Friday 26 July 2013

Blogger Book Fair Day 5 - the last day :(

Todayis the last day  of the Blogger Book Fair (click here to see the directory of everyone taking part). So sad.

Today I have Allie Jean on my blog.

Taking That Step by Allie Jean

Our Wittegen Press Giveaway Games is still open and will be for the whole BBF. You have to do things like comment and follow for lots of chances to win.

The Wittegen Press Blogger Book Fair eBook Giveaway

I'm still not above begging either :), if you like my books, please consider voting for them over at the BBF Reader's Choice Awards. Thank you.

In the Erotica Category:


In the Fantasy-New Adult Category:


In the Fantasy-Young Adult (2) category:


Of course all the posts from the first and second days are still here as well in case you missed them :)

The posts I am hosting:

Day 4: Second Chances... To Become by Allyson Lindt

Day 3: Drako's Experience

Day 2: Tentacles by Eva LeFoy

Day 1: Horror Writing - Or Writing About Happy Families In Fiction by Eileen Sharp

Day 1: The Twin Perils of Writing - Sophie's PoV

My posts guest:

Day 4: The Great Things About Genre Fiction at Feeding My Lovely Addiction or
The Great Things About Genre Fiction at AllieJean.net

Day 2: The Wonders of Romance

Day 2: Women in Publishing 

Day 1: The Twin Perils of Writing - Tasha's PoV - this is the sister post of Soph's post linked above over on her blog Sophie's Thoughts and Fumbles

Day 1: The Joys of Freebie Titles over at Drakosden

Blogger Book Fair - Allie Jean - Taking That Step

Today I'd like to welcome Allie Jean to my blog as part of the Blogger Book Fair. Don't forget to visit her links and check out her books once you've read her post.
Taking That Step

By Allie Jean

This year at the Blogger Book Fair, we focus on traveling to faraway places. I’ve had the pleasure of making a special journey yet in an abstract way.

When I was little, I had a hobby. I created elaborate stories. I even had my sisters act them out for friends and neighbors in small plays in our front yard. They’d all call me bossy (still do sometimes) but when it came to my characters, everything had to be as I saw it in my mind.
Later in life, my story telling took on a little different avenue. Instead of writing my own tales, my mind would continue the stories of some of my favorite books. Let’s face it; no one likes it when a cherished series comes to an end.
My family and I lost a son in 2009. In the aftermath, I felt myself falling into a depression. The what-ifs and self-doubt dug a huge hole that I didn’t know if I could climb out of. Writing became my saving grace.
Instead of internalizing all of the emotions circling through my heart, I focused them into my characters, starting the first chapters of my Dreamer series. It had been an idea I’d been sitting on for a while, and the tragedy of loss propelled me into it.
Through my hobby of writing, I’d met a group of girlfriends who became my support. They challenged me and were my biggest fans. One of them heard of a writing contest offered through The Writer’s Coffee Shop called the Original Romance Contest. The winner would be offered a publishing contract through the house, and my friends encouraged me to enter.
The moments leading up to the announcement were some of the most excruciating I could remember. First of all, my family had no clue that I wrote at all, let alone that I had entered a contest. I seem to recall my husband thinking I’d finally jumped off the deep end when I told him about it. Yet I’d taken that step, that leap, and finally put myself out there for the judgment of others. Nail biting my way through two manicures, I awaited the results.
Now, part of me knew that there was probably a very slim chance that I’d done anything but reveal myself as a secret writer to my family, having failed at obtaining that coveted contract. But when the email came in that they wanted my manuscript I was elated. Over the moon!
My road to publication may be a bit unconventional, but I think there is a moral to my story. To all of those writers out there, secret and screaming in the streets: Don’t Stop Writing!!!! Keep your characters alive, even if it’s just for a small audience. Don’t give up and put yourself out there. I love to write and getting the opportunity to put my stories out there has been a blessing.
Plus, my kids think it’s really cool. 






