Tuesday 13 May 2014

Guest Blog by KaraLynne Mackrory and Giveaway of Haunting Mr Darcy!!!!


Hello everyone, I am so very excited to have KaraLynne Mackrory on my blog today for a guest post entitled Pink Gloves. Plus a giveaway for one paperback copy and one e-book copy of Haunting Mr Darcy! Kindly brought to you by Jakki at Leatherbound reviews! (Unfortunately this post did not get published this morning as scheduled, after speaking with Google it seems it could have been a glitch in the system I can only wonder at what that means!!! However I would like to apologise profusely to everyone for this untimely delay and offer my own theory that maybe this glitch meant my blog was also HAUNTED!!!!)


Pink Gloves by KaraLynne Mackrory

About six months ago I started a kickboxing slash cross fit slash I-want-my-mommy workout class.  When I started it with about a half dozen other people I didn’t know, I was at a fitness level that would make Mr. Collins look buff.  I started it because I wanted to be stronger.  Stronger physically for sure, but stronger mentally and emotionally as well. 

The first time we used the punching bags I remember tentatively hitting the bag, with all my hesitation taking any real oomph out of the strike.  I was still having fun as I learned to trust in myself, my ability and growing strength though.  I eventually invested in some gloves.  They were not actual punching gloves at this point but they protected my knuckles some and so I allowed my punches to be a little more spirited. 

More recently I have furthered my investment in some actual, bona fide punching gloves – and hot pink to boot.  They felt funny at first, because they were heavier and stiffer.  They made me feel a little conspicuous and exposed even as they were more protecting.  I felt silly wearing them because I thought with my amateur skill, I was fooling myself to get real gloves.  I was sure people would look at me in my gloves and think I was overreaching my skill.

But I used them anyway and slowly over the course of a couple more weeks I found myself punching harder. Pushing myself and testing my strength.  I would swing my arms with all I had and strike the bag over and over until my arms felt like jello and I didn’t know if I wanted to hug the bag or punch it again in satisfaction. 

And then it happened.  A few days ago we were doing stations and one was at the bag.  I started going through the routine ascribed.  Jab, cross, kick.  Jab, cross, kick.  Harder and harder, smother and more controlled.  I was in my element and I was feeling adrenaline begin to course through me – pushing my muscles faster, harder and more powerfully.  After a long while the outside sounds around me began to trickle into my awareness again and I realized there was silence in the room.  I thought maybe it was time to change stations and I turn around to see the half dozen or so people I work out with, who by this time have become my friends, look at me and cheer!  They joked that they didn’t want to meet me in a dark alley and that my kicks scared them.  What a liberation I felt when I finally let myself go and gave myself permission to really see what I could do.  Of course, I blushed at the unexpected praise and attention.  But inside I smiled.  I am stronger.

Writing was something I always enjoyed.  It was something that I used to work through ideas in my head.  When I began writing novels I gave it all I had then – not realizing that I was probably a lot like my beginner boxing self.  Tentatively holding myself back, hesitating unconsciously from taking too much of a risk.  I still enjoyed the process and loved the result.  I was learning to trust myself and my ability.

As I continued writing though, I learned things and grew more confident in my literary strikes. I was willing to push myself harder because my kid gloves protected me a little.  My kid gloves being the experience I had gained and the wonderful support of readers who liked my work. 

With Haunting Mr. Darcy I found myself a little scared throughout the process of writing it.  It was different in a way I could not quite put to words.  The way it needed to be written, the way the story inside my mind demanded it be told was terrifying in what it required.  It was a scenario that was farther fetched than I had written before and I wondered if anyone would even like it.  It was a plot that pushed my abilities harder than I had ever tried before and I wondered if perhaps it was beyond them.  I may have acquired some actual writing punching gloves (hot pink too I hope) but that didn’t mean that I felt safe to let go completely. 

And yet… it was one of the most liberating writing processes I have ever experienced.  There were moments where I felt like that time a few days ago when I was punching the bag.  I felt like I had lost myself in the process and by giving myself the freedom I had also given myself a great power.  Now that it is released I find myself feeling exposed again - did I make the unbelievable believable? Constantly wondering if people would like it and deciding if in the end it matters if they do.  Because in the end, what matters is that I got stronger in the process.
That being said, I do hope you all like it!  ::wink::


Haunting Mr. Darcy book blurb:

What happens to the happily ever after when the ever after has already happened?

