Title:  Discover the Magic within you to believe in yourself. In writing my Actual Magic series for Young Adults, I drew upon people I loved and feared to create some of my favorite characters. Here’s an excerpt: “You will learn that the way you think holds the key to all things magic.  Have the courage to imagine only great things.  By pushing your minds far beyond what you already understand, you will discover what is yet to be.” Mondragon took his place next to her.  “Good

Just in time for Saint Valentine’s Day! An excerpt from: A MYSTERY’S COLLECTION OF LOVE SPELLS, MYSTICAL CHARMS, & NOT TOO UNPLEASANT POTIONS From the diary of Shellaire Lombard A Footprint Binding Love Spell Find a good footprint left behind by your heart’s desire. Place your foot beside it, making a matching footprint. Meaning: If you have his left footprint, you make a footprint using your right foot. Using a small garden shovel, carefully dig up both footprints, and place

“Can I help you ladies find something?”  A low male voice, definitely older and full of authority, rasped from behind Lilly. Startled, she jumped and whipped around to locate the source of the voice.  The man’s stern gaze made her feel guilty, though she knew she’d done nothing wrong.  “Um….” A slight smile twitched at the corners of the man’s narrow mouth, and then his face grew serious again.  Tall and pale, he wore an ill-fitting, out-of-fashion, black mourning suit, which

Morgann Janeway-Banks-Skaggs-Noble refused to look at the motorcycle cop handing her driver’s license, car registration, and proof of insurance in through the Jaguar’s window.  She had a strange hunch if she caught his gaze he would know she was hiding something. She was hiding something.  Her newest husband, Randolph Noble, was locked in a box under her bed at home. The officer liked her husband.  He didn’t like her.  And he was making his feelings toward her very clear in a

Rounding the corner, they proceeded down a long, narrow, dimly lit corridor.  The farther they walked, the narrower and darker it became. Concerned, Lilly slowed her pace.  She knew there were good reasons for rules.  And even better reasons to follow them.  “Maybe we should head back and go the long way around.” “It’s okay, we’re almost there.”  Zymura pressed forward and encouraged Lilly to follow. Even with the shortcut, Lilly knew they couldn’t possibly be close to the li

Something brushed past Lilly from behind.  “What was that?” “What was what?” “I felt something.  Zymura, I think someone’s here with us,” she whispered. “Lilly, that’s crazy.  What the…?  Ouch!” Panic twisted Lilly’s stomach.  “What’s happening?  Are you all right?” A sharp click was followed by a short, thin squeak. “I’m good.  Finally.  Okay, we’re in.”  Zymura’s voice held a tone of satisfaction with a hint of impatience.  She pushed the door inward with a sigh of what sou

A hand shot out, grabbed Lilly by the shoulders, and slammed her back hard against the metal wall of folded bleachers. The resulting clang echoed throughout the crowded gymnasium. Everyone turned and stared. Lilly found herself standing face to face with a very pretty girl with a pointy nose, a long, shiny black ponytail, and a nasty smile. “Who do you think you are dancing with my Murosky like that?”  The girl arched one sharply angled eyebrow and curled her upper lip into a

From behind her, Lilly heard the sharp snap of someone stepping on a twig.  Her body tingled a warning.  She turned and stood silent and still for a long moment examining the shadows.  Though she couldn’t understand exactly how she knew, Lilly had the uneasy feeling they were being watched. Zymura stood next to her, her eyes searching the darkness.  She looked nervous.  “Let’s go,” she said urgently.  She took Lilly’s elbow and steered her toward their destination. “You feel

Flirting With A Demon In writing my Actual Magic series for Young Adults, Lilly Noble & Actual Magic, I’ve always found people to be amazingly interesting, and the interest they generate keeps me forever curious to see what they will do next.  See if you can figure out exactly why I included this scene in Lilly Noble & Actual Magic. Here’s an excerpt: As the boat neared the breakwater, Lilly sensed someone’s stare.  She glanced up. The handsome boy with the wavy black hair an