognized worldwide  for  simply for sharing my expertise on education regarding today’s youngsters, and eventually becoming the “it girl” when it comes providing a honest book review period.

Any questions you would like to ask me?

I have two for you.  What made you want to become a writer?  Who is your favorite author and why?

When I first started writing, it was just because I had a unique concept of a book that I wanted to write and then wanted to challenge myself to write.  But after a while, my stories became a part of who I am.  I was able to take my poetry and convert them into books with each one contributing to the overall story of the book.  I realized everyone had a story to tell or a favorite one they would always remember.  I wanted to be a part of that and help other writers find their way to do the same.

As for my favorite author, I would have two.  Edgar Allen Poe, because he had an incredible and creative style that captured readers’ attention and made them feel the intensity of each story.  The other is James Patterson, due to his way of making his readers form an emotional attachment to his characters and gripping mystery novels.

Any final words for our readers?

Yes. First, don’t let anything or anyone tare you from accomplishing your goals and dreams. Always remember that the true character and measure of a person is not shown nor displayed when life presumes to be a bowl of peaches.  The true measure of a person is revealed through life’s challenges, tribulations, while recognizing it’s putting its foot up your tail, you being a true champion simply chooses to not let it to break you.

Where can we find you?

I’m so glad you asked that. My list of social media contacts and web site is listed below. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be featured on your site.

Personal Web site: www.ardannyl.me

Google:   Adra Young on google

Instagram: /instagram.com/adralynn

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Adra Young Interview Part 1

Welcome everyone to another great week of the Writer's Revolution.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix BladeAndrew Hess.  Our guest this week is author and teacher Adra Young.




Tell me a little about yourself.

My name is Adra Young.  I am an author, blogger, book reviewer, (1/2 Live Lady of Literature), teacher, world’s greatest auntie of five amazing nephews, and youth advocate for the Detroit Impact Center.

Wow, five nephews and a teacher.  You must really love working with kids. 

What inspired you to write?

 My students.   

What type of genre do you write?

My first two books are non-fictional reads for youngsters.  My latest contribution to the literary world is a fictional read for middle school aged kids regarding bullying.  

I think the topic of bullying is something a lot of people can understand.  Whether they are currently being bullied as a child, an adult, or faced it in the past.

Tell us more about your book.

My book is based upon four good friends coming together due to having a dreadful dilemma in common.  Being bullied that is.

Tell us about the main character, what makes them unique and what makes them tick.

The main character is Chelsea.  She’s a meek and mild mannered young lady who does a great job of not allowing her spirit to be broken despite of being a victim of bullying.

A strong spirit helps to get through some of the toughest times. 

What inspired you to write this book? 

Again, what I see and am exposed to as a teacher inspires me to both observe and write.  Teaching as long as I have, I’ve seen and witnessed a lot regarding students.

I can’t imagine being a teacher and having to see kids going through this. 

What other books or blogs have you written? 

My first book, The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues was released in 2005.  The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Volume ll, the sequel to the first was written in 2008.  My blog on “wordpress”, adraly.wordpress.com, mostly addresses my educational concerns and experiences as a teacher.  My  blog on ‘blogger”, bookreviewsbyadra.blog, is where I place write and conduct book reviews for individuals interested in me reading and providing my personal opinion on their book.

Were your other books self-published or traditionally published?

I’ve only written three and they were all self- published. My first book was published with the assistance of a vintage press company.     

Who is your greatest writing inspiration?

 LOL…LOL my students.  I know I sound repetitive here but, I love them so much.  They keep me motivated.


They inspire you to have a purpose, and it seems like your purpose can help so many others out there.  I think more people out there need to stand up for causes like this to try and make a difference.