A spirited courtship indeed! Jane Austen’s much adored Pride and Prejudice is transfigured in this regency adaptation.  That fickle friend Fate intervenes when an unexpected event threatens the happily ever after of literature’s favorite love story.  The gentlemen from Netherfield have left, winter is upon the land and after a horrifying carriage accident, Elizabeth Bennet finds her spirit transported as if by magic into Mr. Darcy’s London home.  Paranormally tethered to the disagreeable man, it doesn’t help that he believes she is a phantasm of his love struck mind, not the real Elizabeth.  Somehow they must learn to trust, learn to love and learn to bring Elizabeth back to her earthly form before it is too late.



Author bio:

KaraLynne is an amazing mother who never makes mistakes, never gets upset with her children and never ever has a dirty house. Ever. She always has her dishes done and the floors spotless and dinner is always prepared and ready on time. Her kids are always clean, polite, respectful and loving, especially to each other. She never gets irritated with her husband when he doesn’t turn his socks right side out for the laundry and they always agree on everything. She delights in nothing else but to serve her family and never wants or needs time for herself. She takes great care to shower every day and put make up on so that she is always beautiful and presentable. She never wears her pajamas all day or for days in a row and she is the epitome of womanhood. Most of all, she has a great sense of humor and loves to write.
Falling for Mr. Darcy (2012) is KaraLynne’s first venture in to the world of book authorship.  Bluebells in the Mourning (2013)  came next and coming in the spring of 2014 is, Haunting Mr. Darcy: A Spirited Courtship.  Although, admittedly a Darcy addict, she enjoys many things, such as: Mr. Knightly, Edmund Bertram, Captain Wentworth, Mr. Tilney and John Thornton.  She is happily married to her own Mr. Darcy and together they share the insanity inducing responsibility of raising four children.


Links:



Buy on B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/haunting-mr-darcy-a-spirited-courtship-karalynne-mackrory/1118956235?ean=9781936009350


Giveaway!!!

To be in with a chance to win a paper back copy or an E-book copy of Haunting Mr Darcy, simply leave a comment below. The lucky winners will be announced on the 18th May 2014!!! The winners will have 36 hours to contact me. If a winner does not contact me within that time, then I will choose a new winner. Good Luck!!!

36 comments:

  1. Thank you Tamara for hosting me for this blog post! I had a lot of fun writing it. :) Pow pow!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ha Ha, Thank you KaraLynne for writing a great post I really enjoyed reading it! It's interesting that you say you were terrified about writing it and wondered if anyone would like it, I thought it odd considering it is such a great story. However I can see now, how it would feel scary taking it somewhere you felt was far fetched, but you certainly did it justice and tackled the confession to the Colonel and Georgiana brilliantly. Wow, so my blog gets haunted and punched all on one day!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You are the Mahammad Ali of regency authors, Karalynne! You inspire me and I'm so privileged to say that I knew you when you began your writing exhibition :) You have come a long way and should have no doubt in your awesome abilities. Love you! And yes, I am shamelessly writing a comment so I can have a chance at winning a free copy of your book ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kiah you pretty much are the coolest girl alive. Just sayin'

      Delete
  4. Thank you so much for this! It's wonderful :) This book sounds so good and I'd love to read it. I have read and loved KaraLynne Mackrory's "Bluebells in the Mourning" and cannot wait to read her new book! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anne, yes I loved Bluebells also and Falling for Mr Darcy is lovely too. This book is my favourite of the three so good luck with the giveaway!

      Delete
  5. I would love to read the paperback copy! :D I have not yet read any of this lovely authors books, and I'm looking forward to it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alice! Get on it then! :) Do I need to remind you already that I have boxing gloves and know how to use them? Start reading!!! :) jk

      Delete
    2. Hi Alice I second KaraLynne, you need to read her books they are truly delightful! Good Luck!

