Tracy Falbe's Blog, page 15

You Will Not Find My Fantasy Books on Kindle Unlimited

If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, please be aware that none of my novels will be available through that program. Amazon prohibits me from participating in that program because I do not sell my ebooks exclusively through Amazon. Therefore Kindle Unlimited subscribers may not access my titles with their subscription.

I know that I've connected with many readers over the years at Amazon. That's why I wanted to make sure everyone understood why my fantasy ebooks aren't part of the subscription service. Because I choose to market my creations to a global audience through all available retail outlets, Amazon limits my availability to its customers.

So if you've been waiting for my novels to appear at Kindle Unlimited, their absence is not my choice. I'm generally happy to sell my ebooks through any venue. My complete catalog has been available to subscribers at Scribd and Oyster all year. From what I've received for compensation from Scribd and Oyster, I feel that I am fairly paid by those services. However, I've read that some authors are unhappy with what they are paid from Kindle Unlimited. I can't say for myself because I'm not there.

For people who read on their Kindles you'll need to purchase my ebooks the regular way to read them. My titles may never be part of Kindle Unlimited.



A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.

Even Gods Have Their First Day at Work

Last month at the Grand Rapids Comic Con I got to meet another West Michigan author. Steve LeBel introduced himself. He was keen for advice about marketing his delightful novel The Universe Builders. I think he's off to a fantastic start. With close to a 5-star rating at Amazon out of 119 reviews, he's a natural at pleasing readers. I should take advice from him.

His book is available for Kindle and Paperback. 
Steve LeBel's website
About The Universe Builders:
What if God got a C- in Universe Building 101?
(Well, not our God, of course. One of those other guys...)
Dive into a humorous fantasy world unlike anything you have imagined - a world of gods and goddesses who build universes for a living. Are they all-powerful and all-knowing? Well, not exactly...

As Bernie graduates from God School, he is thrilled to land his dream job as a builder of universes. His first assignment is to build his own universe. Determined but unsure, bright but without confidence, Bernie forges ahead, only to find problems everywhere. Mysterious asteroids, unexplained volcanoes, shifting continents and more lead him to suspect sabotage. But who could sabotage his universe? Only another god could do that...

It’s god vs. god, guile vs. goodness, where only one of them plays by the rules. Bernie must find a way to outwit his vicious foe. If he fails, it will cost him everything.

A fascinating tale of good vs. evil and a young hero on a journey of self-discovery in an original, humorous, fantastic wrapper.

His book is available for Kindle and Paperback. 
Steve LeBel's website


A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.

Kobo Data Reveals Most Finished Book is Self Published

An ebook readership data analysis just revealed by retailer Kobo contained an interesting surprise. The title that earned the highest rate of reader completion was Rotten to the Core self published by Casey Kelleher.

So much for the notion that self published automatically means bad. It does not. In this example it was the title Kobo readers found the most engaging. 

The article Haven’t Finished Reading that Bestseller? You're Not Alone at Publishing Perspectives also reported that some best-selling titles were among those with the highest rates of reader abandonment. 

For example only 44.4% of readers completed The Goldfinch by Donna Tart, a Pulitzer Prize winner. That prize might have gotten it enough attention to make the bestseller lists, but it proved unable to captivate over half of the people who bought it. The Goldfinch may very well be an intelligent work but that does not mean it's a good read. I often consider a big award a sign that the book might be dull. Awards are good ways to boost sales. That's why they exist. 

Sometime bestsellers are great books. Sometimes they're not. Popularity arises for many reasons, and quality is not the determining factor. 

Ultimately what readers find comes down to individual tastes. People often buy bestsellers because they are visible. Then some of those people end up not liking the book enough to finish it. 

I really appreciated the data shared by Kobo. I was encouraged to see that readers finished their fantasy books 60 percent of the time. 

Readers who shop at Kobo can find all of my titles there. I have some free ebooks. It won't cost you a thing to finish them. 


Union of Renegades at Kobo

The epic begins as Dreibrand Veta and the conquering Horde of the Atrophane Empire reach a mythic Wilderness that beckons with a magical call to glory. But Onja, Queen of the rys, a race far more powerful than the greatest human state, guards this land. She has the power to imprison souls and her genocidal rage is legendary. Everything is at risk for her desperate enemies, the union of renegades.


Rys Rising at Kobo

A young warrior ruined and near death is saved by Onja a mysterious rys female. Forsaking all that he was, he will take the name Amar and serve his new magical mistress. A lord among outlaws he will become, feared by kings and called the dro-shalum or curse demon by the common folk. Indulge yourself and read this sumptuous epic told from many angles.



Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale at Kobo

Thal embodies the ancient magic of the pagan past. He challenges a world conquered by a spiritual system that denies the flesh and forgets the Earth. Although wanted for Devil worship and shape shifting, he still boldly walks the streets of 16th century Prague. Jesuits hunt him. Mercenaries fear him. Musicians sing his praise, and women are captivated by his alpha swagger.


Or get them all together with the...


Beginnings Box Set: Three Fantasy Series Starters at Kobo

Enter Tracy Falbe’s fantasy worlds through three different doors. She brings the folklore of Renaissance Bohemia to life in Werelord Thal that can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. Then Rys Rising and Union of Renegades begin two series set in the Rys World that she spent 15 years creating. At over half a million words, the Beginnings Box Set offers epic entertainment at a tremendous value.


A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.

Table of Contents from Journey of the Hunted

Journey of the Hunted: Werewolves in the Renaissance 2
Ebook available worldwide at Brave Luck Books Also at iBooks, Nook, Kobo, Kindle, Smashwords, and Google Play. Paperback at Createspace or Amazon
I carefully choose the chapter names in my books. Often they take a meaningful phrase from the chapter. I hope some readers notice this little touch. When choosing a chapter name, I try to make it sound intriguing. I want the reader to be enticed to read a little more to find out what I'm hinting at in the chapter name.

Table of Contents from Journey of the Hunted: Werewolves in the Renaissance 2

The folklore beliefs of the 16th century Renaissance come wildly to life in the werewolf hero Thal. Created by the infamous sorcerer Sarputeen, Thal now battles the dark servants of Tekax, wizard to the Turks and nemesis of Sarputeen. While escaping the Holy Roman Empire, Thal discovers more about his werewolf powers as he struggles to reach a refuge shrouded in mystery.


Author’s Note on the Historical Period
The Cast
Chapter 1. My Name Is Thal
Chapter 2. Stay For a Drink
Chapter 3. Arquebus and Axe
Chapter 4. Majordomus
Chapter 5. Servants of Tekax
Chapter 6. Avarice and Courage
Chapter 7. Bohemian Mice
Chapter 8. A Desire for Power
Chapter 9. The Wee Ones
Chapter 10. Mother and Father
Chapter 11. A Failed Hunt
Chapter 12. The Circus Camp
Chapter 13. Deal Making
Chapter 14. Essence of Vengeance
Chapter 15. Future Success
Chapter 16. The Bloodstone
Chapter 17. Proper Adversaries
Chapter 18. Come Into the Woods
Chapter 19. Dread and Victory
Chapter 20. Up in Arms
Chapter 21. His Animal Song
Chapter 22. His Werelord Voice
Chapter 23. A Fext
Chapter 24. The Power of Debt
Chapter 25. My Children
Chapter 26. Different Opinions
Chapter 27. The Apothecary
Chapter 28. Brazen Work of Sorcery
Chapter 29. Into the Mountain
Chapter 30. Going Away Presents
Chapter 31. His Touch Is Plague
Chapter 32. Blood of Abomination
Chapter 33. A Knight’s Oath
Chapter 34. Those Things That Are Constant
Chapter 35. Earthly Powers
Chapter 36. When The Time Comes
Epilogue
More Novels by Tracy Falbe
Excerpt from Rys Rising: Book I

EXCERPT Journey of the Hunted: Werewolves in the Renaissance 2 from Tracy Falbe
Ebook available worldwide at Brave Luck Books Also at iBooks, Nook, Kobo, Kindle, Smashwords, and Google Play. Paperback at Createspace or Amazon

A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.

99 Cents Box Set Book Blast - Doorway to Destiny by T.C. Southwell and Vanessa Finaughty

This collection of eleven fantasy and science fiction novels and two anthologies will transport you to strange and exciting worlds to share in the tragedies and triumphs of complex yet endearing heroes and heroines. Discover the gripping works of authors TC Southwell and Vanessa Finaughty and be swept away by magical adventures, epic battles and futuristic voyages to unknown universes.

Long Description:

With eight novels by TC Southwell and three novels and two anthologies by Vanessa Finaughty, this box set offers fantasy and sci-fi lovers escapism that will keep you up long past your bedtime. Dive into fantastic worlds and meet fascinating characters whose trials and tribulations will enchant and inspire. Discover how a vengeful assassin reshapes the fate of three kingdoms and share in a quest to discover the origins of mankind, then follow the tale of a young queen's fight to be free with the aid of a combat cyborg. Two short story anthologies spice up the fare with dragons, sorcerers and magic galore, and a child of another god strives to save his world from mankind's ravages. When a mortal dark god treads a tragic path as he rises to destroy the Overworld, a brave young girl risks her life to try to change his savage ways. Each hero and heroine takes a definitive step through a doorway to destiny as he or she seeks to right wrongs and save worlds.

