Tracy Falbe's Blog, page 31
December 15, 2013
World Fantasy Con Review
I selected for syndication this thoughtful review written by a participant of the 2013 World Fantasy Convention in Brighton, UK because it gave me some nice perspective on what convention goers get out of the experience. As an author and a vendor at conventions, my experience is very different, and it was educational to get some insight about what visitors want from a convention. The author of this review also had some valid criticisms of the event, but he overwhelmingly had a positive and uplifting experience. < /br>
[image error]
Article – Fantasy World Con review
(via G*M*S Magazine)
By Paco Garcia Jaen For me World Fantasy Con was a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a conference like it. Even though its a yearly event (I believe) I’d be very surprised – and I genuinely mean that – if it happened in the town where I…
Published on December 15, 2013 15:51
End of Year Sale on Ebooks and Audiobooks Save 20 Percent
From now until December 31st anyone can save 20 percent on any of my digital products. All you have to do is enter the coupon code DEC20 into the promo code box at Checkout and the discount will be applied.
Save on:
Fiction
The Goddess Queen ebook
Judgment Rising ebook
The Borderlands of Power ebook
Savage Storm ebook
New Religion ebook
Love Lost ebook
Werelord Thal ebook
Fantasy Audiobooks
Nonfiction
My Grandma’s Vintage Recipes ebook
The Home Canning Guide for Everyone Who Easts ebook
Get Dicey: Play Craps and Have Fun ebook
Vintage & Fine Art Stock Art Collection
See the image below to help you find the promo code box on the shopping cart. This is where you enter DEC20 at checkout. You have to enter the coupon code to get the discount.
Happy New Year.
Save on:
Fiction
The Goddess Queen ebook
Judgment Rising ebook
The Borderlands of Power ebook
Savage Storm ebook
New Religion ebook
Love Lost ebook
Werelord Thal ebook
Fantasy Audiobooks
Nonfiction
My Grandma’s Vintage Recipes ebook
The Home Canning Guide for Everyone Who Easts ebook
Get Dicey: Play Craps and Have Fun ebook
Vintage & Fine Art Stock Art Collection
See the image below to help you find the promo code box on the shopping cart. This is where you enter DEC20 at checkout. You have to enter the coupon code to get the discount.

