We have two winners on Laurie’s paranormal blog. Congratulations Amber Hall and Tia Dalley! I hope you enjoy Paige Maddison’s journey. Thanks to Laurie Davis for running the contest and thank you to all of the readers who entered.
Readers Write: Lee Bice-Matheson Tells Us How She Started Writing on OPEN BOOK: ONTARIO
February 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment
For me, as a genre author, to be included on Open Book: Ontario which has the latest news and events concerning literary authors is AMAZING. Did I say AMAZING? It’s over the moon for me! Never did I think my novella entitled Wake Me Up Inside would go so far. But it’s from the help of the people who I have networked with.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge my mentor. The famous Mr John Robert Colombo, Canada’s Mr Mystery, or the Master Gatherer, who has published over 130 non-fiction, serious books covering Canada’s culture, history and geography. He also writes poetry and has compiled anthologies on Canada’s ‘ghostly‘ history, compiled famous books of quotations, and the list goes on and on. Very impressive, I might add!
One of my first stories was a tale of my father, after he died. I had an experience, as they say. Lucky for me, Mr Colombo was looking for stories like mine. If I may relay how we met: I contacted John Robert Colombo by email asking if he was collecting ghost stories. A most courteous response was received and ‘Indeed’ . I emailed the first story named Paranormal Dad and the return email was again outstanding! Not only was Mr Colombo going to publish my story, but he asked, “Do you have some more?” Well, after jumping up and down for about an hour, I quickly responded, “I sure do.” Running up to my computer, heart beating a mile a minute, I pounded out a similar experience from when my mom died – lucky for me I kept notes on it – named A Spiritual Bond. I sent the second story back and JRC announced “I’ve stopped the presses as they say, (literally) and your stories named Two Experiences are the ending of my anthology The Big Book of Canadian Hauntings.” Well, I don’t think I remember a conversation said to me until he again announced, ‘A copy is in the mail’.
Thank you so much, John Robert Colombo for your generosity, kindness, and welcome to the world of publishing. Once my stories were in print I thought ‘Wow, this is great’. And from there I proceeded to write my novella. The details of this process are found on Open Book: Ontario and through-out this website. I cannot thank John Robert Colombo enough as my life has changed since the publication of Two Experiences and the day Wake Me Up Inside was self-published in print (July 2012). An author always has mentors, fellow authors, colleagues and publishing contacts to thank but I’d like to highlight John Robert Colombo for his zest for life and helping others. JRC reviewed my book, too! And I would like to say how grateful I am for meeting John Robert Colombo’s lovely wife, Ruth, an awesomely talented poet – I thank you for your kindness and friendship. Also, for the poem dedicated to my husband, Kevin, the chiropractor, named The Spine. Without your support, my first reading at the Orillia Public Library (thank you librarian Melissa for hosting me!) would have been a flop.
Here is the link to my latest author post: Open Book: Ontario. Also, special thanks to Clelia for accepting my story (and Megan for uploading it) and responding to my request on linkedin ‘Help a first time novelist’. To have my story and book included in the literary scene of Ontario is amazing. Though I am a self-published genre writer, it is wonderful that you have opened up your hearts to this ‘ghost story’ author along with award winning literary novelists. Thank you so much. What’s next? Stay tuned…. there is more coming.
Help a First Time Novelist
February 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Before I post my latest link, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the past few months. It began with an email, a little cry for help to any and all my linkedin contacts, entitled: ‘Help a first time novelist’. Shirley Roe from Allbooks Reviews responded and said they could review Wake Me Up Inside and not only post it on their site, but it is sold there as well. Shirley also posted the review on American Chronicle Boyu Huang, the reviewer, gave 4 stars and a glowing review of Paige Maddison and her journey. But not only that, she posted it on Word Alert and on Goodreads
Next, Fran Lewis of Just Reviews wrote a heart-felt review of WMUI and gave it 5 stars. In fact, she had 18 books to read but insisted on reviewing mine upon receiving it. Fran has posted the review on 8 plus sites that she belongs to and l am grateful for that! Fran went the extra mile for a first time novelist!
One of my first author interviews was on the Book Club site which I will always be grateful for. Then there’s Lillian Brummet who answered the call I had sent out ‘help a first time novelist’. She kindly emailed and said we would enjoy having you on our blog. Thank you Lillian for your generosity and I highly encourage readers to peruse her website hoping to make the world a better place to live.
In the meantime, I held a contest on my facebook page and a young girl from the Philippines won WMUI! Her review was very touching to this author – as they say ‘out of the mouths of babes’ comes the truth. In fact, Therese Ann Montelbon requested when will book two be published and how would I get a copy?
