debra anastasia

Poughkeepsie Enhanced Collectors Edition App Tour by Debra Anatasia

Welcome to the Poughkeepsie Enhanced Collector’s Edition App Tour! 
Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia has been a cult hit bestseller since 2011. A homeless guy counting the smiles of a kind train commuter spiraled into a novel that was nominated by the Rockstars of Romance as one of the most romantic stories ever and won 2nd place! It was a story that deserved getting a jumbo-sized enhancement. Extra scenes out the ying yang was, of course, a huge part of the fun. Getting to spend some of those previously undiscovered first moments with Blake and Livia or the moment he proposed was worth exploring. In Debra’s wildest dreams she imagined Poughkeepsie with its own soundtrack, anchored by her favorite musicians. When blockbuster talent Ron Pope signed on with fourteen songs and then Rustic Overtones agreed as well, she knew things were going to get crazy cool. 
After almost two full years of development, the Enhanced Poughkeepsie is ready. Debra lost count of the hours spent, as did the developer poured into this. It was beast, and more amazing than she could have ever imagined. This app became the most exceptional reading experience Debra could devise for her readers. 
Check out what’s in store for you:

This app is available for all kinds of devices!
Enhanced Poughkeepsie for iPad
Enhanced Poughkeepsie for iPhone (link to come)
Enhanced Poughkeepsie for Android (link to come)
Enhanced Poughkeepsie for ePub (on your computer) (link to come)
Immerse yourself in the world of Debra Anastasia’s Poughkeepsie.
Experience this bestselling novel for the first time…again as you break all the rules about books with Omnific Publishing and Debra Anastasia. In this enhanced version of the novel, you’ll enjoy insights from the author, music by Ron Pope and other artists to set the mood, and images and video that bring the scenes to life as you read. You’ll delve deeper into the world of Poughkeepsie through nearly 50,000 words of added scenes (more love, more drama, more romance!) and informative insights into how this marvelous story and its characters came to be. 
Self-contained in this app (no wifi needed after downloading):
•complete novel Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
•author/director’s pop-up commentary
•music by Ron Pope, Rustic Overtones, Monoxide G, Violet Winter, Bo Heart, and Jeff Epstein and the City Line Singers
•more than 100 images to enhance the story
•videos of your favorite characters in action
•special animation
•sound effects
•interviews with the characters, author, and more
•interactive games
•trailers for the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood series
•how-to knitting instructions
•how-to instructions for making a paper rose
•recipe for the dinner Livia makes for Blake
A drop in the Ocean… That’s what this idea was when it started. A seed in a crazy brain. Debra Anastasia took an impossible thought and ran with it. What an ingenious way to approach reading in general, and what a way for us to read an amazing story.
It’s no secret that I loved this series and it’s no secret I kind of like the author, I mean she is kinda cool. These books affected my life in a way not many others have. Yes. This series has affected my life. This is one of the best interpretations of human connections and humanity that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It’s different and heartfelt. I fell in love with each of the brothers for different reasons. I want someone to count my smiles, I want someone to write me love letters, and I want someone to fight for me. I want to feel the connection, the love… this series is amazing. I never thought it was possible to love it more. Until now…
An app, really? I’m a bit old-school. I love the feeling of holding a book in my hands. I love the way a book smells. So I was leery. Until the night of release. I opened this thing like it was Christmas morning. I was so excited. I had zero idea what to expect. What did I get? This app is amazing. Brilliant. Seriously, I love to read and always have, this takes reading to a new level. I now have an interactive experience with my characters and my book boyfriends? Whoa. I now get to read the words of my favorite author while listening to the words that inspired her? The music? I loved the music. The music makes me feel every word in a new relatable way. The insight from the author about each of the characters… I’ve fallen in love all over again. After seeing the intricacies of this woman’s brain, I’ve no doubt any crazy idea she comes up with, I will be in the front row screaming “do it!!”

