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Guest Post & Giveaway – A Ghost of a Chance by Minnette Meador

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Welcome to Sugarbeat’s Books – the home of the Romance Novel!

Today we are talking to Minnette Meador – the author of A Ghost of a Chance.  This book is being toured by Goddessfish Productions.  I think this sounds like a really cool book!  Well worth a good look at.  As you can see above, this is also a giveaway.  A really good giveaway!  The author is giving away a Kindle, yes, a Kindle to a random commenter at the end of the tour.  In addition, one commenter will win a $100.00 gift card to Amazon.com. All you need to win is to leave a comment here or on Minnette’s blog with an e-mail address so that we can get hold of you if you win.  Follow the tour at Goddessfish Productions and comment on every blog you can to increase your chances of winning!  Seriously, how can you not comment – $100.00 or a Kindle – both great prizes 🙂

So, today I asked Minnette to talk about inspiration.  I continue to be totally fascinated by where these ideas for great books come from.  Here’s what she had to say.

Your browser may not support display of this image. INSPIRATION

The Short Version

by Minnette Meador

See those cute little guys? That’s what I wish the inside of my head looked like; separate and clean, but still connected, innocent, and fresh. The inside of my head is actually more like the back half of a train wreck. I do not lack for inspiration; it shoots hundreds of scenarios through the old gray matter at record speeds. The trick is catching enough of one of them to form it into a coherent mess. This is one such story.

A GHOST OF A CHANCE actually came into existence when I told a dear author friend of mine what I had in mind and she said, “My editor LOVES fast paced romantic comedies and paranormals. You should write one and send it into him.”  I had already been toying with the idea of making this a comedy. I had three humorous shorts published in anthologies and loved writing them. Besides, I needed a break from the two epic fantasies and historical romances I had finished.

GHOST awoke inside of me one late night as I was trying to sleep. That wicked muse, as always, decided it would be funny to dump the whole damn plot into my head at once. Sleep? Who needs sleep? I had to get it down, so I went to my computer, got out a brand new OneNote notebook and began plotting. Just to make me really miserable, she decided it would be hysterical to leave out the middle. She is such a… I went to bed frustrated and woke up still frustrated. It continued for two weeks and I decided to shelve it to work on my thriller, The Bell Stalker (out in October 2011).

I needed to interview Portland Police Homicide for the other book and it dawned on me: Hey, there’s a cop in Ghost. Why don’t I go for a ride along, ask a lot of weird questions, and maybe even get myself arrested? A couple of phone calls later, I had an appointment with a very sweet police officer who took my abuse with good humor. After that, the middle of the book was born.

Real ghosts, studies in Catholicism, psychic experiences, dousing, and inheritance of the comic gene from my father, all went into the cauldron of creation. Keenan was actually based off of a good friend of mine whose name will remain anonymous, Isabella is the dark Mediterranean side of myself given to me by my Grandma Mimi who used to send us swivel sticks shaped like monkeys and mermaids when we were little, and the ghosts are based off of characters from some of my favorite books. The comedy was inspired, as always, by my father, a pilot all his life, who wanted his ashes flushed down the toilet so he could go out to sea and to come back as a dragonfly because all they did was fly and fornicate. He was a very funny man.

So now, my inspiration is out in the world, a fledgling paranormal. Hope you find your own inspiration in everything you do. And, if you want a few laughs and maybe even a cry or two, take a look at A GHOST OF A CHANCE and see if you can spot those crazy moments of inspiration.

Thanks so much to the wonderful Sugarbeats Books Blog for hosting me today. You guys are the best! M:o)

I’d like to thank Minnette for dropping by.  I’d also like to share some more information about her book and where to get a copy.


Keenan Swanson is your typical, everyday graphic designer. Well, except for the hundreds of pesky, prank-loving poltergeists that make his life interesting (in a Chinese curse sort of way). He finds his situation precarious yet manageable—until witty, smoking-hot coworker Isabella enters the scene and Keenan decides he wants her all for himself. With a horny succubus who has other ideas, a burly city cop determined to lock Keenan away, and an evil entity who’s hell-bent on using Keenan’s seed to create a living demon, the reluctant psychic realizes he just might not come out of this alive—or with heart intact.

