Saturday Spotlight - Laura Shinn

Good Morning and Welcome to Another Edition of Saturday Spotlight!

Today's guest is author Laura Shinn with her book, Someone to Watch Over Me; Angels of the Realm series/book 1.

My writing didn't truly begin until I became a junior in high school. A friend encouraged me to write a short story, like the one he was writing, and I gave it a shot. It was a spin-off between Mork and Mindy and Star Wars. Needless to say, my first attempt was pretty bad.

Over the next few years I read like crazy, mostly historical novels. I didn't begin reading contemporaries until I got married several years later. I decided I wanted to write a time travel like the one my favorite author wrote. Constance O'Day Flannery became my first inspiration to become a published author. {Since then I’ve had the honor of meeting and learning from many different authors: Suzanne Brockmann, Madeline Baker, Christine Feehan, Michele Bardsley, Jo Beverley, Rebecca J. Vickery, Rita Hestand and many more.}

I love to read and the desire to write comes to me daily. New ideas for novels pop into my head at the most inconvenient times, in the shower and while driving my car (Oops! You didn't read that one...). The idea that you can create a magical or mysterious world with only the touch of your fingers to a keyboard delights me.

While in college, at Howard Payne University in Brownwood Texas, I majored in English {minored in Art} and wanted desperately to become a published author. I've continued to work on my writing, editing and cover design skills and hope to one day achieve the same level of talent as many of my favorite authors.

I have a wonderful husband, Jay (since 1986) and two boys, Josh (born 1991) and Nathan (born 1998). We currently live south of Fort Worth, TX. We have four dogs, three rescued from the local pound, and a Schnauzer we named Elsie May.

Deep within the forest, David—a Guardian—watches over a hunted child and her mother. David has battled, protected and encouraged human authorities for centuries as an Avenging angel, since the dawn of Earth’s creation. But now he faces a new challenge…and a new problem. How does an Avenging angel under new assignment become a Guardian, and how should he cope with his growing feelings for Sarah, the child’s mother?

Time has run out and a hitman is on their trail. Forced to run, they must find the evidence to protect Nicole before a ruthless killer finds them. Determined to win Sarah’s heart and still maintain his heavenly status, David accompanies them on their quest. Will the Lord allow David, Sarah and Nicole to be a family…a mortal one?

Excerpt: Outside, within the realm of supernatural creatures, David hovered easily as he watched over Nicole. He wasn’t visible at the moment and didn’t need to be. The man, Louis, was a good protector. And Nicole, under his kind attention, progressed at a normal rate. Nicole smiled often and spoke several times a day. David was pleased with her recovery. She deserved so much happiness.

David turned his head in time to see Sarah looking out the kitchen window. His eyes followed her retreating back as she turned away. How he wished he could see beyond the cabin walls as easily as he passed through them. Even angels were given limitations.

Though Sarah was human and needed human contact and love, David’s heart ached nonetheless when he remembered the sweet embrace Sarah shared with Louis. He wished for one brief moment in time to be human as well. A man with a soul and something to offer his beloved. Then it would be possible for him to share Sarah’s life, experience her love and return it wholeheartedly.

However, such was not the case. Nor could it ever be.

David looked up towards the heavens, recognizing the Lord’s voice inside his head. Immediately, he knelt on one knee. The Lord’s words filtered down to him in the instant he spoke.

Prepare for battle. Evil comes with the dawn.

David lowered his head in confirmation and understanding. Earthly evil did not exist on its own. It was conceived and carried out from the minds and will of Satan’s minions. Before the evil men arrived, there would first be a battle in the air. Only the victor there would find victory later at the cabin. Victory was his intention and sworn vow. He would not fail.

Because it was imperative Nicole listen and obey his command, David appeared before the child and spoke calmly, but with authority.

“Go inside. Stay there with your mother and protectors. Leave for no reason until I return. Do this now.”

“Yes, I will,” Nicole answered, entirely too serious for a child her age.

Louis’ head popped up from his position on the ground. Nicole stood over him with her wooden stick, or pretend sword, against his chest. Louis, the bad guy, lay defeated.

Louis smiled and asked, “Will what, Nicole?”

His humor faded quickly when he noticed her attention was focused not on him but on the tops of the forest trees above his head. Who is she speaking to?

Nicole never answered. With the speed of the very young, she turned quickly and, like a shot, ran the twenty-five feet toward the cabin.

Alarmed by the drastic change in her behavior, Louis rolled quickly to his feet and pulled his .45 from his belt holster, following right on her heels. A quick search around them revealed nothing. What spooked Nicole? To his surprise, she quickly closed and locked the door behind him. She looked as cool as a cucumber. What the devil is going on?

To view more of Laura Shinn’s works or cover designs, visit: http://laurashinn.com/


This novel available at the following locations:
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/11287 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Someone-Watch-Over-Me-Angels/dp/1451559070/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271519689&sr=1-2

Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Someone-to-Watch-over-Me/Laura-Shinn/e/9781451559071/?itm=4&USRI=Laura+Shinn

Look for more spotlights on Laura and her books in the future!

Until later...take care & be Blessed!
PamT