Friday, October 7, 2011

MEET MARY "MONTI" SIKES ... AUTHOR AND ARTIST

Hi everyone,


If you are looking for the Rule of 3 entry, please click here.

Today it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to a talented author and artist Monti Sikes. If you have never been to visit Monti you have missed so much. She travels the globe for inspiration for her novels and art. Her latest, JUNGLE JEOPARDY takes place in Antigua and the Jungles of Nicaragua. Fascinating. 


I chose bright colored type today to coordinate with the book ... It's soooo tropical!


Here is what Monti has to say about her new book ...



For the Love of Adventure –Background for Jungle Jeopardy
"About this time last year, my publisher asked me if I’d ever been to Costa Rica and could I write a book set there? She had another author with a book set in Costa Rica that she planned to launch at the Public Safety Writers Conference in Las Vegas in July 2011. She wanted mine to come out then as well. I told her I could do it, but although I agreed I had no idea what the story line would be. I only knew that it would be the fifth book in my “Passenger to Paradise” series.
As New Year’s Day 2011 came and went, I still had not started my new book with the Costa Rica setting. I wasn’t sure what I would do or who my characters would be. Then I started thinking about how much I loved Dana and Clifton, the heroine and hero from Secrets by the Sea, my gothic paranormal story set on the Caribbean Island of Antigua. I started thinking what if Clifton were compelled to head to Costa Rica because of Dana? What if he were still looking for the Brasher Doubloon, the priceless gold coin from Secrets by the Sea? What if Costa Rica was not the final destination? What if Clifton and Dana both wound up somewhere else in an adventure story remindful in some ways of Indiana Jones? The story that I dragged my feet to write became exciting and compelling. I drew in the Maya ruins of Central America. After all, I’d created a series of huge acrylic paintings on that subject and was excited to learn more about the Maya culture. Each day I could hardly wait to dive into my story again. The characters had taken over, and I never knew from one day to the next where the story was going. I kept on writing and completed my book just in time for the late May deadline.
Jungle Jeopardy was born, and I loved it. This is an adventure story unlike anything I’ve written before. A character I brought into the story with the intention of creating a villain became a likable individual I intend to include in future books. I can see possibilities for two sequels to Jungle Jeopardy. One book I plan to set in St. Martin. The other will probably be a return to Central America."
Living in the middle of an adventure with danger looming from every side is an exciting lifestyle. I’m happy to be a part of it.
Mary Montague Sikes

My take on Mary's novel is one of intrigue. From the beginning the reader is catapulted into the mixd of a murder, a priceless coin, and a questionable romance. "How will it all end?" is one of the first questions I had asked. 

With tension oozing from every word, the reader is rewarded with lush locations, an exciting mystery, and a love story. Who could ask for anything more ... right? So click on the link below and order your copy. 



Now how would you all like to take a look at Monti's amazing art work? I was awed by the gorgeous colors and vibrancy of the works.

Here are just of few pics of her creations.





Thanks for dropping by everyone and if you haven't read my entry for the RULE OF 3 please scroll down. I'd LOVE to know what you think.


Have a great weekend everyone!

23 comments:

Ciara said...

I'm intrigued. i love stories where you get into the mind of a murderer. Love the art work, too.

VR Barkowski said...

I love psychological thrillers and exotic settings, so JUNGLE JEOPARDY sounds fabulous. But the art? Wow. Amazing colors and each piece drew me in and made me feel as if something earth-shattering were going on just off stage.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Michael,

Thank you so much for featuring me on your blog. It has been amazing to get to know you and your writing through the world of blogging!!!

Writing an adventure story was more fun than I ever thought it might be. It was also fun to watch characters invented several years ago change and grow.

Ciara, thank you for your comments. I love connecting writing with art.

Thank you VR Barkowski for your comments. I'm planning to connect some art shows with book signings which should be fun.

Monti
NotesAlongTheWay

K. M. Walton said...

Beautiful artwork.

Since you're in my campaign group, you've been Spotlighted over at my blog :)

http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thank you, K. M. I just visited your blog and saw Michael in the spotlight! Great fun and YA book promo.

Monti
NotesAlongTheWay

Michael Di Gesu said...

It's my pleasure to have you on my blog today Monti. It's so nice to have another author/artist. There are so few of us.

Ciara,

Thanks for stopping by.

VR,

You will certainly enjoy this novel.

KM,

Thanks for dropping by and featuring me on you blog today.

Anna Taylor Sweringen said...

Great interview. Can't wait to read it.

Anna T.S.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thank you, Anna. Looking forward to learning what folks think.

Monti
NotesAlongTheWay

Shannon Lawrence said...

The artwork is surreal and hauntingly beautiful. As for the book, sounds exciting! And who can argue with such a lush setting?

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Shannon! Hope you will read my book and comment on it!

Monti
NotesAlongTheWay

mshatch said...

love the cover and Mary's work.

Sarah Tokeley said...

What beautiful artwork. I think the last one is my favourite.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Ana,

It's great to see you.


The book is exciting Shannon. You'll really enjoy it.


Hi, Marcy,

The art work really is amazing...


I love the last one too, Sarah.

Unknown said...

Jungle Jeopardy sounds like a wonderful adventure. I just hope your sequels turn out as good as the original. I might just look into this one.

Draven Ames

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thank you, mshatch, Sarah, and Michael for comments about the art. The last painting, "Portal to Forever," has won several awards in art shows. Interesting you picked that out. The top painting is actually a detail from a 4 by 6 foot acrylic painting.

Thanks, Draven for your comment. Jungle Jeopardy is different from the other books because it's most focused on the adventure.

Monti

Anonymous said...

Very cool art -- almost impressionistic.

Unknown said...

What an amazingly colourful cover! I also really like the title font.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Draven,

Thanks for stopping by. IT is an exciting adventure.

Hey, Milo,

Yes, that's what I love about the art too.


Hi, Rachel,

I couldn't agree more. The cover is awesome.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Milo and Rachel, for your nice positive comments about the art. I love French Impression, so I may be forever linked there.

Thanks, Michael, for the compliments!!!

Monti

Karen McCullough said...

Beautiful artwork, great cover, story sounds like great fun.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Karen for your visit and for your comments!

Monti

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thank you again, Michael, for having me as your guest this weekend on your very special blog site. May lovely weather and glorious adventure fill your life for the remainder of the fall!

All the best,
Monti

Talli Roland said...

Love the bright colours, and the novel sounds fantastic! Monti, thanks for visiting Michael's blog. Michael, thanks for hosting! :)