Links

Smashwords
iBooks
Barnes & Noble
Goodreads


99 cents for a limited time only



About TC Southwell

T. C. Southwell was born in Sri Lanka and moved to the Seychelles when she was a baby. She spent her formative years exploring the islands – mostly alone. Naturally, her imagination flourished and she developed a keen love of other worlds. The family travelled through Europe and Africa and, after the death of her father, settled in South Africa.

T. C. Southwell has written over thirty fantasy and science fiction novels, as well as five screenplays. Her hobbies include motorcycling, horse riding and art, and she is now a full-time writer.

Author website
Author blog
Twitter
Facebook


About Vanessa Finaughty

Vanessa Finaughty is an author of many genres who now focuses on fantasy and science fiction. She’s published 15 books, of which 6 are fantasy. Vanessa grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and still lives there with her husband of fifteen years, her baby daughter and plenty of furry, four-legged ‘children’.

Vanessa has always been passionate about books, and knew from a young age that she wanted to write them one day. She loves animals, coffee and the smell of wet grass, and hates liars, sweltering weather and long queues. Her interests include reading, photography, the supernatural, mythology, aliens and outer space, ancient history, life’s mysteries and martial arts, of which she has five years’ experience.

Author website
Author blog
Twitter
Facebook




A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.

10 Things Readers Want from Authors

Readers want to be taken away from the moment and engrossed in a story. Aching to know what will happen, they want to be pulled from one chapter to the next.

That's no small order. And even the most finely crafted novel won't work for everybody.

As an author, my thoughts are with my readers when I'm writing a novel. I have fans on my email list who will buy an ebook as soon as I publish it. I don't want to disappoint them.

Here are 10 things that I consider as I write and edit novels.

1. Readers don't want to be bored. This is a constant challenge, especially when creating a half million word multi-book series that requires a lot of literary infrastructure like world building and character development. The trick is to always have something happening while all this pipe is being laid.

2. Readers want to be surprised. I strive to inject unexpected twists and problems while moving a plot forward. Even when there's nothing shocking happening, things like a sparkling exchange of dialogue can delight the reader along the way to the next crisis.

3. Readers want to learn something. This could be anything like history or psychological insights about humanity. Within my fiction I often prod people to see greater truths about power and human behavior. What people want to believe about people and society is often not reality.

4. Readers want to feel for the characters. When they have to put the book down and go to work, they want to think about a character all day. They want to worry and anticipate getting back to the story. 

5. Readers want a strong and intriguing start that leads to a rousing finish. In my life as a reader, I've too often encountered books that start out well but go nowhere. Sometimes in a series a first book has to hint at big things to come. If it must end as a cliff hanger, it's important to have lots of action occur before it. This way the reader still gets an experience and hopefully becomes wrapped up in the challenges faced by the characters. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien is a good example of this. Nothing is resolved in the novel. The breaking of the fellowship offers the climax and leaves the reader craving more.

6. Readers want to know what's going on! People can only stay curious for explanations for so long. And for pity's sake answer at least some of the questions posed by the story. Sometimes things can be left shrouded in mystery, but I always aim to let my readers have clues about what's going on and what's coming. Suspense is not created by withholding information. Suspense comes from suspecting what will happen and wanting to find out. For example, I was not too far into reading Pet Sematary by Stephen King when I realized that the little boy would die and be raised from the dead. Dreading this horror, I read on and loved every bit of it.

7. Readers want someone they can relate to. This is somewhat controversial for me. Although I've created lots of relatable characters, I don't believe they are essential. Readers can be fascinated by someone who's not like them. I can't relate to Conan the Barbarian, but I can love his adventures. I have nothing in common with the reprehensible Michael Corleone, but he's unforgettable. I've often pondered his motivations and tried to understand him. A good novel expands a reader's perception of the world.    

8. Readers want to use their imaginations. Writing advice, especially fiction writing advice, often advocates for being sparing with detail so readers can fill in the scenes themselves. I prefer to say that details need to be chosen carefully. They build a framework that readers can decorate with their imagination. The better the frame, the more inviting it becomes to the reader. In my education as a journalist I was taught that details are the stock and trade of good journalism. Things should not be left to the imagination in news reporting. One needs to be clear. With fiction, however, this detail-centric form of writing can be adapted. Details are essential to crafting vivid images and emotions. But don't beat readers over their heads with them. The needs of every reader cannot be met in this regard. Some will relish every detail and immerse themselves in the experience. Other will deem the writing long winded.

