Tracy Falbe's Blog, page 34

Best Wishes to Everyone Doing NaNoWriMO

It's November 1st and the Halloween fun is over except for all the candy filling up the house. Now it's time for novelists to get back in the mine and start digging for a rich vein of Mother Lode literary gold. In September I publicly wondered if I should participate in this year's NaNoWriMo. It's an annual writing binge in which thousands of writers sign up for a marathon month of writing with the hope of achieving a complete 50,000-word novel in 30 days.

Because I'm at a point in which I need to start composing a new novel I thought that jumping on the bandwagon would be a good way for me to get a big start. After much thought I have decided to not officially sign up for NaNoWriMo. My novels tend to be at least 150,000 words. I could never completely draft one in a month. Because I would only be doing NaNoWriMo as a way to get a big start on my next novel I would not really be honoring the spirit of the program that is meant for people to write a complete novel in a month.

I also worried that if I joined NaNoWriMo I would be inclined to power through with writing for the sake of adding words instead of stopping and doing research as necessary. I'm currently in a phase in which I am writing in a historical setting. I'm planning a sequel to my newest novel Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale that is officially releasing on November 13th. I learned from writing Werelord Thal that a historical setting sometimes demands that I stop and do more research before proceeding. I'm currently researching and planning the new novel. My aim is to even start writing it this weekend.

I'm just not the type of person who likes being penned in by artificial deadlines and requirements. That feels too much like a job. Writing is my art. It's work I love and it's not a job to me.

I understand that some people love the motivation of strict deadlines and requirements. It really puts a fire under their butts. I live with a fire under my butt. When I don't feel like writing I honestly tell myself "But what if I died tomorrow? Then this chapter would never be completed." That's pretty motivating.

To everyone who has made the committment to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days, I extend my respect and encouragement. It is a completely possible endeavor. Let the words fly and may your characters take you for a thrilling ride.

An Urban Fantasy Smashwords Deal with Coupon Plus Horror Ebooks for Halloween

Smashwords Deals for the week of October 30th

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.

Use the coupon to get this Urban Fantasy at 66% off.


Syndicate (Tales from the Twisted Eden Sector)  

Lyle S Tanner  

Urban Fantasy

$5.99 $1.99 66% off with coupon AM87J  
October 25 - November 1   

Get it at Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...  

SYNDICATE is a collection of short stories following the people in a world that must never know the magic it contains. The mysterious Syndicate struggles to hold the balance, and a few unlucky souls get drawn into events they could never prepare for.

No coupon needed - Horror Ebook Deals for the Halloween Season

 
The Converging
George Straatman
Horror
FREE! No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
The Converging recounts the tale of ethereal Romanian demon Cynara Saravic who after building her legend as Satan’s most prolific reaper of souls, decides she must have a soul, not for the dark father, but her own companionship. Her search for a perfect light reflection of her own darkness leads her to a small Washington town where she spins an insidious web of terror while claiming her prize.

 
Resurrection
Mike Bennett
Horror
Only $2.99 no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
The first volume of the award-winning Underwood and Flinch Chronicles. All David Flinch ever wanted was a normal life. But when you're a member of the Flinch family, normal has never been easy. For hundreds of years, the eldest male Flinch has been servant and guardian to the vampire, Lord Underwood. While the Flinches have changed through the generations, Underwood has remained eternal ...  
 
Return of the Phoenix - A Monster Squad Novel
Heath Stallcup
Horror
Only $2.99 no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Humanity has spent its time enjoying the peace that can only be had through blissful ignorance. For centuries, stories of things that go ‘bump’ in the night have been passed down and shared. When creatures of the night proved to be real, the best of America’s military came together to form an elite band of rapid response teams. But during a routine mission, things go horribly wrong...  

Trudge - Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse
Shawn Chesser
Horror
Only $0.99, no coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Cade Grayson finds himself separated from his wife and daughter during a viral outbreak; between them are 3000 miles and millions of infected. Cade must form alliances and rely on his military training to run the gauntlet of undead, as well as the living. 
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.

Be Haunted by the Halloween Spirit and Watch The American Scream

I ran across a documentary appropriate for the season. It's called The American Scream. The documentary profiles three families in Fairhaven, Massachusetts as they transform their homes and yards into Halloween Haunts for the enjoyment of revelers young and old on Halloween night.