Happy New Year.
Published on December 15, 2013 07:50
December 12, 2013
Will the New Indie Ebook Store Libiro Attract Readers?
I've had my eye on the new indie ebook online store Libiro for about a month. It's out of the UK and operated by Ben Galley and Teague Fullick. This retail ebook store distinguishes itself with its goal to build a 100% indie published catalog. I'm always interested in placing my titles in any viable retail space, but I've learned not to jump too quick at an opportunity. I want Libiro to become a successful magnet for readers who like alternative choices to the tightly defined fiction formulas and genres from mainstream publishers. Adding my titles at Libiro is on my to do list, but I have to be careful with my time. It will take some effort on my part to add all of my work, and I don't want that to be wasted effort on a startup that will fizzle.
It's not that I don't trust the new company. I'm sure that Libiro will pay me for sales. But I'm not sure how it will attract a customer base. I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm syndicating this interview with Libiro co-founder Ben Galley to help the store gain attention. I think readers should give Libiro a chance to deliver great indie reads. Self published titles have a paucity of options for getting any merchandising love in big retail stores. This means that when you're browsing for something to read at a major retail site you won't see us. So, I very much support this store dedicated to making it easy for readers to discover all the overlooked gems that are out there. Keep in mind that indie does not mean bad. All the publishers in the world cannot accommodate all the talented fiction writers out there. That's why we have to self publish.
[image error] Do you like indie books? Then Libiro might be the store for you. Learn more in this interview with Libiro’s co-founder. (via http://awayandaway.com)
While indie books and their authors are gaining a foothold in terms of legitimacy and popularity among readers, there are still few commercial champions of the indie movement. Ben Galley would like to change that, and with his new online marketplace…
It's not that I don't trust the new company. I'm sure that Libiro will pay me for sales. But I'm not sure how it will attract a customer base. I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm syndicating this interview with Libiro co-founder Ben Galley to help the store gain attention. I think readers should give Libiro a chance to deliver great indie reads. Self published titles have a paucity of options for getting any merchandising love in big retail stores. This means that when you're browsing for something to read at a major retail site you won't see us. So, I very much support this store dedicated to making it easy for readers to discover all the overlooked gems that are out there. Keep in mind that indie does not mean bad. All the publishers in the world cannot accommodate all the talented fiction writers out there. That's why we have to self publish.
[image error] Do you like indie books? Then Libiro might be the store for you. Learn more in this interview with Libiro’s co-founder. (via http://awayandaway.com)
While indie books and their authors are gaining a foothold in terms of legitimacy and popularity among readers, there are still few commercial champions of the indie movement. Ben Galley would like to change that, and with his new online marketplace…
Published on December 12, 2013 06:32
December 11, 2013
Smashwords Bargains and Coupons for Ebooks Available Worldwide
Smashwords Deals for the week of December 11th
This is a weekly feature at Her Ladyship's Quest. Follow by email or with RSS and come back for the next Smashwords Deals feature.
Today's coupon special makes this poetry collection free through December 25th.
On the Verge of Life, Love, and Lyrics
Kristopher Ivie
Poetry
$2.99 Free 100% off with coupon BK44J
12/10/13-12/25/13
Get it at Smashwords
A collection of some truly Awphul poetry about life and love brought to you by the Awphul poet Kristopher Ivie. 30 poems in total with notes from the author about what inspired them.
I selected this title because it's set in Goma, in the Congo. This distressing war torn realm has great potential for a novel.
The Road to Goma
Katharina Franck
Thriller
Only $2.99 no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
A phone call from Goma changes Josephine Carters life forever: her sister has vanished. Determined to find her, Josephine follows her trail into the war-torn Congo jungle and must venture deep into a darkness and discover if she has the strength to survive what she finds there.
I came across this hard sci fi title today on Twitter. It's got great reviews.
Oberlux: Earth Steps Forth
J. DeWayne Pierce
Hard Science Fiction
Only $2.99 no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Can anyone say no to a young lady asking for help? Especially a young lady as beautiful, intelligent and engaging as Suszaja. Neither could the crew of the Oberlux, but do they understand the consequences of their decision?
Here's a free ebook for paranormal fans.
Compelled
Carla Krae
Historical Fantasy
Free no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Short story. A secluded monastery should be the safest place for a blind man, and it is, until a vampire and her gang come calling. After meeting the femme fatale, Adamo receives the gift of sight, but it comes with a terrible curse, one that might have damned his soul. The Adam Chronicles - Part of The Sanctuary War series. Free e-book.
For $0.99 this happiness guide might be helpful on those long dreary winter nights.
How to Be Happy
Holly Smith
Self Improvement
Only $0.99 no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
This is a short eBook depicting 12 natural ways to be happy. Happiness is a mindset, and has to be learned. This book will analyze some amazing, free ways to get out and start enjoying your life!
If you don't want to be happy, try being afraid.
House of Cardes: Reign of Tarot Book 1
Juli D. Revezzo
Horror Occult
Only $0.99 no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Can you gamble with Fate? A young nobleman escapes the Reign of Terror in 18th century France to find himself dragged into an even worse fate–a hellish underworld wherein he faces a demon tribunal for crimes he never committed. Can he answer thwart his fate, one worse than the guillotine?
Happy Reading!
Follow Her Ladyship's Quest by email or with RSS and come back for the next Smashwords Deals feature.
Authors: Send me your coupon codes with the form at the bottom of the Smashwords Deals page.
This is a weekly feature at Her Ladyship's Quest. Follow by email or with RSS and come back for the next Smashwords Deals feature.
Today's coupon special makes this poetry collection free through December 25th.

On the Verge of Life, Love, and Lyrics
Kristopher Ivie
Poetry
$2.99 Free 100% off with coupon BK44J
12/10/13-12/25/13
Get it at Smashwords
A collection of some truly Awphul poetry about life and love brought to you by the Awphul poet Kristopher Ivie. 30 poems in total with notes from the author about what inspired them.
I selected this title because it's set in Goma, in the Congo. This distressing war torn realm has great potential for a novel.

The Road to Goma
Katharina Franck
Thriller
Only $2.99 no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
A phone call from Goma changes Josephine Carters life forever: her sister has vanished. Determined to find her, Josephine follows her trail into the war-torn Congo jungle and must venture deep into a darkness and discover if she has the strength to survive what she finds there.
I came across this hard sci fi title today on Twitter. It's got great reviews.

Oberlux: Earth Steps Forth
J. DeWayne Pierce
Hard Science Fiction
Only $2.99 no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Can anyone say no to a young lady asking for help? Especially a young lady as beautiful, intelligent and engaging as Suszaja. Neither could the crew of the Oberlux, but do they understand the consequences of their decision?
Here's a free ebook for paranormal fans.