Minnette loves to hear from her readers.  Information about her work can be found at her website, and her blog is a bit less formal and a great place to interact with her!

www.minnettemeador.com
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com

Minnette’s books can be found though the following links:

Amazon Link
Resplendence Publishing Books Link

Excerpt:

CHAPTER ONE – LIVING WITH STRANGERS“Isabella, isn’t it?” Keenan hadn’t seen a ring on her finger, around her neck, or a Love John Forever tattoo any place noticeable, so he assumed she was available.

“Right. You’re Keenan. We met the other day.”

“Right.”

Usually he didn’t have problems talking to girls, but now it was harder than it had ever been. A hundred witty comebacks crowded his brain for attention, but not one of them could make it past the lump in his throat. His growing cock wasn’t going to be much help either; all it wanted him to do was blurt out, “Ya wanna?”

Bracing himself against possible rejection, and telling his cock to shut the fuck up, Keenan gathered his courage and charged into the fray. “Say listen, if you’re not…”

The elevator jarred to a halt and the doors burst open in front of them. At least fifteen people piled into the box, disregarding the “maximum occupancy” sign.

Keenan hit his back hard against the railing and suddenly found his arms full of warm, healthy girl.

The sounds around him came to a crashing halt when he fixated on those gorgeous almond eyes and full red lips. The urge to devour that mouth was irresistible. He felt like he was home. Her balmy scent marinated his brain, clouding out everything else. The velvet skin of her naked arms made his palms tingle.

A sudden terror seized him when he realized his rod stood at full attention, shouting, “Yippee!” Since the crowd had crushed Isabella against him, she must have felt it jumping like an excited dog against her stomach. To Keenan’s amazement, she didn’t say a word and smiled sweetly up at him. Her expression was almost pleased. It boggled his mind.

“Sorry,” he managed after a few precious seconds.

He let go and fully expected her to scrunch as far away from him as possible, a murmured “pervert” escaping her lips. Instead, she slid up next to him and stayed attached to his shoulder, turning her lovely breasts to the doors.

Keenan had a hard time keeping his eyes off them, noting with interest that both nipples were little rocks against the black fabric. He forced himself to focus on the bald spot on the head of the guy in front of him. He hoped to God the man wasn’t pushed back; in Keenan’s current state, it might be difficult to explain what rested against the man’s ass.

Just a quick reminder – leave a comment for the chance to win a Kindle or a $100.00 gift card!

About Barb Drozdowich

Social Media and Wordpress Consultant Barb Drozdowich has taught at University, trained technical personnel in the banking industry and, most recently, used her expertise to help dozens of authors develop the social media platform needed to succeed in today’s fast evolving publishing world. She owns Bakerview Consulting and is the only reviewer on this blog.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Mikki-Mano

    Yeah, Minnette, thanks for dropping by. I really enjoyed reading the whole post, especially the excerpt part 🙂 Oh, and the cover of A Ghost of a Chance is beautiful 😀
    And of course, thank you for the generous chance to win 🙂
    mikki-mano@hotmail.com

  4. Minnette Meador

    Good morning, everyone! And thanks to the early birds, Jenn, Ed, and Mikki-Mano for starting out the day so well here. I really appreciate Sugarbeats for hosting me today and things we’ll have a great time. I am giving away a beautiful necklace today to one commenter, so make sure you leave us a reply and you’ll be in the drawing. :o)

  6. Shadow

    Hi Minnette! How are you? Did you have a good 4th of July? Ive been so busy, i have to catch up! 🙂 Great post. Reading Chaper one makes me want to read the book again. 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us and for the chance to win!
    shadow_kohler(at)att(dot)net

  9. Lisa Kessler

    Great blog!!! 🙂

    I get inspired by all sorts of things, people watching, researching, reading, etc.

    Sounds like a fabulous book! Congratulations on the new release Minnette!!!

    Lisa 🙂
    LdyDisney at aol dot com

  11. Julie Witt

    Wow! The necklace is beautiful! The little mask is so awesome! Thanks for the chance to win it!

  13. Christiana

    Good Morning Minnette,

    Wow, that necklace is beautiful, and speaking of inspiration, there is something about masquerades and masks that spark the creativity.