I have been delighted to receive 4 and 5 stars from readers on goodreads.com, each one asking when is the next book coming out? And I cannot forget the response from Laurie Davis She so very kindly asked me to be a part of her interviews for paranormal authors. Not only that, she is holding a contest wherein readers can win either a paperback or ebook of WMUI. It ends February 28th. Check it out on the link provided.
And soon I will be on WebbWeaver Books: a mother and daughter team devoted to authors and readers hosted by CK Webb as I perform a live ‘bookstore’ reading from WMUI, on March 22nd, 11:00 am EST. I am really looking forward to this show and am following CK’s programs. See how it happens for a new author? Step by step.
Wake Me Up Inside is sold at The Book Keeper, Sarnia; The Oxford Book Shop, London; Summerhill Market, Rosedale (Toronto); and Manticore Books, Orillia. I’ve sold more paperbacks than ebooks or hardcovers. Thank you so much to the bookstore owners for allowing shelf space for Wake Me Up Inside. I truly appreciate it! It was definitely worth my time and effort on this priceless endeavour. Thankfully, Friesenpress who I self-published with keeps track of any and all formats of the book sold.
I have formed many positive relationships since the publication of WMUI with my book promotion specialists, other authors, mentors, social media specialists, book reviewers, librarians and bloggers. What made this journey extra special for me? The readers, of course. I have received so many great emails from people around the world talking about Paige Maddison and her adventures. Let’s keep it going, everyone! Book Two is near completion and it will exceed your expectations, no doubt. Thank you to all who have helped me, Paige Maddison, and other debut authors make their way in the book selling world. Not an easy task, for sure, but well worth it for the feedback. Ever humbly so, Lee.
Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews: Paranormal Features
February 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Thank you so much, Laurie! This author is impressed with your blog 🙂 and happy to be the feature paranormal author spotlight. I am grateful indeed. Check it out on http://lauriethoughts-reviews.blogspot.ca/2013/02/wake-me-up-inside-by-lee-bice-matheson.html#more and enter for a chance to win a paperback or eBook of Wake Me Up Inside. Very special, indeed.
Is It Finally Time for You to Step Up? written by Copyblogger
January 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Congratulations on this fascinating read on life from an elderly woman’s perspective and a friendly visit from her nephew’s friend. I’m telling you for those of us who make excuses in their lives not to join or do things, this is a must read article. 5 Stars from this author. http://www.copyblogger.com/time-to-step-up/
Fran Lewis of Just Reviews
January 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Here is Fran Lewis‘s review of Wake Me Up Inside. I am so thrilled. Thank you Fran for your honest, written from your heart review. 5 stars!
Nightmares can often trigger memories that many would prefer to remain dormant. Others can ignite or fuel an event that might change the course of the way we think or our lives in the future. As Paige Maddison descends into a world that seems foreign to her, filled with forest trees and scratches caused by errant branches, she focuses on her appearance, what she is wearing and the warmth and comfort of where she really is turns to fear and desperation as she clings to the hope of surviving. Heart racing, time slowing down, this young girl found herself staring at the face of a boy who appeared to be lying in a coffin. So graphically described and vividly depicted the reader becomes totally enveloped in the nightmare along with Maddison experiencing the same things, seeing the same horrors and viewing this young man appearing in his final repose. But, just when she thought the dream might end something happens that would haunt her not only now but in the future as well. A young girl appears out of nowhere, stopped and stares at her and then her real world begins to come into focus. Hands cold and clammy she tries to regain her composure and falls back into an unsettling sleep. Wake Me Up Inside is a story that focuses on Paige Maddison whose nightmares will haunt her and whose visions of this young girl will in her dreams.
As the daylight comes upon her she hears her mother’s voice reminding her to get up for school. But, the day has yet to begin and her dream becomes more of a reality as she discusses her father’s upcoming speech to her class, the move to an estate called O’Brien Manor to take care of her grandfather who is ill and the vision of this young girl who appears within the halls of her school. But, not only does the Principal of her school notice something off about her but so does her father notice how pale and drawn she appears as she once again shares her next dream, this time wearing her fancy dress but the setting is the same forest and the dogs or hounds are following her as she once again tries to escape. But, something happens this time that alerts her parents that there might be something wrong with Paige as her mother awakens her for school and she appears more than just troubled. Added in they now bring to light their move, how she feels and why an emotional scene that brings this family even closer. But, whether they realize it or not Paige is having problems and as she alone relates to the reader, “Dreams seemed to rule my life, lately,” she states but what will moving bring and will things change? As they leave for her grandparent’s home not only does her mother have feelings of trepidations but so does Paige. Arriving would only highlight things even further as her first impression is quite remarkable and the Manor quite both impressive and creating an eerie feeling within her and her mother. Having been estranged from her parents for many years this was Lori’s (Paige’s mother) first visit back to her home and finding herself there was quite unsettlingly. Added in as Paige begins to explore this Manor House something happens that creates a chill within her body and causes her family to become alarmed. But, what happens next when she leaves the Manor and meets a young man named Brad will definitely alert the reader to the knowledge that not everything is what it appears to be and that more unusual or paranormal happens still await our main character.