Compelled
Carla Krae
Historical Fantasy
Free no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Short story. A secluded monastery should be the safest place for a blind man, and it is, until a vampire and her gang come calling. After meeting the femme fatale, Adamo receives the gift of sight, but it comes with a terrible curse, one that might have damned his soul. The Adam Chronicles - Part of The Sanctuary War series. Free e-book.
For $0.99 this happiness guide might be helpful on those long dreary winter nights.

How to Be Happy
Holly Smith
Self Improvement
Only $0.99 no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
This is a short eBook depicting 12 natural ways to be happy. Happiness is a mindset, and has to be learned. This book will analyze some amazing, free ways to get out and start enjoying your life!
If you don't want to be happy, try being afraid.

House of Cardes: Reign of Tarot Book 1
Juli D. Revezzo
Horror Occult
Only $0.99 no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Can you gamble with Fate? A young nobleman escapes the Reign of Terror in 18th century France to find himself dragged into an even worse fate–a hellish underworld wherein he faces a demon tribunal for crimes he never committed. Can he answer thwart his fate, one worse than the guillotine?
Happy Reading!
Follow Her Ladyship's Quest by email or with RSS and come back for the next Smashwords Deals feature.
Authors: Send me your coupon codes with the form at the bottom of the Smashwords Deals page.
Published on December 11, 2013 09:55
December 10, 2013
Where is the coldest place on Earth?
Because I woke up to a 4-degree morning this headline from the Christian Science Monitor certainly caught my eye. It's comforting to know that my front yard is considerably warmer than a pocket deep in the Antarctic Ice. Even so, I'm still not planning on walking the dog today.
[image error] How cold is the coldest place on Earth? (via The Christian Science Monitor)
On Earth, it doesn't seem to get any colder then this.(Atsuhiro Muto/National Snow and Ice Data Center/AP) Scientists have apparently spotted Dante’s Inferno, or at least its ice-lacquered ninth circle, found in a pocket in an Antarctic ice sheet…
[image error] How cold is the coldest place on Earth? (via The Christian Science Monitor)
On Earth, it doesn't seem to get any colder then this.(Atsuhiro Muto/National Snow and Ice Data Center/AP) Scientists have apparently spotted Dante’s Inferno, or at least its ice-lacquered ninth circle, found in a pocket in an Antarctic ice sheet…
Published on December 10, 2013 13:23
December 6, 2013
Ending Soon: Amazon Gift Card and Book Giveaway
Today I found a cool book giveaway with the blog tour for Keri Lake a paranormal author who also lives in Michigan like me. Her new release Soul Resurrected tells the story of a demon hero who's suffered decades of torture in the underworld's worst prison. I'm sure he'll have lots of fascinating issues...and be ready for a girlfriend. Enjoy the excerpt included below and visit the tour host Paranormal Book Club to enter the giveaway for a $30 Amazon Gift Card and a signed paperback of Soul Resurrected: Sons of Wrath 2.
[image error] Soul Resurrected Blog Tour Stop with GIVEAWAY!!!! (via Paranotmal Book Club)
Keri Lake’s Social Media Links: Website: http://www.kerilake.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/KeriLake Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KeriLakeAuthor Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kerilake/ Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.…
[image error] Soul Resurrected Blog Tour Stop with GIVEAWAY!!!! (via Paranotmal Book Club)
Keri Lake’s Social Media Links: Website: http://www.kerilake.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/KeriLake Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KeriLakeAuthor Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kerilake/ Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.…
Published on December 06, 2013 09:07
December 5, 2013
I'm Rooting for Pussy Riot in Possible Russian Amnesty
I found this news hopeful and wanted to share it. My heart breaks for the determined women of Pussy Riot who have lost so much because of their brilliant disrespect of authority. I hope they are released in a possible amnesty for some Russian prisoners backed by Vladimir Putin. Aside from all the reasons to admire these women, I have to stand in awe of a punk band that would name itself Pussy Riot. So much meaning there. So much power.
[image error] Russia's Putin backs amnesty that could free Pussy Riot (via AFP)