Legacy of a Dreamer (Dreamer #1)


Chantal Breelan’s past is a mystery, and her future is even more uncertain. She can’t recall why she had been taken from her parents, leaving an empty hole where her childhood should have been. When she awakens from her nightmares, she’s left with terrible, violent images and believes something may have happened to her that her mind tries to forget. One night at a subway station, Chantal meets a young boy who flees to a dark subway tunnel, and she’s compelled to follow him. But this Rabbit Hole reveals a world where reality is everything her nightmares have been forewarning. Mathias is a descendant of an ancient being and beholden to wage an unfathomable war against an primordial evil, spawned by greed and spite. A powerful fighter, he and his brethren of Warriors vow guard the most precious, piercing light against the darkness – the females of their kind. The Warriors' pledge is to find and protect their sisters and kin. Long have they fought, shedding sweat and blood, hoping that their struggles are not in vain. Yet in his sacrifice and service he may find life’s ultimate reward – a love to surpass all time.




Dreams of the Cursed (Dreamer #2)



A violent war has waged in secret underneath the notice of humanity since the beginning of time. Evil has pledged the destruction of humanity in spite of a power those that covet it could not possibly contain. Now, The Warriors have inherited this fight and are honor bound to rid the world of this ancient malevolence. By guarding the most precious, piercing light they possess – their female kin known as the Oracles – the Warriors have a chance against the darkness. Chantal Breelan has suffered from horrific nightmares for most of her life, believing something to be wrong with her to have such visions of destruction. But when creatures of terror came crawling out of the shadows to hunt her down shortly after her eighteenth birthday, she discovered the truth. Her dreams became reality, throwing her head first into a battle wrought by cursed monsters, where death and torture lie at every turn. Mathias is a descendant of a Fallen Angel and a powerful Warrior. He vows his life in service to pay recompense for the sins of their fathers by guarding Chantal from within the shadows. With Chantal’s life in danger, he’d been forced to reveal himself, yet she had managed to surprise him with her fierce tenacity and strength. Now, Chantal has picked up the reigns of her birthright and stands by her Warrior kin, by Mathias. She’s on a mission to rescue others like herself. Yet in this challenge a battle of wits is exposed. New players are discovered, throwing strategies into question. When the truth comes to light, can Chantal hold her band of brothers together, or will they crumble under the weight of betrayal?



Allie Jean was born with an overactive imagination. She spent her childhood inventing stories and telling tales. Her mind never shut down, even while she slept. Vivid dreams containing extensive, elaborate plot lines of good overcoming evil villains captured her nightly visions, lingering into her waking hours and filling the pages of her well-loved bounded diaries. She was encouraged by her parents, even at a young age, to write down her tales, and it has remained a somewhat secret hobby. As a busy wife, mother and critical care nurse, Allie’s love of storytelling has been reborn through the adventures of her unforgettable characters.
Connect with Allie Jean
Email   Email
Pinterest Pinterest

Thursday 25 July 2013

Blogger Book Fair day 4

So we have made it to day 4 of the Blogger Book Fair (click here to see the directory of everyone taking part). I hope you are all still enjoying the ride.

Today I have Allyson Lindt on my blog.

Second Chances... to Become by Allyson Lindt

And I am guest posting on Allie Jean's blogs:

The Great Things About Genre Fiction at Feeding My Lovely Addiction
The Great Things About Genre Fiction at AllieJean.net

Our Wittegen Press Giveaway Games is still open and will be for the whole BBF. You have to do things like comment and follow for lots of chances to win.

The Wittegen Press Blogger Book Fair eBook Giveaway

I'm still not above begging either :), if you like my books, please consider voting for them over at the BBF Reader's Choice Awards. Thank you.

In the Erotica Category:


In the Fantasy-New Adult Category:


In the Fantasy-Young Adult (2) category:


Of course all the posts from the first and second days are still here as well in case you missed them :)

The posts I am hosting:

Day 3: Drako's Experience

Day 2: Tentacles by Eva LeFoy

Day 1: Horror Writing - Or Writing About Happy Families In Fiction by Eileen Sharp

Day 1: The Twin Perils of Writing - Sophie's PoV

My posts guest:

Day 2: The Wonders of Romance

Day 2: Women in Publishing 

Day 1: The Twin Perils of Writing - Tasha's PoV - this is the sister post of Soph's post linked above over on her blog Sophie's Thoughts and Fumbles

Day 1: The Joys of Freebie Titles over at Drakosden

Blogger Book Fair - Allyson Lindt - Second Chances... To Become

Today I'd like to welcome Allyson Lindt to my blog as part of the Blogger Book Fair. Don't forget to visit her website and check out her book once you've read her post.