    In many ways people where masks everyday, They just aren’t always so obvious as a masquerade. I love the fun of figuring out who the person is behind the masks. There is mystery, intrigue, and a thrill to be found as you get to know, or not know who is behind a mask. It could be one reason I love Carnival/Mardi-Gras/Masquerades. There is a magic and romance to the mystery of who is behind the mask, but also inherent danger, because truly you don’t know who’s hiding behind the mask.

    Other things can inspire, a hint of footprints in the sand on a foggy morning, a haunting faint melody playing, the sweet smell of magnolias and Jasmine. Of course there is always the kick the muse out, and plot the story route too. Personally I find using the muse is fine, but sometimes you just have to yell at her for a break.

    Great Post Minnette, can’t wait to see what’s next.

    Christiana
    Tianadawn@gmail.com

  15. Chelsea B.

    I enjoyed reading your post and I can’t wait to read A Ghost of a Chance! 🙂

    justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

  16. SiNn

    wavess I love what inspires you! thena gain i am s in lust with this bok you have no idea every excerpt and post you share makes me want it all the more congrats!

  17. brigitte

    wow what a beautiful necklace and i love the sound of your book. i am looking forward to reading the whole thing. thank you for the chance to win this necklace and getting a chance to read some of your book

  18. Kristi Blagrave Knight

    Hi, I hope the tour is still going great. I keep posting but I’m having issues with my cell service. I’m get inspired to write, but either I don’t have the time or I can’t figure out how to put it to paper.

  22. Minnette Meador

    Hi, Shadow. I had a great 4th, thanks! How was yours?

    Thanks, Barb. I hope you enjoy it.

    Lisa!!! Thanks for coming over. I get inspired by those things too.

    Thanks, MD!

    Hi, Julie – Isn’t it though. I LOVE her jewelry. It’s all handmade and beautiful.

    Thanks, Heather! I’m glad you came over to join us!

    Christiana – Lovely comment as always. I’m very fond of masks myself. I almost kept this piece! LOL

    I loves my stalkers, Leanne, as you know ~grin~

    Oh, Chelsea – Can’t wait for you to read it either. Let me know what you think. :o)

    Hiya, SiNn – Oh, I hope so!

    Hi, Briditte – Thanks for joining us! You are more than welcome

    It’s still going strong, Kristi! Sorry about your service… It’s really hard to find time, I know. Here’s hoping you will soon…

    Hi, Tammy – I hope you get a chance to. :o)

    You are more than welcome, Donna! I’m so happy you could join us. M:o)

  23. Toni

    I still cannot believe after following you around (not as stalkerish as Leanne), that I can still learn something new. So glad to have met you. Your book sounds wonderful. I just love a bit of comedy in my reading. What a great blog tour!!

  28. Shadow

    glad to hear you had a great 4th of july. mine was good. had lots of family here. they kept me busy! i had a ton of fun! 🙂 how are you enjoying your blog tour? getting alot of stalkers? 😛

  29. Na

    Hi Minnette! Inspiration is everywhere for me, I just open my mind and I am overwhelmed by it. What occurs though is something triggers it. Often, I find it (or maybe I look for it) in nature. I find being outdoors, isolated and away from city traffic, crowd chaos, and artificial lights is a refreshing and calming experience. That is where I do a lot of mental thinking and tend to carry a notebook and pen with me to jot things down. It is not just places I find inspiration, it is during the right time/moment combination. For example, I could be listening to the radio in the car and as a passenger looking at the scenery. There are moments when the lyrics instantly connect with whatever I am looking at and bam, wham mental magic happens.

    I’m looking forward to reading THE BELL STALKER when it’s released in October. I enjoy thrillers. By the way, what a treat, the necklace is beautiful. It reminds me of a masquerade.

  30. Leanne Gagnon

    Ican tell u how I’ve been getting my inspiration for my books. the 1st was a picture online of a hunky guy dressed as a leprechaun… hehehe yes really 😀 then my daughter gave me an idea of electicuting a character and then she sees ghosts. Last one was the idea of a lady saying a spell here in the local field… it’s a beautiful field and I wanted to make a story for it lol
    Ideas for my makeup come from craft supplies lol I think “how can I stick that on someones face” LOL

  31. Christiana

    LoL Minnette, I can’t say I blame you, that is a beautiful piece of art. Speaking of Inspirational moments, I was watching the weather channel with dad, and they showed some interesting fair “events” including this obstacle course where the husbands/boyfriends have to carry their wives/girlfriends through the whole course. That definitely gave me some interesting ideas.