      Delete
  6. Interesting and funny post, Tamara. I love the pink gloves by KaraLynne. Certainly, I have been amusing with its reading, and I am looking forward to reading "Haunting Mr. Darcy".
    Thank you for share the jolly post with us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Warmisunqu,Yes it was an interesting analogy, I cannot wait for you to read this book and share your thoughts on it. Good Luck!

      Delete
  7. It's a great analogy, KaraLynne. You don't have to worry whether readers like it or not because your publishing record speak for itself. Having said that, I love any Austenesque with Darcy and Elizabeth are in it as long as they do end up together in the end.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Natalie. I agree, any story that does not make D & E together in the end is just plain blasphemous.

      Delete
    2. Hi KaraLynne, I'm not Natalie. You can call me Sylvia. Lúthien84 is my nickname

      Delete
  8. Kara Lynne is one of my favorite fan fiction authors. Looking forward to reading Haunting Mr. Darcy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. redcoup3zz -- awwwww thank you! And just for saying so - you are one of my favorite fans!!

      Delete
  9. I would love to have a copy of Haunting Mr Darcy. I've heard so much about it I can't wait to read it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, you will not be disappointed it is a great read and you will be hard pressed to put it down. Good Luck with the giveaway!

      Delete
  10. I love paranormal stories. I would love to read this. Too bad alot of these books are not available in Croatia.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Samanta, I'm sorry to hear that a lot of these books are hard for you to get, that must be really frustrating! I sincerely hope you get to read this story as it lovely and as you like paranormal stories it will be right up your street. Good Luck!

      Delete
  11. What a fun post! I love the comparison between kick boxing and writing.

    Having read some of the extracts from Haunting Mr. Darcy elsewhere, I really want to read this book. It'd be really cool to win a copy (ebook would be best as I'm in the UK) but if I don,t it's already on the Wish List.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you will enjoy it Anji - D&E get a lot of page time which i love.

      Delete
  12. I enjoyed this post. I read Karalynne Mackrory 'other novels and I love them!!
    I am Italian and I do not now if the giveaway is open worldwide and if I can participate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ciao Chiara, you will be pleased to know the giveaway is open internationally everyone is welcome! Good Luck!

      Delete
  13. Would love to read this as I am just about to start reading Bluebells in the Mourning. But it has already been added to my wish list

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Vesper, Bluebells is lovely I know you will enjoy it and this was one too, don't know if you have read Falling for Mr Darcy but that is great also. Good Luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  14. Oh, I'd love to win this book! I've heard so much about it, and the premise is novel and absolutely delightful!
    Shrek donkey again: Pick me! Pick me! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. :D :D Hello Joana, This book will not disappoint, so Good Luck with the giveaway! I have to take this opportunity to say "From this day forward whoa!!!!" I have it on my kindle and the paperback copy is staring at me from my book shelf as we speak, bravo!

      Delete
  15. I really enjoyed this post, interesting analogy between the boxing confidence and your writing. The comment about Mr Collins looking buff compared to you gave me a giggle (and a disturbing mental image of P&P 1995's Collins in pink gloves and boxing shorts!). Thanks for the giveaway :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sorry about the disturbing images. :) hahahaha

      Delete
  16. Impressive! I admire people who are constantly working on improving themselves and who are not afraid to pursue new experience to test their abilities. Good luck with your punches and new books, KaraLynne! And thank you for the giveaway:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Actually i was quite afraid to try the kickboxing. But when you have 4 kids under the age of 9 then you start to see the bag as your friend and a great way to relieve stress. :)

      Delete
  17. I loved reading this book. It was a fun and fresh perspective that had its share of angst. As I already have the ebbok, please enter me for the paper back. Thank you so much for your generosity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Deborah Ann, I totally agree, my copy is on Kindle but with books that I feel are worthy, I get the paperback copy to grace my bookshelf as well and this is definitely one of them. Good Luck!

      Delete
  18. The more I hear about this book, the more eager I am to read it! I really enjoyed this post! Thanks for the giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Kelli H, I didn't know much about this book, I had just seen on Meryton Press that KaraLynne was releasing a new book and I had three months to wait I didn't need to know anything else!, I downloaded it to my Kindle an hour after it went live and couldn't put it down. Good Luck!

      Delete

Thank you! Your comments are always welcome