Second Chances… To Become

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a desire to create. I’ve always wanted to be an artist of some sort. Or maybe own my own coffee shop – okay, I haven’t always wanted that, but it’s still a pleasant dream.

Throughout the years, I’ve tried so many different mediums. When I was maybe four, I wrote a short story, and I was lauded with praise, but since I couldn’t actually write (I dictated this story to my mother and she typed it up. On a typewriter. Yup, I’m that old.)

I never really had a knack for music. I loved photography, but even though I got the technical details, I don’t have the eye it takes to frame a breath-taking shot. Painting was fun. So, so much fun. But the images in my head never translated well to paper.

Then I tried my hand at writing again. Giving it that second chance was a rush that gripped me by the brain and hasn’t let go since. Which is probably part of the reason an underlying theme in so many of my stories is people trying to figure out their place in life.

Have you ever had a second chance to be something that resides at your very core? How did you know?

Summary & Link for Conflict Of Interest
http://blog.apathyshero.com/p/conflict-of-interest.html

Kenzie propositions a sexy stranger in a coffee shop to prove to herself she’s capable of taking a risk. She doesn’t expect him to be sitting across from her the following Monday as her newest client. Even worse, she can’t stop thinking about what might have happened between them on a personal level if it weren’t for their professional relationship. He knows how to push her buttons, and she doesn’t want him to stop.

Scott has built his software company from the ground up to escape things like stuffy old men telling him how to behave, so he loathes his board of directors ordering him to make the public forget he doesn’t have a verbal filter. When his new publicity manager is the almost-fling he never expected to see again, he seizes the opportunity to have fun and still pretend he’s complying with the board’s edict.

Giving in to desire could mean both their jobs, but each “one last time” always leads to another. Now they have to decide what they’re willing to sacrifice to indulge this conflict of interest.

Check out Chapter 1 For Free:
http://blog.apathyshero.com/p/conflict-of-interest-sneak-peek.html

Buy Conflict Of Interest at the following links:
Liquid Silver Books
Amazon: US | UK
Kobo
Barnes and Noble

Find Allyson Lindt
Website: http://allysonlindt.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allyson-Lindt/116062025108551
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllysonLindt
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7024176.Allyson_Lindt
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/allysonlindt

About Allyson Lindt

Allyson Lindt is a full-time database developer and a fuller-time contemporary romance author. She was lucky enough to marry her muse and soul mate. Their cats are their children, and when they’re not spending way too much time gaming, they’re building new worlds together. She loves a sexy happily-ever-after and helping deserving cubicle dwellers find their futures together

Wednesday 24 July 2013

Blogger Book Fair - Welcome to Day 3

Greetings and welcome to the third day of the Blogger Book Fair (click here to see the directory of everyone taking part). We're halfway through now :)

Today I am hosting Drako and his post is right over here (apologies for this being wrong earlier - that will teach me to cut and paste!):

Drako's Experience by the lovely Drako from Drako's Den

Our Wittegen Press Giveaway Games is still open and will be for the whole BBF.

The Wittegen Press Blogger Book Fair eBook Giveaway

Just click and follow the instructions for your chance to win an eBook bundle you're definitely going to like.

Also, if you like my books, please consider voting for them over at the BBF Reader's Choice Awards.

In the Erotica Category:


In the Fantasy-New Adult Category:


In the Fantasy-Young Adult (2) category:


Of course all the posts from the first and second days are still here as well in case you missed them :)

The posts I am hosting:

Day 2: Tentacles by Eva LeFoy

Day 1: Horror Writing - Or Writing About Happy Families In Fiction by Eileen Sharp

Day 1: The Twin Perils of Writing - Sophie's PoV

My posts guest:

Day 2: The Wonders of Romance

Day 2: Women in Publishing 

Day 1: The Twin Perils of Writing - Tasha's PoV - this is the sister post of Soph's post linked above over on her blog Sophie's Thoughts and Fumbles

Day 1: The Joys of Freebie Titles over at Drakosden

Blogger Book Fair: Drako - Drako’s Experience

Today I'd like to welcome Drako to my blog as part of the Blogger Book Fair. Don't forget to visit his website and check out his books once you've read his post.