People who do this are called home haunters. They build big displays in their yards and sometimes even guide visitors inside their houses. They frighten and delight people with elaborate props and costumed actors. One family in particular is led by an obsessive man who is a perfectionist. He works year round developing his sets and monsters. His home is filled top to bottom with all his haunting equipment. Although his wife appears less than enamored with the lifestyle he has sucked her and their daughters into, she remains supportive. She sews costumes. She does the makeup on all the staff. Yes, he has a payroll. He also has thousands of people go through his home haunt every Halloween, and they love it.

I found myself rather sympathetic to him despite the excesses of his haunting obsession. He was so dedicated to his art. It made me reflect on the sacrifices I have inflicted on my own family by being a novelist instead of just about anything else. In him I saw my own conflict which is a total commitment to a craft yet recognition of the burden it places on others. 

Two more families are also featured in The American Scream. They act as foils to the super obsessed man, who obviously needs to transform this craft to his profession. These families were in it for the good time. Things did not have to be perfect. It was their way of celebrating the wonderful Halloween holiday with their community. And Halloween is about community. It's a holiday about culture. It's when the folk are supposed to get out and make some lore.

Halloween also helps us psychologically deal with fear and death in a safe way. Death comes for us all. Halloween lets its participants accept this into their spirits while celebrating the thrill of being alive.

I recommend watching The American Scream this week while you're carving pumpkins, baking treats, and putting the finishing touches on your costume. This documentary shows that Halloween is by far the best holiday of the year.

Smashwords Coupons and Bargain Ebooks Available Worldwide

Smashwords Deals for the week of October 23rd

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.



Jak Phoenix

Matt D. Williams

Sci Fi Space Opera

$1.99 FREE with coupon code LB74T  
Good through November 18th, 2013.

Get it at Smashwords

Jak is a pilot who would rather kick back with a cold drink than stick his neck out to save the galaxy. But, as we all know, life often gets in the way of these ‘big dreams.’ In the spirit of space operas of old, comes a light hearted, action packed novel following the exploits of the best low quality pirate in the galaxy - Jak Phoenix.  


Legacies, An American Journey    

Jim Ricca  

fiction-historical

$1.99 Bargain, no coupon needed
Good through 12/31/13.

Get it at Smashwords
  
"Legacies; an American Journey, recounts the history of one family of Italian-American soldiers and policemen, and their long battle against the Mafia, Fascism and Communism. It details their sacrifices, triumphs and losses. This book recounts their flight to America to escape the Mafia’s and Mussolini’s vengeance, and their military service in the American army during World War II and Vietnam.


The Alien's Reward   

Jim Ricca  

fiction- sci fi-alien invasion

$1.99 Bargain, no coupon needed
Good through 12/31/13

Get it at Smashwords


"Ralph Butler was no fool. A well educated, very practical professional, he believed only in what he could see and feel for himself. Butler considered UFOs and ETs figments of overactive, alcohol and drug soaked imaginations; until one fateful morning when Butler attempts to help three strangers and sets off a series of events that changes his life and the world forever."      
     

Early One Morning  

Aubree Lane

Romance

$3.99 $1.99 50% off with coupon code JZ75Y  
10/19-11/19

Get it at Smashwords

He was the dark haired deity with a salacious  smile, she lived 2,600 miles away. Forces beyond their control brought them together.


Aria, Golden Dragon Queen  

John Arthur Betts  

Fantasy

$2.99 $0.99 67% OFF with coupon code XE64M  
19th Oct 13 to 19th Nov 13

Get it at Smashwords

Dragons are defeated by Dark Wizards, After one thousand years they fight back. (Shh, don't tell any one but my Dragons are turning my present WIP into a sequel to this book, they are a bossy lot but I like to keep them happy, hope to publish before Christmas.)    


Mia's Legacy  

John Arthur Betts  

Fantasy

FREE No coupon needed. Always Free  

Get it at Smashwords

"When a human colony spacecraft crash lands on a planet ruled by Dragons and populated by mythical creatures, they mistake the creatures rush to assist them as an attack, this mistake leads to years of war until a truce is forged by the Red Dragon, will it last, can they all survive."



The Broke Man's Survival Guide: 50 Simple Strategies to Use When You Are Unemployed, Underpaid or Just Dead Broke and Trying to Survive

A.M. Harris

Self Help Personal Growth

$2.99 Bargain, no coupon needed

Get it at Smashwords

When you are broke, the last thing you want to hear about are saving plans, financial portfolios, or investment strategies. You are broke! Debt collectors are calling. Disconnection notices are mounting. Foreclosure is pending. You want to hear about how you are going to going to make ends meet. Real talk. You want to know how to survive through it.

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.