9. Readers want a book to be memorable. I know a book was superior when I keep thinking about it after I'm done reading it. Some books stick with me for years, and that's the mark of a great read.

10. Readers want to love your book. Every time a reader chooses a book to read, he or she wants it to be amazing. They are ready and willing to enjoy the experience. And when authors deliver this thrill to readers, it's a beautiful thing. We can keep making it happen by always reading more books.




A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.

5 Star Fantasy on Google Play

Since adding the Rys Rising series to Google Play last month I was tickled to notice that a 5-star rating popped up for it.

If you enjoy fantasy fiction comparable in style to A Game of Thrones, you can get Rys Rising: Book I for free on Google Play worldwide.

Enjoy this excerpt from the fantasy book to get a feel for my style.


Amar rescues Urlen from death at the Sky Temple in this exciting excerpt from fantasy book Rys Rising by Tracy Falbe from Tracy Falbe
The Rys Rising series continues in Savage Storm, New Religion, and Love Lost.

Discover this great indie fantasy series on Google Play today. 

A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.

Free Nook Books for Fantasy Lovers

People who read ebooks enjoy many opportunities to discover new offers. Many authors like myself offer free ebooks to attract readers. The low cost of digital production enables this free sample model.  Right now all three of my series starters are free on Nook in the United States and the United Kingdom. 
Rys Rising: Book I
Rys Rising has been well received by Nook readers, earning a 4.5 star rating.

Here are some Nook review samples:

"Everything is here. Magic. World building. Multidimensional character. Pathos. Conflict."

"I enjoyed this book. I recommend that if you read fantasy, this book is a must."

The Rys Rising series offers readers fantasy action and a saga told through multiple points of view. You'll experience the conflict from both sides as I weave together the stories of many characters. You'll find someone to love, to hate, and to never forget in my stories.

About the novel:

A young warrior ruined and near death is saved by Onja a mysterious rys female. Forsaking all that he was, he will take the name Amar and serve his new magical mistress. A lord among outlaws he will become, feared by kings and called the dro-shalum or curse demon by the common folk.

Read it for free on Nook or Nook UK.


Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale
Werelord Thal introduces my newest series Werewolves in the Renaissance. I have not had a chance to do much marketing for this series yet, so Werelord Thal does not have many reviews at Nook. But now that it's free more people will give it a look and discover a fast-paced novel rich in historical detail and werewolf action.

About the novel:

Thal embodies the ancient magic of the pagan past. He challenges a world conquered by a spiritual system that denies the flesh and forgets the Earth.

Although wanted for Devil worship and shape shifting, he still boldly walks the streets of 16th century Prague. Jesuits hunt him. Mercenaries fear him. Musicians sing his praise, and women are captivated by his alpha swagger.

Download it free on Nook and at Nook UK.


Union of Renegades: The Rys Chronicles Book I
This is the first novel I wrote and it's been in the Nook store since Barnes & Noble entered the ebook market. At over 200 reviews it's gotten a lot of 5-star praise and 1-star hate. But since it's a free Nook book, it costs you nothing to decide for yourself.

It is a Medieval style epic fantasy with romantic elements. The relationship between the hero and heroine develops throughout the series as they face great challenges and eventually found their own society.

About the novel:

The epic begins as Dreibrand Veta and the conquering Horde of the Atrophane Empire reach a mythic Wilderness that beckons with a magical call to glory. But Onja, Queen of the rys, a race far more powerful than the greatest human state, guards this land. She has the power to imprison souls and her genocidal rage is legendary. Everything is at risk for her desperate enemies, the union of renegades.

You can get Union of Renegades for free at Nook and Nook UK.



Beginnings Box Set: Three Fantasy Series Starters
If you're curious about all of my free Nook Books but don't like to push a lot of buttons, you can get all three in this free box set.

About the Box Set:

Enter Tracy Falbe’s fantasy worlds through three different doors. She brings the folklore of Renaissance Bohemia to life in Werelord Thal that can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. Then Rys Rising and Union of Renegades begin two series set in the Rys World that she spent 15 years creating. At over half a million words, the Beginnings Box Set offers epic entertainment at a tremendous value.

Download the box set today at Nook and Nook UK.




A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.