Drako’s Experience

Self-Publishing and Promotion

So, I made my way into the self-publishing world in January of 2012. I came into this with no experience whatsoever. I had been publishing my work online on a site called Writer’s Café. The work was free but I was able to get people to review it. It was a great source. But I wanted to actually be published. One day an ad for BookBaby came up and I elected to try it. I published my first book, the Lost Dragon, through them. However, this was a paid service to distribute the books while not doing the promotion for me. When I discovered KDP and Pub It, I elected to use them instead. They were free to use, and Pub It has come a long way.

At first, I was unsure of how to get my books out there. People I knew from Writer’s Café bought it as well as family and friends. But I needed to get it out to more people. That’s when I came across Goodreads and most importantly, a group called paranormal lovers. They were the first place I found that hosted a Read to Review program, and they have been a huge help. They got me my first reviews and several fans.

Of course, I also made a website and a fan page on twitter and Facebook. I changed website providers a few times but the domain name has been basically the same. It helps loads. But the next help was to help out other authors. By agreeing to promote each other and reviewing each other’s works, we got our names out a bit more.

Writing the Books


Writing is the fun part of the process. I came up with my series, The Dragon Hunters, about six years ago. The characters just came to me. Like many authors of the paranormal/fantasy genres, my characters take lives of their own in my head. I even talk to them. We argue, constantly, because they never seem to do what I originally want them to do. It’s their story and they’ll tell it their way.

So, some authors are really meticulous with plotting out a book. I’m not. I form a general idea and shape the personality of the character, but then I just sit and start writing. I love to listen to music while I write. It helps me keep on task. Sometimes it sets the mood for a scene, but mostly it’s there to keep my mind clear. Once the book is done, normally handwritten, I type it up and go through to make any last minute changes. And finally, it’s off to the betas to dissect while I sit and fret like most authors do while questioning my ability and hoping they don’t tell me it sucks. Been pretty good so far.

Interacting with Fans

Here’s something some authors do and some authors choose not to do. Personally, I have to ask why make fan pages if you’ll never interact with fans. I love the interaction. I do giveaways and have discussions with fans. I ask their opinion when I’m stuck on something. And I have general discussions just to engage.

As a reader, I love that my favorite author, Anne Rice, constantly checks her reviews and shares them, and on her page she always interacts with us fans. She loves deep discussions about real issues. She’s an avid supporter of women’s rights, LGBT rights, and human rights in general. She always checks her page. When I saw this, I thought that this is the type of author I want to be. I want to really engage with fans.

So, on my fan pages I do a little of the same. I share any review I get, just to let the readers know I pay attention to the reviews and I’m thankful for them. I share milestones like my birthday. I hosted a release party for one book. I even took fan questions for some of my character interviews and anyone is free to ask me a question on my wall or in the page inbox. I enjoy questions. I like getting to know my favorite authors, and I like letting the fans see a bit into my mind.

An idea hit me for an interesting way to interact with fans. I did a podcast the other night with some of my role playing friends. This seemed like an excellent way for some authors and bloggers to get together and do something interesting. I’m going to run with this idea to give fans a new way to get to know me and some of the other authors I’m friendly with that would like to join in. I can even see us taking some calls from fans, to run it like a regular radio show. I’ll be ironing out the details on that for the next couple of weeks to gather some authors and bloggers together, and working out what we’ll talk about for each show. But I think this will be a great way to interact with fans and get them involved.