Author Rewards Fans with Discounted Pre-Release Ebook of New Paranormal Werewolf Novel

For immediate release to bloggers, journalists, and media producers that serve readers of historical paranormal romance. The content of this press release may be republished with credit given to the source. Have questions? Email tracy {AT symbol} falbepublishing {DOT}com.

Werewolves, Witches, and the Renaissance Inspire Tracy Falbe's New Historical Paranormal Romance




October 21, 2013
Author Rewards Fans with Discounted Pre-Release Ebook of New Paranormal Werewolf Novel


Fans of fantasy author Tracy Falbe enjoyed first access to her new historical paranormal romance titled Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale. She notified them on October 11th and offered a special discount, selling the pre-release ebook for $2.50. The official upcoming release of her 9th novel will be on November 13th when it becomes available at multiple online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and iTunes.
Until the release date Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale will remain at the $2.50 ebook price exclusively at Falbe’s web store Brave Luck Books http://www.falbepublishing.com/braveluck/werelord-thal.html
In this new novel Falbe crafts her adventure in the historical setting of 1561 Bohemia. The story revolves around the werewolf Thal and his hunt for the men who tortured and executed his witch mother. Thal distinguishes himself as a werewolf because he can control his transformations. He shifts into his beast self at will with his enchanted wolf fur.
Falbe chose Renaissance Europe for her paranormal adventure because it served as a complementary background to Thal’s werewolf power. He is in a society strained by transformations in religion, technology, and politics. His struggle to understand both the man and the beast within himself is mirrored by society’s deep conflict with its changing systems.  
Sixteenth century Europe was a time of terrible turmoil. The Roman Catholic Church was losing control of much of the Holy Roman Empire as the Protestant Reformation rejected Roman authority. The print revolution spread political dissent and supported advances in technology and commerce. The growing economy led to new wealthy elites who waged war for political control.
This fertile historical ground allowed Falbe to craft an exciting adventure that included Gypsies, mercenaries, monks, magistrates, nobles, and musicians.
Falbe has been publishing her novels since 2006. She began writing in 1997 and has produced two fantasy series The Rys Chronicles and Rys Rising. She is also the author of three nonfiction works. As a graduate with a degree in journalism from California State University, Chico she has dedicated herself to writing and is part of the growing ranks of independent authors who have gained audiences thanks to worldwide distribution of ebooks.
Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale will remain at a special discount at www.braveluck.comuntil November 13th when the price will go to $3.99.
A large image of the book cover can be downloaded at this URLhttp://falbepublishing.com/images/Werelord-Thal-cover-1600.jpg

Available for Pre-Order on Apple iBooks Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale

I'm happy to report that Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale is now available for pre-order in the Apple iBooks store in iTunes.

See the iTunes preview

My newest novel will release on November 13th. Pre-orders will be automatically sent to readers on that day.

The pre-order is available across all iTunes store in over 50 countries. Just search your iTunes for it and snatch up some Renaissance paranormal adventure. 

About the novel:

Thal is wanted for Devil worship and shape shifting but 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.

Born of a witch and a sorcerer, he is summoned when his desperate mother casts the werewolf spell before facing torture and execution. Burdened with her magical call for vengeance Thal seeks the men that killed her. His hunt is complicated when the Magistrate’s stepdaughter Altea Kardas crosses his path. Horrified that her community is burning women to death, she can confide her doubt and fear only to Thal.

He desires her greatly but knows he will bring ruin upon her. Across Bohemia and beyond people who are different are labeled heretics in a restless world hobbled by tyrannical ignorance. The Renaissance has thrown the Holy Roman Empire into turmoil. Printed books are spreading radical ideas. Firearms are triggering a new age of warfare. And the human spirit is shaking off obedience.

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. And he awakens within Altea recognition of these truths. She believes any risk is worth loving him until she becomes the bait in a trap set by Thal’s enemies.

Pre-order it at iTunes

I'm expecting Werelord Thal to become available for pre-order at Barnes & Noble Nook any day. Please monitor this blog for that announcement if you prefer to read on Nook.

Don't want to wait? Until November 13th, I'm running a pre-release ebook special for Werelord Thal at Brave Luck Books. The ebook will be only $2.50 exclusively at my website until the release date. It's available worldwide in pdf, epub, and kindle formats. Load it onto any device you have.

