A Daughter's Curse by C. J. Davidson (VBT, guest post, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

It is my pleasure to share a guest post from author C.J. Davidson, who shares the answer to my question...


ELF: What scares you the most or makes you the happiest about writing?

CJD: It is possible to be scared and happy at the same time when you write. When I first came up with the fantasy world contained in the book, it wasn’t as the plot for a novel. I created the mystical world years ago to escape a difficult childhood. It is my belief that on one should have to feel unsafe, living life on the edge, wondering when they are going to get attacked. Sleeping with one eye open is the worst feeling in the world. Fear that catches in your throat paralyzes your whole body. Living life like that hurts, and it comes with consequences. I know.

Obviously, when I write about something that has affected me profoundly, it is not painless. Emotions are high during the writing process, and it is not easy for me to dig up a past that has been buried in the back of my mind for so long. When I put bits and pieces of my life out there for the world to see, the brick wall that was protecting me has fallen. That is the scary part, because I can’t help but feel a bit naked. I am showing my true self: what I went through, what my thoughts were, and so on. The book demonstrates how relatable the fantasy world I created is to real life scenarios today: The bad character who abuses, the mother who is scared to leave, the daughter (Brisnay) who wants to leave but won’t leave her mother behind, and a forbidden love.

On the other hand, you have the rewards. See, I write with a purpose. I dedicated this book to those affected by domestic violence in hopes of getting a message across to them: Imagination is a powerful thing. When I get the emails with encouraging words or private messages on Facebook thanking me for being an inspiration in their lives, I feel that my book is serving a purpose. Tears of happiness roll down my cheeks when I read them.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, (and I say victim, because at this point, you are going through it) don’t just let it happen. Use whatever means you must to help you cope and escape. Personally, I used imagination and held onto hope. That was all I could do back then.

So, my question to you is: Are you a victim? Or are you a survivor?

Fight to be a survivor, not a victim.

Be Brisnay, a walking symbol for change.

***********************




A Daughter's Curse

by C. J. Davidson

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Teen, Young Adult, Fantasy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

When Brisnay discovers that she is a part of a fantasy world and meets Nickolaus, her miserable life takes a turn for the better. A world where anything is possible becomes her refuge and sparks fly between her and Nickolaus. Just when she thinks she knows everything about the realm she was thrust into, she uncovers shocking truths that rattle her to the core. 

Betrayal. Hate. Envy. Deceit. Vengeance. Retribution. These are some of the things that Brisnay must face to fight a powerful, unknown enemy who is out to destroy her and strip her of the powers she's rightfully inherited. 

Brisnay realizes that she has no choice but to take a stand and must get revenge by fighting for the right to love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

  

She hugged her rib where her father had kicked her. Reality slammed against her face. She suddenly felt emotionally worn down and fragile, like a snowflake on the verge of being broken down and ceasing to exist. For some reason, she felt like she had to be honest. She didn’t want to keep anything from Nickolaus. And, if he didn’t like it or didn’t understand, then it wasn’t meant to be.

She looked up into Nickolaus’s eyes and saw nothing but understanding and sincerity. She felt compelled to tell him everything. “It’s my father…” she started.

And she told Nickolaus everything—from the way she worked like a dog to her abusive father to how they constantly moved. When she was finished, she was almost crying with relief that she had someone to share all her pain with. Someone other than Dulce to lean on. She felt as if a weight had been lifted off her chest. She didn’t realize that keeping everything in had been weighing her down.

“I do not know what to say,” said Nickolaus, a look of shock on his face. “But how could this happen to you?”

Before Brisnay knew it, Nickolaus had scooted closer to her, pulled her toward him, and tightly hugged her. She felt the tears swelling in her eyes. She honestly couldn’t remember the last time someone had hugged her. She tried to swallow back the tears, but she couldn’t stop. She felt her whole body relax, and a sob choked out, even as she tried to stop herself from crying. The tears were from years and years of suffering and keeping this to herself.

Amazon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Today, I am married and have four children. Their names are Dluce, Marin, Carlos, and Isabella. I work as Branch Manager at a financial institution. I couldn't be happier with what I have accomplished so far.

My next step is to somehow help those affected by domestic violence. What hurts the most, is when children are in the middle of it. It is my belief that no one should have to feel unsafe, living life on the edge, wondering when they are going to get hurt. Sleeping with one eye open is the worst feeling in the world. Fear that catches in your throat paralyzes your whole body. Living life like that hurts and it comes with consequences. I know.

Facebook

Website

**************************

GIVEAWAY


a Rafflecopter giveaway


The tour dates can be found here