Bradley Adam Parkman seems to have the scoop on what is happening in this estate and their strange but fast friendship will take them within this huge manor, exploring the estate and the experiences that they encounter will rock their inner most core and not be revealed to anyone.
As we get to know the family a little better our narrator Paige with the help of her new friend enlightens the reader in many ways. The house has some secrets hidden within its walls, her grandparents are not revealing everything and the truth behind their estrangement comes out. But, why does Paige seem uneasy every time she tries to fall asleep? What about the ceiling and the light feeling that there are angels watching over everyone? What is the spirit that seems to live in this house? Is this manor cursed or is there an evil being that is lurking around and haunting it?
Author Lee Bice-Matheson introduces two teens that every parent would be proud of yet are still typical teens. Paige is bright, respectful yet speaks her mind when necessary and Bradley is kind, supportive and quite the match for her. The author uses Paige’s dreams and innermost thoughts to describe the events and the surroundings. Some are told in the first person whereas others in the third person narrative keeping the reader transfixed, focused and wondering what else is going to happen; the mystery and suspense is palpable throughout the novel as Paige hopes to learn the truth and solve the mystery before it’s too late.
Then the author enlightens us as to the identity of the young girl that Paige sees on the staircase as well as another spirit that wants to remain unseen. While these two spirits decide on their next venture Paige and her mother explore the manor and the amazing porcelain dolls that Paige sees and more then something happens that causes Paige to realize that just maybe everything is not what it really seems.
The author allows Paige to explore the grounds and vividly describes her surrounds that if you close your eyes you can create your own mental picture and join Paige as she explores all of the area surrounding the estate. But, there is so much more to this story as one family that has been divided for so long just might find their way back together again. One young teen discovers many truths about her grandparents and her mother that will either force them farther apart or bond them even more. As Paige and her mother explore the room filled with dolls, she then finds her way to a cottage where she comes face to face with the image she has been seeing in her dreams.
As Paige requests space to take photos and perfect her craft as a photographer once again she finds herself wandering the grounds, looking at every flower and bird but then she sees an angel with wings and what happens next you just won’t believe. As you look at the artistically crafted cover of the book you see the angel resting and wonder just whom that might be and whether she is connected to Paige in some way. Where does Brad come into play and what exactly does he know that has not been revealed to Paige?
As the gap between generations might be narrowed the one young man seems angered by the joy that Paige exhibits when she sees her new studio. What is the problem that this spirit has and why are they living in the Manor? As another truth is revealed we learn more about the Manor House its connection to another family and the path that one spirit intends to take but why still has not been revealed.
When Paige finds herself within the confines of this long lost cemetery again she comes upon a stone tablet, which sets her mind in motion. As she and Bradley explore some more, find an inscription on the stone and then suddenly Paige senses something is wrong with her grandfather but does not know why? Will she be able to find the answers to this mystery that has been hidden for years? What is the family secret that no one has revealed and will this spirit that wants to play games with those living here win or will Paige stop it cold?
On page 74 the author brilliantly includes the poem: Alone by Edgar Allan Poe to add more to the mystery behind why the evil spirit is trying to destroy and hurt Paige’s family and who the primary target is. The spirit also explains the past, why he is angry and as the poem if you take it apart talks about death, an evil spirit and is carved on the stone tablet that Paige found in the cemetery. One spirit is happy to live freely in the manor while the other seems to feel alone within him or inside. As one spirit understands her fate the other appears to not be able to reconcile how he cannot do things as he did before and feels isolated and Alone. Experiencing life as before is no longer an option and creates a sadness within the reader and more within each of the characters as Paige, Bradley and even the spirits have to learn how to deal with loneliness, sadness, isolation and love. The magnificent descriptions of the mountains, the sun, the sky evoke emotions that can relate to joy, anger or even sorrow. Poe was different and he did not feel that he belonged at times. As we come to the emotional ending and the surprises plus revelations it holds we often reflect that Poe might have used the word “mystery,” to define the unknown or in this poem the dark cloud or threat cast over the family by this spirit who felt isolated an alone.