I Survived Being a Vendor at My First Comic Con and Even Sold Some Books

The Grand Rapids Comic Con was my first con experience and I enjoyed the fun atmosphere.
On October 12th I attended the Grand Rapids Comic Con as a vendor. I arrived at dawn and set up a little shop and got my fantasy books on display. The event was letting early birds in at 9 a.m. so I had to be ready. There was already a bit of a line even at 7:30. These early risers certainly had no worse wait than the rest of the people that showed up that day. Thousands more than expected had arrived by noon and the Comic Con had to unhappily turn away approximately two thousand people due to the limitations of the venue.



I spent the day ensconced deeply in the vendor room and rather oblivious to the epic queuing outside. I was taking in my first Comic Con experience. It was a really good scene. All the costume groups were thoroughly entertaining. There were many Doctor Who groups. One young man had the David Tenant Doctor Who's hair perfect. The Kick Ass group was very good tool. Hit Girl was a hit. Spider-Man wandered about browsing comics. And zombies plodded by.

Of course there were the obligatory storm troopers and Darth Vader and Jedi in attendance. I suspect that there is more than one Darth Vader but they are never seen together. Maybe it was a situation similar to how Saddam Hussein had body doubles. But I can say that one Darth Vader who walked by my table was noticeably heavier than the other.

I like Darth's Uncle Sam needs you for Imperial Army pose.My table had the illustrious honor of being next to the Mach 5 from Speed Racer. This exhibition is put on by a family. They tour to various conventions and show off their Mach 5. They were hobbyist superfans, not even selling anything. They had a great time, and the crowd loved the Mach 5. The Speed Racer display also provided a good landmark for describing where my table was. I hired my niece to go around the crowd and pass out coupons and she would tell people they could go look at my books by the Mach 5.


As far as selling fantasy books at the Comic Con, I did pretty well. I sold 24 books. I was running a gift pack deal on The Rys Chronicles in paperback and selling Rys Rising: Book I and its sequels for $10 each. Also I was promoting my website like crazy. I got a lot of flyers and business cards out there and collected a page of emails. Overall I was pretty pleased with my first attempt. I already have ideas for improving my table's merchandising for my next convention. I'll definitely get my sheets with review excerpts from various retailers up in stands so people can see them better.

The atmosphere at the convention was fun. It was so nice to see so many people being themselves. Costuming gives people so much joy. And there are many people, grown ups and children, who get warm and fuzzy in a place where they can happily shop for action figures and comics and feel like the world is catering to them.

Meeting other artists and dealers was a great part of the experience for me too. It's good to know that I'm not the only creative person devoted to his or her art. 

I've written a bit of a dog book

When I decided to write a werewolf novel, I had the clever thought that my werewolf should have a dog. My novel is called Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale. Since Thal is such a handsome dude and a bit of a bad ass, I thought it would be fun to give him a small dog. He does not need some big bruising beast to advertise his power. He has the confidence to go about with a little dog.

His dog's name is Pistol. He's a rat terrier sort of fellow of whatever breed was scratching about during the Renaissance, the era in which the novel is set. Pistol is helpful to his beloved werewolf master on many occasions despite his diminutive stature.

The little dog eases the loneliness of the werewolf. Even though Thal has friends, his dog is who truly understands him.

After a tough day of being persecuted as a Devil worshipper and getting shot at it, the werewolf really appreciates a companion who will cheerfully wag his tail and be ready to go out to dinner.

Pistol also represents Thal's inner kindness. Although Thal is a powerful werewolf, his heart is attuned to those who have less power and he is often sympathetic to their plights.


Right now Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale is for sale at my Brave Luck Books web store for the special pre-release ebook price of $2.50. 
The ebook is available worldwide in PDF, Epub, and Kindle formats. 
For some werewolf and Renaissance fun and drama go snatch it up. 
On the official November 13th release date, Werelord Thal will be priced at $3.99 and be available at numerous online retailers. A paperback version will also be made available. 

Please join my Readers' List to be notified of its official release.

Smashwords Deals October 16th Ebooks Available Worldwide

Smashwords Deals for the week of October 16th

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.

The Vessel

Michael Alexander

Epic Fantasy

Only $1.99 No coupon needed

Get it at Smashwords

On the happiest day of her life, Xela's world falls apart thanks to the actions of her brother Fael. Her fiance and father are dead and now she only harbors vengeance in her heart. But in her quest to exact revenge for her lost loved ones, she will be ensnared into a plot that threatens to resurrect an Old God and cast the world into darkness.

 
Cabin Fever
Stephanie Williams
Erotica
Only $3.99 No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Sean, Patrick and Sandra are the Three Musketeers. They do everything together including working at a successful gym called Boot Camp. But Sean and Patrick want more. Can three weeks in a remote mountain cabin lead to unconventional love or will their friendship be ruined forever?  