    Leanne: I loved some of the makeup pictures on your FB page, but here’s what I really want to know, How does a girl get eyeliner right on the upper lid? I can never seem to manage the smooth lines like everyone else, but then my mother only wears lip gloss if she bothers at all. Have you ever tried the tiny craft gems, similar to the ones nail salons use on manicures, I could imagine you having a lot of fun with those small gems, easy to make intricate designs.

    Christiana

  32. kym amaral

    Hi Minnette !

    Your other stalker, reporting for duty 😉 I am learning so much about you and your FAB books on the blog tour..lovin it !

    I love that the book has humor..cant wait to read it 🙂

    Hugs

    kym
    krykym(at)fullchannel.net

  33. Minnette Meador

    Oh, Bama – I hope you’re right! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!

    Hey, Leanne! I LOVE Sillycut! For anyone interested, here is her site: http://www.etsy.com/people/sillycut – And your ideas are wonderful!

    Thanks, Shadow – Yes, I have many stalkers and love them all equally! :o)

    Na – What a great comment about inspiration! Bell Stalker was a blast to write and I don’t want to tell you too much, but it promises to keep you up at night!:o)

    I love that idea, Christiana and had to laugh thinking about my DH carrying me anywhere! Now that would be a comedy! :o)

  34. Leanne Gagnon

    Christiana- If your using liquid liner start the line on the eyelash line in the middle. Tip first and then lay it down flat and drag it to the corner. Do not dip again. then at the inner corner do it the same way tip first, lay it down and connect the line to the rest. If u want it to be a cat eye; then you follow these steps and then go to the outer corner put the tip where you what the cat eye to end and dag it to connect with the corner of your eye.
    If you mess up at all just use a Q-tip with makeup remover on it or a Diaper wipe 😀 Pretty much the same process it pencil or gel liner 😀

  36. Minnette Meador

    Amanda – I think I missed your comment last time around – sorry about that! I did a search for Gothic jewelry and her site came up then I friended her on FB – She makes wonderful one of a kind pieces that are simply exquisite and actually quite affordable. If you get a chance, take a look at her site. She’s in Germany but I haven’t had any problems getting stuff shipped to me. http://www.etsy.com/people/sillycut – :o)

  37. Vonnie Alto

    Hi Minnette–
    I’m enjoying reading how you created GHOST OF A CHANCE. It’s a fascinating read. You’re right. What makes a book literally a cauldron of all sorts of things. It also sounds like your “wicked muse” gave you inspiration, then trouble when you had to figure out the middle.

  38. Chelsea Rafferty

    Ohhh how did almost miss this? I thought I got the one for today… how many did you do today hon? 😮

    Meep! Going to stalk your page and make sure I got them all 😉

  39. Chelsea Rafferty

    Oh and to answer the question my son inspires me everyday.. he reminds me to teach him about being a good person and why we care/love one another. He’s the most amazing kid and he inspired me to go back to College so I could get a better job and be able to be a good mom to him 🙂 I know i won’t ever be rich but I can live in middle class instead of poverty level and hopefully he won’t ever want for anything 😀

  41. Minnette Meador

    That is ALWAYS the best motivation and the best job, Chelsea! Having raised six of the little scamps myself, I can tell you I don’t mind a single sacrifice. They are all my heroes! You keep up the good work! :o)

  42. Mara

    What a great interview and cograts on the book’s release!
    Mara
    mara AT earhtlink DOT net

  43. rita

    This is on my to read list. Love the excerpt. How you found that mask necklace I don’t know but it’s beautiful.

  44. shadow

    hehe. stalkers do have there advantages. 😛 silly cuts jewelry is beautiful! i love it all! whats everyones favorite piece on there?