Just what caused her grandfather’s illness you will learn for yourself when you read the ending and find out just who spirit was awaken from inside and what the fate of this family will be. This is the first in the Paige Maddison series and when you read the final sentences you will know: Snap: Click: Check out the final photo for yourself and feel the chill. This is one book that all YA’s, teens and middle school children will enjoy reading as Paige and Bradley fight and race to save the fate of someone she loves as one young girl and many adults learn the true meaning of love, family, loyalty and friendship. 5 stars
Fran Lewis: reviewer
http://tillie49.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/wake-me-up-inside-my-review/
Alumni Gazette: Western University’s Alumni Magazine, Winter 2013
January 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Nice to see Wake Me Up Inside listed in my alma mater! What a great nod to Paige Maddison. Thank you so much. http://www.alumnigazette.ca/issues/winter-2013/wake-me-up-inside-paige.html
Two Writers at the Table
January 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment
2013 started off with one surprise after another. However, the most wonderful was the return of our son, Justin, to our home. Now, picture this! Two writers at the table and I think I am actually competing with how fast Justin’s typing, rather than the content of my blog. Could this actually be true? We are both writing books – I, a ghost story, and Justin, a horror novel. It’s like a write-off. This is a very unique position and one that I am proud and happy to be a part of. Best of luck Justin. May you always type faster than your Mother and have a bestseller long before me. We wish only the best for you. Now I’ll get back to writing my book, but had to share this very unique opportunity with the rest of the world. Happy New Year to all!
Announcing a New and Passionate Writer
January 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Check out Justin R Matheson’s new blog! He is going places in the writing community and is very passionate about science. JR is also writing his first horror novel due to be published Fall, 2013. Our best to you, our dear son, Justin. http://thebeautifulworldofscience.blogspot.ca/
Brummet’s Conscious Blog
January 11, 2013 by 2 Comments
Thank you Lillian for hosting the author Lee Bice-Matheson and her book Wake Me Up Inside on your blog. Truly appreciated. Check out Lillian’s blog at: http://www.consciousdiscussions.blogspot.ca/2013/01/world-of-writing-interview.html
BRUMMET CONSCIOUS BLOG INTERVIEW: Children’s Authors
When you started your book, did you plan on writing it as a series, or did it just grow into one? I knew from the beginning it was going to be at least a trilogy. I’ve had many readers write to me directly and say how happy they are it’s a trilogy, but wish it was a series. So I go back and forth on this.
What age group did you write for? Primarily young tweens/teens between the ages of 12-17 but I am surprised at how many people of all ages are reading Wake Me Up Inside.
Why did you write for this particular age group? I feel teens have a rough time figuring out their lives, how to act, who to trust, how to stand up for themselves. I remember it very well! It is not an easy time of life as one is pulling away from parents and trying to become more independent. Choosing new friends can be great or go terribly wrong, depending on shared morals and values. Peer pressure and bullying are rampant and I am pro anti-bullying. The teen heroine, Paige Maddison, does not allow anyone to bully her, for long!
Did you find it difficult to choose the right language, images and writing style for reaching this age group? I seemed to have a knack for writing teen lingo. Seriously though, I have my son and his friends to thank for that. Many teens congregated in our home and I could not help but overhear their conversations. I would also ask our son, Justin, for some of the teen slang and IM words. I feel I am a teen at heart.
How do you plan to promote this book (or series)? I had a book signing in my hometown of Sarnia. It was well attended – just shy of 100 people. From there, I have sold it to bookstores in Sarnia, London, Toronto and Orillia. I sponsored a Halloween party in a haunted house (with my husband) at the Orillia Opera House, on October 31st! 25 teens attended and received a free copy of my book, generously donated by the Kiwanis Club of Orillia. I also performed a reading at the Orillia Public Library and there were 25 people in attendance, the most they’ve had for this kind of event. I just received a glowing review on Allbooks Review International so I share all of this information on my website and facebook pages. And on blogs, like yours 🙂
Is there anything in your book that is based on a real life experience? Yes, I believe all writers have bits and pieces of themselves in their writing. Paige is a part of me,especially the fact that she does not let others mistreat her. She stands up for herself but does it from a place of love.
Why did you feel this book needed to be written? Wake Me Up Inside was written for both genders and it is an homage to those individuals that need to read an empowering, inspirational story to help them in their day to day challenges everyone experiences, at one time or another. Thank you, Lillian, for guest hosting me on Brummet’s Conscious Blog.