Advice to other writers

I'm often asked what advice I’d give to fellow authors trying to get published. I have several things to say on the matter.
  1. Understand that this is going to be like another job-it’s fun to do the writing and to finally see your ideas in print. But if you want to get yourself out there you’ll have to work for it.
  2. Do not assume self editing is enough-you will always miss something. It is a great idea to have at least one other person edit your work, to catch those annoying typos your eyes skip over.
  3. Don’t be overly sensitive-there will always be someone that doesn’t like your work. There’s no author ever in existence that is liked by every reader in the world. You will get a bad review or two….or several. Don’t let it get you down.
  4. Decide on the method that works best for you to publish your work-self publishing isn’t for everyone. Neither is mainstream publishing. Both require work, but they’re different kinds of work. Do your research before you settle.
  5. Don’t assume that you’ll get rich quick-this is a common misconception about authors. We’re not really rolling in the dough. Sure, you do make money off this. But if you’re expecting to become a millionaire, I’d rethink your career choice.
  6. Never, ever, EVER, try to interact with a negative reviewer. It will not make you look good. If you get a negative review, take what you can from it and move on. Do not respond back.
Random tips
  1. Smashwords is the most annoying self-publishing site ever to format for. I’m not kidding. The longer your novel, the more of a pain it becomes. But it’s worth it. They can distribute your book everywhere for you.
  2. Pub It is mildly retarded. It doesn’t always recognize the number of chapters in a word document. There are free conversion tools on the internet. Convert your file to an epub and send it. Trust me, it’s less of a headache.
  3. I don’t like the KDP Select program. I allowed my first two books to be in it once. I wouldn't use it more than the one ninety day period.
  4. If you start a blog and it gets popular, you will be burdened with spam. The delete button is your friend.
  5. Have a sense of humor. Authors like to joke with each other. Don’t recommend being too sensitive.
  6. Carry notebooks and pens. Seriously, keep them in your purse, your car, your book bag, whatever. Inspiration hits really randomly. Be ready for it.
  7. Remember to enjoy your writing. Don’t get stressed by the amount of promotion you have to do. In the end, your writing will sell itself. Your promotion is just a boost.

About Drako
Drako was born in 1987 in St. Louis, Missouri. He is mainly a fantasy writer, though he also writes some poetry and general fiction. He is very active on both twitter and facebook and has his own website at www.drakosden.net which is frequently updated with news on his books and fun extras. When he’s not writing, he’s playing videogames, hanging with friends, and taking care of his godnieces.
Website: www.drakosden.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drakosden
Twitter: www.twitter.com/draksoden
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6449809.Drako
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Drako
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Drako/e/B0089AP3AU/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Tuesday 23 July 2013

Drabble Cascade #20 - The Magic of Books (PG, Fantasy/Sci-Fi)

So for the Drabble Cascade this week, we picked a word deliberately, rather than using the random number generator. In honour of the Blogger Book Fair our word of the week is 'book'.

To all writers passing by, we invite you all to join in the Drabble Cascade. All you have to do is write a drabble (a story of exactly 100 words) or a flash fiction (up to 500 words, but really, we'll take anything :)) inspired by our word of the week.

Then you can add you link to the linked list below (or drop Soph or me a comment and we will add it for you).

This is one of my drabbles for this week. The others a linked in the list below.

The Magic of Books
by Natasha Duncan-Drake

There is magic in every book.

For some people it transports them away in their minds to places they have never seen to experience things they have never experienced.

For others it transports them away... literally.

Different books have different levels of power and transport potential, but I can tell you, it's a bit of a shock the first time it happens. We're called World Wanderers and we learn very quickly to carry a home-book at all times. Took me three years to find a way back the first time, but then I was reading space opera when it happened.

Blogger Book Fair - Day #2

Greetings and welcome to the second day of the Blogger Book Fair (click here to see the directory of everyone taking part).

Today I am hosting the lovely Eva LeFoy and her post is right over here:

Tentacles by Eva LeFoy

Our Wittegen Press Giveaway Games is still open and will be for the whole BBF.

The Wittegen Press Blogger Book Fair eBook Giveaway

Just click and follow the instructions for your chance to win an eBook bundle you're definitely going to like.