[image error] Russia's Putin backs amnesty that could free Pussy Riot (via AFP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said he backed proposals for an amnesty for thousands of prisoners who, according to his rights advisor, could include ex-tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky and the Pussy Riot punks. "I agree... that such actions…
Published on December 05, 2013 06:38
December 4, 2013
Smashwords Ebook Deals with Coupons and Bargain Prices
Smashwords Deals for the week of December 4th
This is a weekly feature at Her Ladyship's Quest. Follow by email or with RSS and come back for the next Smashwords Deals feature.
This week's free ebook with a coupon is Kingdom of the Sun by Ariffa Bevin.
Kingdom of the Sun
Ariffa Bevin
Fiction
$2.99 Free 100% off with coupon code QW97R
12/1/13-12/7/13
Get it at Smashwords
Truth. Hope. Honor. Happiness...In the modern-day Kingdom of Sooryan the meaning of these four words fade as light leaves the sky during sunset...But as reassuring and as promising that the sun will rise again each day, Helena will fight for something that most want, but are not brave enough to make: Change.
RealmShift
Alan Baxter
Fantasy
$3.99 No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
A race against time and the Devil. Samuel Harrigan is a murderer. He used ancient blood magic to escape a deal with the Devil. Now Lucifer wants Samuel’s soul and refuses to wait a second longer for it. Isiah has a job to do. He needs Samuel to complete his destiny, so he has to protect Sam and keep the Devil at bay. Not for Samuel’s sake, but for all of humanity.
Slave Empire - Prophecy
TC Southwell
Space Opera
Free - No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Alien hunters invade a dying Earth in search of a saviour, and an ancient prophecy predicts a golden child who will save a galactic empire. A mysterious black ship is Rayne’s guide and a masked outlaw known as the Shrike her guardian. Others want to slay her and prevent the prophecy from coming true. In the midst of two great empires’ strife, the Shrike holds the power to save or destroy her.
Growing Marajuana Made Easy
Robert Crawshaw
Gardening
$1.50 No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
A comprehensive guide to growing your own Marijuana. If you ever wanted to grow your own crop and needed to know more about the plants, equipment, lighting, temperature, feeding and harvesting, then this is the book you'll need. Inside there are tips on how to maximise your crop and clone plants so your harvests remain constant, a great book that will help you get the best out of your hobby.
Educate & Survive Knowledge to Survive By
Micah McGuire
Survival Reference
$2.99 No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
With the problems facing people today there are too many possibilities that you may need to know how to survive without the benefit of the technology commonly in use. In this guide we detail the most common elements of survival that will make you prepared for anything short of the zombie apocalypse, from what to put in your bug-out bag to building a windmill for charging batteries.
Thai Food: Thai Curry Recipes
Surawut Pimthong
Thai Cooking
$0.99 No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Thai food: thai curry recipes cookbook.
In this Thai food: thai curry menus is collection techniques in thai cooking, thai cookbook, thai food and thai recipes for you in thai curry recipes. How to cook very easy, You can do it by yourself at home. Let's do it.
Some thai food: curry menus include:
*Hot Yellow Fish Curry (Gang-Lheung)
*Massaman Chicken Curry
*Roasted Chicken Curry with Cha-Plu Leaves (‘Gang Kua Gai Bai Cha Plu’)
*Pumpkin Curry with Green Pepper
*Green Curry with Chicken
And many more!
A Purse to Die For
Melodie Campbell
Mystery - Women Sleuths
$0.99 No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
When fashionista and television celeb Gina Monroe goes home to attend the funeral of her late grandmother, the last thing she expects to encounter is murder. And the reading of the will is anything but fashionable as unanswered questions arise. Who is the dead woman in the woods behind the family house? And why is she dressed in Milano designer clothes?
Happy Reading!
Follow Her Ladyship's Quest by email or with RSS and come back for the next Smashwords Deals feature.
Authors: Send me your coupon codes with the form at the bottom of the Smashwords Deals page.
This is a weekly feature at Her Ladyship's Quest. Follow by email or with RSS and come back for the next Smashwords Deals feature.
This week's free ebook with a coupon is Kingdom of the Sun by Ariffa Bevin.