New Werewolf Book on Scribd - Journey of the Hunted

Journey of the Hunted by Smashwords

My new release Journey of the Hunted: Werewolves in the Renaissance 2 is available to Scribd subscribers. This brings my portfolio of fantasy books on Scribd up to 10 titles. So if you enjoy Journey of the Hunted, I have many more adventures awaiting you on Scribd.

People who like reading series can appreciate what a Scribd subscription has to offer. When you get into an author, other titles by that author are right there within the catalog. Choosing your next book is not tied to making a purchase decision. With a subscription, you've set your budget for reading for the month and you consume books as you need them.

So enough about subscription ebook reading at Scribd. What is Journey of the Hunted about?

It continues the story begun in Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale. However, it's not necessary that you read Werelord Thal first unless you want to. I'm designing each title in this series as a story that can be enjoyed on its own. Of course you'll likely become curious about what happened before, but it won't prevent you from understanding what is going on in Journey of the Hunted.

About the Novel:



Facing uncertain destinies, Thal and Altea must escape Bohemia. The Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand himself has signed the warrant for Thal’s capture on charges of shape shifting and the killing of Jesuits.
A hefty reward attracts countless bounty hunters into the heart of this 16th century Christian empire. Thal emerges from hiding with his young wife Altea who is barely recovered from torture at the hands of witch hunters. With his werewolf powers, he battles the bounty hunters and begins a daring journey across the Holy Roman Empire.
But more than men stalk him. Servants of Tekax, sorcerer to the Turks, have been unleashed upon his trail.
The werewolf Rotfeng covets the enchanted fur that lets Thal change form at will, regardless of the phase of the moon.
Worse yet comes Janfelter, an undying fext created in the dark fortress of Tekax.
These heartless killers are tasked with stopping Thal from reaching his father Sarputeen, the arch nemesis of Tekax. Thal’s only refuge awaits him in what is left of the Kingdom of Hungary after a Turkish conquest. In the remote castle Vlkbohveza the ancient sorcerer Sarputeen lives untouched despite widespread persecution of magic users and pagans.   
Although Thal longs to be with his own kind, he worries about the reunion with his father. It was Sarputeen’s magic that made Thal a werelord, a master of wolves. But what shall the sorcerer require of his creation now that Tekax aims to settle an old score?
Read it on Scribd. 
Journey of the Hunted: Werewolves in the Renaissance 2 is available worldwide at numerous retailers. See details at my website. 


 
A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.

Smashwords Coupons for Savage Storm, New Religion, and Love Lost

Are you among the approximately 1,300 people who downloaded Rys Rising: Book I for free in November? If so, you can save 25% when you continue the Rys Rising series. The next book Savage Storm is among one of my personal favorites. And that means something because I love all my novels.

To aid those interested in the Rys Rising series, I'm offering 25% off coupons at Smashwords for the rest of the novels. 

Smashwords sells ebooks worldwide in multiple formats including Kindle. To get the discount enter the appropriate coupon code for each ebook during checkout. The coupon codes will work through December 31, 2014.

Read on to see more about the novels and copy the Smashwords coupon codes.




Savage Storm: Rys Rising Book II When Onja enthralls the savage Chatapaka people of the remote north and unleashes their brutal hordes upon vulnerable Nufalese settlements, the militia is overwhelmed. Cruce Chenomet and his comrades struggle to save the fleeing settlers. Cruce quickly loses hope but keeps his courage as he confronts the savage storm.
$4.99 $3.74 when you use coupon code HM67V


New Religion: Rys Rising Book III
Onja opens a two front campaign meant to expand her dominion over the western tribal kingdoms and bring misery and ruin to Nufal. She commands Amar to lead marauders into Nufal. Excited to be set loose upon new and foreign lands, he attacks without mercy and even dares to fight magical tabre. In the west, Onja’s holy war rages as she continues to crush old idols and remake society. 
$4.99 $3.74 when you use coupon code LY45S

 
Love Lost: Rys Rising Book IV
In this breathtaking conclusion to the series, unleashed monsters born of cruel spells test the mettle of the sturdiest warriors. Soul wrenching chaos consumes the faith of thousands. Torn between his need to protect his secret lover and son and his legitimate family, Cruce struggles through ever worsening battles until he finally wagers his life against the most favored warlord of Onja. 
$4.99 $3.74 when you use coupon code CB86H





A note from Tracy Falbe: Be the first to know about my new releases and special sales at Brave Luck Books. Join the Readers' List. Ebooks and audiobooks available worldwide. Print in select countries.