Today I am hosted over at Allyson Lindt's blog Apathy's Hero and at Eileen Sharp's blog:

The Wonders of Romance

Women in Publishing (not up first thing because of timezones)

Of course all the posts from yesterday are still here as well in case you missed them :)

The posts I am hosting:

Horror Writing - Or Writing About Happy Families In Fiction by Eileen Sharp

The Twin Perils of Writing - Sophie's PoV

My posts guest:

The Twin Perils of Writing - Tasha's PoV - this is the sister post of Soph's post linked above over on her blog Sophie's Thoughts and Fumbles

The Joys of Freebie Titles over at Drakosden

Blogger Book Fair - Eva LeFoy - Tentacles

Today I'd like to welcome Eva Lefoy to my blog as part of the Blogger Book Fair. I know you're going to enjoy this post, please be aware it has adult concepts, but it's not explicit.

Tentacles an Anthology

I like monsters

Vampires and werewolves are the hot thing in romance right now. Even the bear shifters are gaining ground. It seems everyone wants a lover that goes bump in the night and has razor sharp teeth. Monsters are all the sudden becoming, it seems. I have my own opinions on why that is, but I won’t get into a political-pyscho-social discussion here.

Nope.

But I can talk about monsters.

There are monsters from the romance world and then there are monsters with more of a sci-fi/horror feel to them. They too, can have sex though. Hey, everything needs a way to procreate! So when I write say a tentacle monster, a little bit of romance/relationship stuff sometimes sneaks in. Take the Tentacles anthology. (http://amzn.to/18eOwiU)

The story Zaural has a sexy and capable female captain sent to a far-flung dustbowl of a planet to rescue colonists prior to a particle shower ravaging the planet. She runs into trouble with the native species and her ex-lover, and it isn’t long before she’s in over her head:
Thousands of arms. Stings as sharp as blunt needles. Pain seeped into every pore.

Half-conscious she struggled, fighting with the creatures and with her partially numbed limbs. Some part of her mind told her the stings were to be expected, but adrenaline spiked anyway. Her limbs thrashed awkwardly, desperate for traction. Kicking, twisting against the tentacles, she opened her mouth to scream.

A second later her body went rigid. One sting too many? Was this what it felt like to be dead?
And then she knew.

Monsters have their way with you and you either roll with it and change, or you don’t. In this case, Zaural resists until the very last minute, when there is no other choice for her if she wants to live. Luckily, her ex helps her adjust… heh.
Startled, out of air, she struggled toward the surface. Hurry, her lungs cried. Hurry. She kicked harder, using her arms. An immense cloud – no, a Gramica – blocked her way, just before she broke the surface. Her lungs burned fire as she turned to swim around it to the next nearest hole. Her legs aching, her lungs screaming, she could not outmaneuver the tentacles. They wrapped around her and drew her in. Holding her back flat against the Gramica’s belly, but not stinging her.

Then Kas’s face was before her. And his lips touched hers. His mind was saying something, over and over, that sounded like … breathe. She twisted desperately, but a gang of tentacles clambered over her skin, holding her down. Until she was spent. Until there was nowhere left she could move. And then something entered her.

She gasped into Kas’s mouth and sucked in … air. Precious air.

His lips laughed against hers as stars shot through her eyes. An incessant hum surrounded her, growing louder. Louder. It permeated everything. Every pore in her body. Every where. Every … Even there. Oh God, there.

She let go and screamed into Kas’s mouth as the most intense orgasm she’d ever experienced vibrated through her. It pounded her body like a tsunami, bearing hundreds of quivers and shakes in its wake.

He held her steady through it all, still spearing her mouth with his tongue. Still laughing.
But the anthology also offers straight horror, where alien-like monster infestations invade your body and you probably aren’t going to live. It’s also got an underwater tentacle creature – a Kraken! – and a slithery white tentacle alien who’d like to help us retain our memories.

Memories… you’re talking about memories…

Sorry! Had a Blade Runner moment there!

But I hope you check out Tentacles (http://amzn.to/18eOwiU) and shiver from one type of story to another, and along the way, come to think of monsters as highly entertaining!

Thanks for reading!

Eva

About the author: Eva Lefoy writes and reads all kinds of romance, and is a certified Trekkie. She’s also terribly addicted to chocolate, tea, and hiking. One of these days, she’ll figure out the meaning of life, quit her job, and go travel the galaxy. Until then, she’s writing down all her dirty thoughts for the sake of future explorers.
Links for Eva:
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author's Page | Blog