Jak Phoenix
Matt D. Williams
Sci Fi Space Opera
Only $1.99 No Coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
Jak is a pilot who would rather kick back with a cold drink than stick his neck out to save the galaxy. But, as we all know, life often gets in the way of these ‘big dreams.’ In the spirit of space operas of old, comes a light hearted, action packed novel following the exploits of the best low quality pirate in the galaxy - Jak Phoenix.



Two To Tangle
RH Peppers
African American
FREE! No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
From the journals of Sampson Peppers, Jr. comes a crime novel that show the inner workings of a successful criminal empire and the pursuit of a special agent of the FBI, Michael Jones, first hand perspective of cornering Sampson Peppers, Jr. by way of involving one of the kingpin's best childhood friends. Two to Tangle is fast paced and intriguing and first installment of an ongoing crime series.  

Celtic Evil: A Fitzgerald Brother Novel: Roarke
Sierra Rose
Science Fiction
Only $0.99 No coupon needed
Get it at Smashwords
An Irish based paranormal/romantic suspense novel. Roarke Fitzgerald & his brothers must reunite after 15 years apart to start to complete the prophecy that will defeat the very evil that killed their parents & tore them apart but it will also mean Roarke must face his past or risk losing not only his family, but also his future & the woman he loves.
Some more Erotica  All In: 25 Erotic Stories by Emily Cantore. $5.99 from Smashwords.com
25 erotic short stories from the hot and bothered mind of Emily Cantore! To buy individually would cost a bundle! More than 130,000 words of first-time lesbians, threesomes, girls experimenting, sex toys and much more. Guaranteed to warm you up and get your mind racing!


Military Sci Fi

The Dragons of Jupiter by Jacob Holo. $2.99 from Smashwords.com
The worst enemy in war is family. Brothers Kaneda and Ryu Kusanagi must face each other in a battle that will shake the great powers of the solar system and force both men to question what they believe in.




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.

Happy Reading Everyone. 

Chapter List from New Werewolf Novel

I put a lot of thought into the titles for the chapters of my novels. Often I lift a little phrase from the chapter that captures its meaning. Other times I construct a little phrase to label the chapter. To pique your interest in my new novel Werelord Thal: A Renaissance Werewolf Tale I am sharing the list of chapters below. The novel is scheduled for release to retailers on November 13th. Currently it is available as an ebook at my Brave Luck Books web store at a pre-release special price of $2.50.

Chapter 1. Water and Blood
Chapter 2. Humanity
Chapter 3. Mother Shadow
Chapter 4. Fire in the Night
Chapter 5. Much Devilry Afoot
Chapter 6. From the Forest
Chapter 7. Wheel of Fortune
Chapter 8. True Nature
Chapter 9. A Fearsome Sign
Chapter 10. Protector of the Weak
Chapter 11. Another Like Him
Chapter 12. The Ferryman
Chapter 13. Soul Shadow of Man
Chapter 14. The Castle of Lord Patercek
Chapter 15. Talk of Monsters
Chapter 16. The Devil Instead
Chapter 17. The Thirteenth Witch
Chapter 18. The Great Question
Chapter 19. Voice to His Grief
Chapter 20. Bound by Loss
Chapter 21. Kill Without Sin
Chapter 22. Blood Scent
Chapter 23. An Unmapped Kingdom
Chapter 24. Holy Guidance
Chapter 25. Irresistible Gateway
Chapter 26. A Helping Hand
Chapter 27. Twice Cursed
Chapter 28. Forgotten Secrets
Chapter 29. An Excellent Recommendation
Chapter 30. Trust
Chapter 31. The Invitation
Chapter 32. Live In Fear
Chapter 33. No Rules or Light of Day
Chapter 34. A Rendezvous Observed
Chapter 35. Not Really a Thief
Chapter 36. Altea, I Love You…
Chapter 37. Thal’s Merry Little Retinue
Chapter 38. Sacrifice
Chapter 39. A Cross to Bear
Chapter 40. Yield or Die
Chapter 41. No Solace
Chapter 42. Ten Little Points
Chapter 43. The Side of the Law
Chapter 44. Hunted
Chapter 45. Deserved and Undeserved
Chapter 46. Hunter and Healer
Chapter 47. He Bids Thee Come
Chapter 48. Three More Fugitives
Chapter 49. The Joyous Place

To read this werewolf novel right now, get the ebook before the 11/13/13 release for $2.50.