Hi guys! I’m so excited to introduce you to Oscar Del Amor. He’s a talented musician who has agreed to answer a few questions for me. On a side note, when Mr. Del Amor agreed to be a part of the Poughkeepsie Enhanced Edition I screamed like a monkey. His voice has been in the air while I’ve been writing many, many Poughkeepsie scenes. He’s a go to artist for Beckett Taylor’s point of view. 
Debra: Oscar, I came to find you through your song Abuse Me by Violet Winter. I was thrilled to discover you’re tremendously well rounded when it comes to preforming many different genres. Do you have a favorite?
Oscar: My favorite genre is the one I’m working on currently. I always get so involved with my projects I often get immersed. I’ve listening to a lot of house music recently.
Debra: I know you’re working on a new album, what can you share with my readers about it?
Oscar: Yes, It’s going to be a sweet love EP. In February of 2013 I wrote about thirty songs that really embodied the initial concept of “Oscar del Amor” and I’m going to put out three of them. They’re sweet tunes wrapped up with modern electronics.
Debra: When you get inspired to make music and you’re not in a place where you can experiment with the tune, what do you do? (Sometimes I have to write scenes on my phone waiting in school parking lots for my kids!)
Oscar: I always record songs on the voice recorder on my iPhone, I must have a zillions badly hummed melodies in there!
Debra: When did you realize you wanted to be a musician? 
Oscar: I must have been about fourteen when I first picked up the guitar. My classmates and I would joke about the bands we were going to be in. But it wasn’t until I was about fifteen that a friend invited me to join his band, and I’ve been on the journey since. 
Debra: While viewing your video, it occurred to me that you’re able to convey very real feelings to your audience. Is there a level of acting required when creating and preforming music? 
Oscar: Yes, I like to perform my material in a way that depicts the emotion behind the song. So, sometimes I’ve to dig deep for those feelings.
Here’s Oscar’s info:
Thank you so much, Oscar. I really appreciate your time. And a big thank you to Jennifer and Cara and all the girls at The Book Avenue for partying with me today.

Blog Tour: Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Title: Return to Poughkeepsie
Author: Debra Anastasia

Beckett Taylor is a murderer. His calling, his craft are destruction and intimidation—whether he wants it that way now or not. He left Poughkeepsie to keep his brothers safe, to keep Eve safe. Set up with happy lives to live, they’re better off without him, right?

But all his willpower crumbles when he hears his brother Blake’s frantic voice on the phone. An unknown enemy has moved in on his old territory, and Livia’s been taken. In an instant, Beckett knows it will take an attack only he and Eve can execute to bring her back. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, perhaps along with the new man he’s struggled to become.
“Brother, call Eve. I’ll be there soon.” 
In this emotional and action-packed sequel to Poughkeepsie, Debra Anastasia conjures a tale of love at its most raw and ragged. With Beckett and Eve, how could we expect anything less? But even when it’s messy, not magical, true love perseveres. Real love finds a way—for better or for worse until death does part.

~ What were you like in school?
I was talkative. I did my work and tried really hard but I got in trouble for being social at the wrong times. I was even spanked by a nun!

~ When did you decide to become a writer?
I think I always wanted to be one but the perfect storm of a computer, the internet and readers didn’t happen until 2009. At that moment I sat down and figured if I tried it and anyone liked it, it would be a fun hobby.

~ Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the leads for the Poughkeepsie Series?
That’s a tough question because I have actors that are too old in mind. Blake would be Robert Pattinson, Livia would be Lucy Griffiths. I’d love Eve to be played by Jennifer Morrison. I’d just love Kellen Lutz as Beckett too!

~ Do you read much, if so who are your favorite authors?
I love reading. My favorite authors are the ones that can grab you on those first few pages. JK Rowling, Dan Brown, John Grisham, E.L. James.

~ If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
I love, love the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning. The females in that world are so fantastic. I’m proud when I read about a lady that can take care of herself.

~ What is your favorite quote?
“If you’re not having a good time it’s your own damn fault.” By my grandfather. He rocked.

~ Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
I’m loving this Rainbow Loom thing my daughter has. I’m spending way too much time watching youtube and making little rubber band animals. I also love to knit!

~ What is one thing about you that most people don’t know?
That I majored in Political Science in college with every intention of becoming the President of the United Stated.