Kingdom of the Sun
Ariffa Bevin
Fiction
$2.99 Free 100% off with coupon code QW97R
12/1/13-12/7/13
Get it at Smashwords
Truth. Hope. Honor. Happiness...In the modern-day Kingdom of Sooryan the meaning of these four words fade as light leaves the sky during sunset...But as reassuring and as promising that the sun will rise again each day, Helena will fight for something that most want, but are not brave enough to make: Change.

RealmShift
Alan Baxter
Fantasy
$3.99 No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
A race against time and the Devil. Samuel Harrigan is a murderer. He used ancient blood magic to escape a deal with the Devil. Now Lucifer wants Samuel’s soul and refuses to wait a second longer for it. Isiah has a job to do. He needs Samuel to complete his destiny, so he has to protect Sam and keep the Devil at bay. Not for Samuel’s sake, but for all of humanity.

Slave Empire - Prophecy
TC Southwell
Space Opera
Free - No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Alien hunters invade a dying Earth in search of a saviour, and an ancient prophecy predicts a golden child who will save a galactic empire. A mysterious black ship is Rayne’s guide and a masked outlaw known as the Shrike her guardian. Others want to slay her and prevent the prophecy from coming true. In the midst of two great empires’ strife, the Shrike holds the power to save or destroy her.

Growing Marajuana Made Easy
Robert Crawshaw
Gardening
$1.50 No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
A comprehensive guide to growing your own Marijuana. If you ever wanted to grow your own crop and needed to know more about the plants, equipment, lighting, temperature, feeding and harvesting, then this is the book you'll need. Inside there are tips on how to maximise your crop and clone plants so your harvests remain constant, a great book that will help you get the best out of your hobby.

Educate & Survive Knowledge to Survive By
Micah McGuire
Survival Reference
$2.99 No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
With the problems facing people today there are too many possibilities that you may need to know how to survive without the benefit of the technology commonly in use. In this guide we detail the most common elements of survival that will make you prepared for anything short of the zombie apocalypse, from what to put in your bug-out bag to building a windmill for charging batteries.

Thai Food: Thai Curry Recipes
Surawut Pimthong
Thai Cooking
$0.99 No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Thai food: thai curry recipes cookbook.
In this Thai food: thai curry menus is collection techniques in thai cooking, thai cookbook, thai food and thai recipes for you in thai curry recipes. How to cook very easy, You can do it by yourself at home. Let's do it.
Some thai food: curry menus include:
*Hot Yellow Fish Curry (Gang-Lheung)
*Massaman Chicken Curry
*Roasted Chicken Curry with Cha-Plu Leaves (‘Gang Kua Gai Bai Cha Plu’)
*Pumpkin Curry with Green Pepper
*Green Curry with Chicken
And many more!

A Purse to Die For
Melodie Campbell
Mystery - Women Sleuths
$0.99 No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
When fashionista and television celeb Gina Monroe goes home to attend the funeral of her late grandmother, the last thing she expects to encounter is murder. And the reading of the will is anything but fashionable as unanswered questions arise. Who is the dead woman in the woods behind the family house? And why is she dressed in Milano designer clothes?
Happy Reading!
Follow Her Ladyship's Quest by email or with RSS and come back for the next Smashwords Deals feature.
Authors: Send me your coupon codes with the form at the bottom of the Smashwords Deals page.
Published on December 04, 2013 08:18
December 3, 2013
Perfect Pages Etsy Shop Showcase - Vintage Books, Digital Stock Art, and Ebooks
Here's a preview of some of the items I have for sale at Etsy. I've got some nice Mark Twain hardcover books. I'm selling The Rys Chronicles complete series signed in paperbacks. And you can also look over my collection of digital images and of course my ebooks are there too. Did you know that Etsy now serves instant downloads to its customers? There will be no waiting if you see a nice art image you want to buy for your craft project.
Published on December 03, 2013 11:12
December 2, 2013
Doctor Who, Star Wars, Star Trek, and Steampunk Cosplayers Celebrate Imagination at Comic Cons
I recently entered the world of Comic Cons when I attended the Grand Rapids Comic Con in October. I worked as a vendor and found it to be a wonderful experience. I got to enjoy the fun atmosphere and sell my books. Cosplayers are the people who add the most positive energy to these events. Their costumes really set these conventions apart from normal world (boring) events. People have an innate need to express themselves and have fun. Cosplay delivers this. Even for convention goers who don't dress up, the cosplayer presence lets everyone know that it's OK to be a little different. We don't all have to look the same. It's a good thing to be in touch with our imaginations.
I'm syndicating this article from Wizard World, a producer of comic cons across North America because it shows the scope of the cosplaying subculture. Many people enjoy this activity and they put together some fabulous outfits that make these events memorable.
[image error] ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Ghostbusters’ Groups, Cosplayers Among Fan Communities At Wizard World Austin Comic Con (via NewsCanada-Plus)
I'm syndicating this article from Wizard World, a producer of comic cons across North America because it shows the scope of the cosplaying subculture. Many people enjoy this activity and they put together some fabulous outfits that make these events memorable.
[image error] ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Ghostbusters’ Groups, Cosplayers Among Fan Communities At Wizard World Austin Comic Con (via NewsCanada-Plus)
‘Star Wars,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Ghostbusters‘ Groups, Cosplayers Among Fan Communities At Wizard World Austin Comic Con Local ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Ghostbusters’ and other fan groups join noted cosplayer Ivy Doomkitty among…
Published on December 02, 2013 08:12