    • shadow

      o i have to agree. the detail is beautiful! betcha is heavy to wear tho. they have so many pretty things, i cant pick a favorite. 🙂

  49. Chelsea Rafferty

    woohooo for 24 😀 well more now 😉

    And I’m AMAZED that you managed 6 hon.. you are truly amazing hon 🙂 really! I adore mine but he’s the only one I want LOL! 😉

  51. Cori Finnerty

    Hi Minnette,
    Yay….. I made it here in time. I’m so excited :). Your book sounds amazing. I’m going to have to give paranormal books a try. Don’t tell my historical fiction group lol. Oh and you should tell us more about your ride-along.
    Core

  53. Minnette Meador

    Because of demand, I’m going to extend the contest until tomorrow (July 8th) around noon. So, if you know of anyone who would still like to enter, here’s another chance. Thanks, all! :o)

  54. Mary Preston

    The writing & thought process made me laugh. Wonderful insight. Probably less humorous to you. I can’t wait to read more.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

  55. Janhvi Jagtap

    thanks for the giveaway!if this is international please count me in!
    i enjoyed the interview and i am so looking forward to reading ghost of a chance!

    Janhvi
    justjanhvi at gmail dot com

  57. Katrina whittaker

    Hi Minette 🙂 i found you over at facebook ,Beyond her book , Its always so nice to find new authors and their work.. Loved the book blurb ** wink wink ** definetly had me intrigued !!
    COver love for sure ,, and great comp !! the necklace is gorgeous ! very mysterious of its own !! 🙂
    Kat
    kittee_cat@bigpond.com

    🙂

  58. Jayne

    Minnette,

    What a wonderful book. I am only about halfway through it, but so far it is one I hate to stop reading. Unlike my daughter, Christiana, I read very very slowly. I just wanted to stop in and let you know that I am loving the book!

    It amazes me what talented and wonderful people writers are.

    (CD- Get back to writing, I’m still waiting!! ~love mom)

    Have fun Kids.
    Jayne

  59. Christiana

    ~Grins~ Good morning to you too Mom, yes yes, I know.

    See Minnette, I knew she’d eventually make a comment Minnette, it was just a matter of getting her to okay, so she says she’s computer illiterate, but I just think she’s taking her time that’s all, but mom does figure it out after while.

    ~Christiana~

    P.S. Thanks Leanne that helps a lot.

  60. Minnette Meador

    Hi, Kat – I’m so glad you came over! Hope you have time to keep up with the blog hop. It’s been a blast so far and lots more stuff to give away.

    I am so glad you like it, Jayne… and LOVE mother/daughter teams ~grin~ & Christina – Thanks so much for setting this up for her. You guys are the best! M:o)

  61. Minnette Meador

    AND THE WINNER OF THE BEAUTIFUL MASK NECKLACE IS…

    BRIGITTE!!!!

    I don’t see an email here, so if you can get in touch with me, Brigitte, just as soon as you get this notice, I’d appreciate it. Send an email to mmeador at minnettemeador dot com in the next 24 hours. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll have to pick another winner.

    Thanks to everyone else who commented and a very special thank you to Sugarbeats for a wonderful blot stop! This was a blast! On to the next one…. Minnette :o)

  63. latisha depoortere

    What a great post again I love reading what everyone writes!
    thanks again 🙂
    tishajean@ charter.net

  64. Shelley Munro

    I had to laugh about your missing middle. These things happen to me when I’m really tired and don’t have a notebook handy. In the morning I wake up remembering I had a great idea, but for the life of me I can’t think what it was!

    Good luck with your book. It sounds like fun.

  65. Minnette Meador

    Thanks, Robin – Hope you get a chance to read it… :o)

    Me too, Latisha! This has been such fun… :o)

    OMG it’s Shelley Monroe! I am so thrilled you stopped by. I LOVE your books. I’ve gotten into the habit of keeping my laptop next to my bed at night and OneNote open. Interestingly enough, my Muse’s name is Shelley! LOL ;o)

  70. SarahM

    LOL! Sounds like you had a lot of fun writing this book 🙂 Can’t wait to read it!

    smaccall AT @comcast.net

  72. Vanessa Johnson

    HI Minnette,
    I see you’re a plotter. I’m the opposite. I just write off the cuff. It’s worked thus far. If it works, don’t fix it, right (LOL) Congrats on your releases. Continued blessings. Your names sound like a book character’s name. I love it.

    • Minnette Meador

      Thanks, Vanessa… Actually, I started out as a panster, believe me. It was only years later I started plotting… Yes, ma’am, if it ain’t broken don’t fix it! :o)