~ What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m so very close to releasing a crazy, groundbreaking Enhanced Collector’s Edition of Poughkeepsie in App form. I’m excited. The music, videos, interviews and how-to instructions for various Poughkeepsie-themed crafts are embedded inside. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done professionally.

~ Anything else you want us to know?

That you are adorable and women are rock stars.

~ I read some where that Poughkeepsie started as a fanfic, would you tell us about that?
Fanfiction is where I very proudly got my start. It was the most exceptional place to learn how to write. I miss it being a part of my everyday

Lady Boner. Who has a lady boner for this series? THIS GIRL!!!!
Seriously, if you know me, you know it’s true. I kinda have a girl crush on Debra Anastasia. She totally rocks my world. In Poughkeepsie, she didn’t give us one book boyfriend, she gave us three!! Did you hear me? I said she gave us THREE! Three amazingly sexy, hot book boyfriends. Now if you truly know me in real life, you also know I have a penchant for the sexy alpha male, bad boy with tattoos and piercings. That man kind of makes my lady parts tingle.
What… what??? I’ve never been shy! Oh, you all want a review? What can I say? I FREAKING LOVED this book!!! Five stars!!!!! Why you ask?
When does a scar become a tattoo?
Yes, let that sink in… When does a scar, become a tattoo?
There is something amazingly beautiful about this book. Shut it. Yes, I said there is something amazingly beautiful about this book. Beautiful, I tell you. We are presented with a man who is so wrong in so many ways. He’s done the worst things imaginable. He is a person we shouldn’t love. He’s a murder, a criminal, a douche. He’s intimidating. He uses people…
He also has a heart of gold. Heart of flipping gold. **insert major SWOON here**
Yep, I’m in love. He never got the chance to say all the things he wanted to say. Beckett Taylor is charming. He’s scary. He’s loyal. He’s funny. He’s got a way with words. Whitebread will forever make me smile (read the book and you will get it). He’s sexy, incredibly sexy, he’s raw, and oh so sexy. Did I mention he’s sexy? He’s broken. He’s demolished on the inside. He loves his family. He loves his family. (Yep, I said that twice for dramatic effect).

“He does life wrong, for all of the right reasons.”

What defines family? I can totally post Webster’s definition here, but it means zero. Family is love. Period. Finite. No one can describe or tell someone else what family is. This family is about three brothers.
This story is about one man, a bad man. It’s about him giving his life for his family. He leaves them, believing they are better off without him, believing he is protecting them. His anger and guilt crippling him. Do you run from a member of your family when they feel that they don’t deserve you? Or do you realize you need them as much as they need you?
This book changed me. I rode this roller coaster at least twice, reading it. This was a poignant story. It kinda rocked my world. Who wants to die alone? Who wants their scars to be hidden? Who wants to be afraid and be numb?
I want to talk so much about it, but I refuse to give the story away.
Debra has an amazing talent for making the ugly parts of life beautiful. She does it with grace and charm. She has an ability to force us to look at life and question what we thought we knew to be true. Sometimes, we need to see the rest of the story. Occasionally, loving the bad guy is everything that you’ve missed, and the only thing that makes you, and your life real. It wakes you from your dream.
Or maybe it takes you further in…. and again I ask, when does your scar become your tattoo?
Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There’s dinner, the dogs, the two kids, the two kids, and her ongoing battle with…ahem… digestive issues, which combined with her adolescent boy sense of humor makes for colorful and sometimes cringe-worthy social media updates. Her first love and crowning achievement is her thriving career as the weirdest mom on the block.
Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when–along with the animals and humans in her house–the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra’s ear. Insomnia was the gateway to plots that wouldn’t give up, wouldn’t let go. Now they stalk her everywhere. Halfway through making lunches, a twist takes hold and–fingers full of peanut butter–she finds somewhere, anywhere to write it down.
She’s eternally grateful to Omnific Publishing, which has now published four of her books: two in the Seraphim Series and two in the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series, as well as her novella, Late Night with Andres. That one is special because 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (So go get it right now, please!) She also very much appreciates her open-minded readers, who embrace everything she has to offer, with a focus on anti-heroes and bathroom humor.Debra lives in Maryland with her family. You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared.