Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 5

#Excerpt: NERD MEETS CURVY by A.C. James

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a winner a book box with the stunning hardback special edition with sprayed and stenciled edges, a dual-sided dust jacket, and custom swag. Please include this link with your post for her giveaway: https://acjames.com/blogs/news/nerdmeetscurvystories-hashtag-challenge-special-edition-book-box-giveaway

Coralie dreads starting over, but Mystic River beckons her home like a siren's call. Armed with determination and a toolkit full of DIY magic, Coralie sets out to revive her grandmother's worn-down house. If anyone can breathe new life into the old walls, it's her. And with lifelong friendships awaiting her, she has a support system as sturdy as a bear shifter's embrace.

Little does she know that her homecoming will launch her into the wildest roller coaster ride of midlife dating and a mating bond that makes her head spin faster than a tornado. Coralie certainly hadn't signed up for this level of excitement, but here she was, courtesy of the enigmatic mastermind herself, Mrs. Wilde. The queen of matchmaking and the architect of the notorious Peculiar Hearts Dating Agency promises Coralie a spicy rebound for her upcoming high school reunion.

Enter Jax, a scorching hot bear shifter haunted by a love that's gripped him since high school. Just when he finally has a shot at settling down, a pesky ex-harpy swoops in, flapping her wings and causing more drama than a forest full of squawking birds. Tired of the chaos, this bear is ready to throw in the towel and hibernate for good!

But as they say, fate has a wicked sense of humor.

Beneath the surface of his chance to make things right and rewrite history are secrets that could detonate like a ticking time bomb, threatening to shatter their fragile bond. Coralie holds a haunting secret buried deep within her heart. It shapes the choices that molded her into the fierce, curvy woman she is today. As for Jax, his past is a murky labyrinth of pain and darkness. Lives and love swing on a high-stakes pendulum as danger closes in.

Can Coralie and Jax beat the odds, untangle the mystery of the danger stalking them, and build a future that defies the limits of their pasts?

Excerpt:

Eleanora settled across from Coralie at the kitchen table, her shrewd gaze sweeping over her with an unapologetic curiosity. Coralie couldn’t help but feel anxious with anticipation. After all, this was the renowned Mrs. Wilde, the matchmaker extraordinaire. If anyone could navigate the treacherous waters of her love life, it would be her.

“So, how’s your sex life?” Eleanora blurted out, her straightforwardness causing Coralie to nearly choke on her tea.

Jessie’s warning about Mrs. Wilde’s blunt nature had been an understatement, to say the least. But Coralie had come to the Peculiar Hearts Dating Agency for a reason—to find love, even if the thought made her stomach twist with uncertainty.

Summoning her courage, Coralie straightened her posture. She met Eleanora’s inquisitive gaze with a defiant spark in her caramel-colored eyes and a touch of humor snarking her voice. “Nonexistent.”

Eleanora nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Her words carried an air of understanding as if she had already seen Coralie’s romantic future unfold. “I figured as much. That’s why you’re here, my dear. Seeking a second chance at love.”

Relief flooded through Coralie, grateful she didn’t have to delve into the messy details of her past relationships. Eleanora seemed to possess an innate sense of what she needed. It brought a flicker of hope to Coralie’s weary heart. Could she truly open herself up to love again? Memories of her disastrous ex still lingered, fresh like an open wound that refused to heal. It had been two long years. She had remained closed off, unwilling to expose herself to the vulnerability that came with dating someone new and opening up to them.

Returning to Mystic River had been her escape, a refuge from the pain she endured. The house she inherited from her grandmother became her project, a labor of love and distraction. For months, she toiled away, dedicating herself to the renovation. It was a way to create her own haven and a means of avoiding the potential heartache that came with opening her heart to another. She had convinced herself that she didn’t need anyone else, not after the wounds inflicted by her ex.

About the Author: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author A.C. James writes paranormal romance and erotica, including Eternal Ever After (rebranded as Eternal Lover), featured in the bestselling Spice Box anthology. Her Ever Dark Immortals Series, which begins with Eternal Lover, has been described as “brimming with sensuality” and “romantic and sizzling hot.” The Isle of the Horse Shifters series starts with Ride: Awakening and is “lighthearted,” that is a “joy ride from beginning to end.”

She resides in the Philadelphia suburbs with her adoring husband Ron (aka Mr. A.C. James), who loves her imaginative yarns and punny sense of humor. She’s also a domestic violence advocate and discusses intimate partner violence and addiction to raise awareness on social media and through her writing. Many of her books include themes like alcoholism or addiction. If you love books that feature underdogs and redemption, her stories will capture your heart.

She spends most of her time drinking large vats of coffee while wrangling kids by day and writing by night. Recovering video game beta tester and tech geek who grew up going to cons and watching SmackDown. There’s probably some cosplay pictures around somewhere of her dressed up as Bloodberry from Saber Marionette J. Just don’t tell anyone.

Connect With Me

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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nerd-Meets-Curvy-Peculiar-Hearts-ebook/dp/B0CJ85QSWD/ref=sr_1_1

 

#Excerpt: THE WORLD COUNCIL by Norm Beech

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Norm Meech will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Ricky Montgomery had just graduated high school in June 1976 and was enjoying life as an 18-year-old teenager. He was hired by the Dawson City Police Force, and after graduating from police college he was assigned to work as an undercover operative in a motorcycle gang.

Ricky, although happy, was struggling living his double life as a cop and biker. Then it happened: during a biker war, Ricky's life was saved by agents from the World Council (TWC). TWC was created by the world's leaders to prevent manmade disasters from happening and to liaise with aliens who have been monitoring mankind for hundreds of years. TWC's mandate, with the assistance of aliens, is to ensure mankind's continued existence.

TWC is a highly secretive organization, whose agents have the ability to travel through time, to change history, and to take lives to save lives. Ricky becomes a TWC agent and discovers that TWC's command staff is making unethical decisions, hiding secrets about aliens and trying to reduce the world's population through biological warfare. Ricky teams up with other agents and tries to save mankind and the world from disaster.

Excerpt:

Jeffrey moved closer to Tiffany and was trying to convince her that she had done the right thing, in helping mankind.

Jeffrey then started to spill his guts, “I have plans to save mankind and the planet through population control and that it is necessary for that virus outbreak to kill millions of people. If you reduce the population, you reduce the pollution and increase the food supply around the world. We would have eventually rescued the agents and brought them back to TWC.”

“I really don’t understand the need to kill millions of people and if it is such a good idea why did TWC authorize the agent’s original assignment to that country?”

About the Author: Norm Meech has been retired for nearly two years, capping a distinguished forty-four-year career in policing. He fondly recalls the camaraderie of work friends forged during his tenure and the unique experiences as a police officer.

While missing aspects of his former profession, Norm keeps himself engaged by maintaining fitness and pursuing various hobbies. Additionally, he channels his creativity into writing, aiming to produce a book annually. His latest work delves into science fiction, inviting readers to ponder questions about the existence of aliens, unidentified flying objects, government involvement in secret conspiracies, the potential for time travel, and the impact of human activities on the planet. Norm hopes readers enjoy the fictional stories he crafts, sparking contemplation and curiosity.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Norm-Meech/100078187723504/
Wordpress.com: https://normmeech.wordpress.com/about-author/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normmeech

Amazon buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/World-Council-Norm-Meech-ebook/dp/B0CLGPHWCX/ref=sr_1_1

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Interview with Z. Lindsey, THE RIVER AGAINST THE SEA

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

Essie Darkenchyl is a devil-like creature obsessed with bureaucracy and the rule of order. When she gets assigned to a crew that is anything but that, she thinks her troubles can’t get any bigger. But soon she finds herself in a political dispute that dissolves into civil war, and there’s some sort of ancient monster at the center of it all. At times funny and at other times intense, the book explores serious themes in a lighthearted way without compromising on character development and adventure. Although it has a few dark moments, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. 

It can be read as a stand-alone, but there are currently two other books featuring her as a hero and a few others in the same world. 

 

Do you have a favorite character?

Essie is heavily inspired by my wife, and this book actually started off as stories that I made up for her when we had our kid. So if forced to choose, I’d obviously say the one based on my wife is my favorite. But they’re all my babies! I can’t possibly choose just one. 

 

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all? Did the character become the hero/heroine of their own book?

Certain minor characters evolve naturally into more important characters as the story goes on. If you read all the books in the series, you’ll see the frightened, cowardly young security officer Merritt Chenall grow into a frightened but still pretty badass adult. He never stops being terrified of fighting, but he does get better at forcing himself to do what’s necessary to help his friends. I did write a book where he has his own adventure, but I still haven’t decided if I’ll publish it or not. Depends if everyone else likes him as much as I do. 

 

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

Since I’ve got two day jobs and a kid, my writing process is super disorganized. I honestly don’t know how I do it, but I’ve written more since I had my kid than before. I think not having a process and just telling myself, “Screw it, I want to get this story out, no matter how I do it,” has helped. That said, I like to listen to music and I almost always spend weeks creating lengthy Spotify playlists that I almost never listen to during the actual writing process. 

 

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?

Yes. The word I’ve heard lately going around is “plantser,” although admittedly that word is a little silly. But I always create an outline at the beginning. I type out all the chapter headers and very brief points of what I expect to happen in that chapter. As the story goes on, though, characters might hit milestones in a different order than I expected, and sometimes I even need to revise the whole structure of my outline. Having the chapter headers in advance keeps me going. I never want to sacrifice natural character development for plot, though, so the outline is always a loose guide.

 

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?

Self-publishing is expensive! There seems to be this mentality that if you’re not willing to spend X number of dollars on your book, you don’t care about it. I find this unfortunate, because it ruins the promise of self-publishing: that anyone with passion and a great story can do it. I live in Mexico, and most services are priced to United States clients. I paid $100 for a cover that turned out rather bad, and when I asked for feedback on it in a Facebook group, I was castigated for not spending up to $2000 on a cover. It is, after all, your most important marketing tool. But $2000 is 10% of my yearly income! It’s my whole budget for the project. Obviously, covers are important and artists deserve to get paid for them. But if the promise of self-publishing is to give voice to authors who wouldn’t have had the opportunity otherwise, requiring huge sums to self-publish creates a barrier for many voices. I don’t know what the solution is, but I wish other authors would get over the idea that a lack of financial investment means you’re not dedicated to your work. 

 

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?

Set a budget. Know that most folks don’t make much money off of one book. It’s a long game. You’re more likely to make money if you have five or six (or twenty!) books available than if you have one. So the budget for your first book should focus more on classes than on services. For example, rather than spend, say, $100 to have someone prep an Amazon ad for you, consider spending $100 on a class about how to prep your own Amazon ads. I write for pleasure, but publishing is a business, so the more you treat it as a business, the better off you’ll be. Most businesses don’t make money the first few years, so don’t have high expectations for your first book. That said, I know a lot of authors hate marketing, but marketing is really just finding new and creative ways to tell the same story you told in your book. If approached this way, marketing can be fun. 

 

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

In school, my focus was the ancient art and writing of the Maya people, so I also study Maya hieroglyphs, depictions of childhood in ancient societies, and the art and culture of the ancient world. I love me some old stuff. 

Some techniques from Maya poetry appear in my work. For example, Mesoamerican writing uses what’s known as diphrastic kennings. This is when you combine two opposing concepts to create a metaphor. The easiest to explain is that, instead of saying “time passed,” some artists would write “it day-and-nighted.” The title of my book is an example: The River Against the Sea is a reference to the two major political factions in the work; one deals with internal issues (‘the river’) and the other deals with external issues (‘the sea’). 

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?

If there’s a writer that prefers dogs to cats, I haven’t met them! I’m actually allergic to dogs, so I’m doubly pro-cat. 

I live in the place where chocolate was probably domesticated, so we’ve got some of the best chocolate in the world here, so chocolate it is. 

I always prefer texting to talking, especially if it’s about something short. 

I used to be a night person, but now that I have a kid, I’m usually pretty exhausted by the night. I still prefer working at night, though. 

What’s next for you?

There’s a lot! I have all three books of this trilogy written, as well as three additional books in the same world. It matters that they’re all in the same world because it’s a world built on the idea of hope and that talking resolves problems as often as fighting. That said, don’t feel like reading my first book is a commitment to five more. If you like the character and the style, you’ll probably like the other books, but they’re not required reading to understand Essie’s journey. Although two of them are YA, they all have the same general message that even after tragedy, it’s possible to retain your sense of wonder and your sense of humor. 

                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

Some heroes have swords. Essimore Darkenchyl has a pen. But it’s a magic pen. Some wizards have spellbooks. Essie has Gossen’s Guide to Shipping Law. But it’s a current edition. Some sailors have experience. Essie has a new diploma and a year-long contract, and her people have won wars with less. And that’s good, because between stolen weapons, a coup, and a strange disease creeping in around her and the crew, she might need to win a war.

In a world that blends traditional fantasy with the Age of Exploration, Essie knows a pen is mightier than a sword, especially since hers sometimes shoots lightning.

But what she thinks is a routine political dispute turns out to be something much, much more, and she may have finally met the one problem she can’t talk her way out of.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Zac Lindsey is an anthropologist and a linguist who focuses on the Maya people of Quintana Roo. Since childhood, he's had a not-so-secret love of weird, silly, and well-structured fantasy. When other people's parents were reading them picture books, his mom was reading him Terry Brooks. He typically writes hopeful and character-driven fantasy. 

 

Today, he lives in Quintana Roo, Mexico with his wife, daughter, and various stray cats. 

 

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/z.lindsey_fiction/

Face: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550498257222

Amazon preorders (for ebook): https://www.amazon.com/River-Against-Sea-Z-Lindsey-ebook/dp/B0CH3TW3YD/

B&N preorders (for paperback): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-river-against-the-sea-z-lindsey/1144077772

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#Review: EARL CRAZY by Anna Bradley

 

4 of 5 stars

Christopher "Kit" Egan, suddenly finds himself the Earl of Prestwick, after the untimely death of his uncle. He's convinced a family curse is real especially after so many men in the family have died under unusual circumstances. Kit is determined to reform his rakish ways and find a wife. He does not want to be a victim of the family curse. His return to London is anything but ordinary when during a drunken episode, he meets Miss Tilly Templeton who tries to help him and nearly ends up drowning him. Now, he can't get the bewitching creature out of his mind and is convinced she should be the next Countess of Prestwick. Now, all he has to do is convince the young lady to marry him.

Miss Tilly Templeton is only in London to support her friend Harriet during her Season. Tilly has vowed to behave with utmost propriety and not cause any more scandal to the Templeton name. On her first evening in London, she finds herself in a compromising position with the drunken Earl of Prestwick. How could she be so unlucky? She must navigate the Season trying to keep their secret. She never wanted to marry, but perhaps, the wicked earl could change her mind.

This was a cute story and I enjoyed it. I loved the banter between Tilly and Kit. Tilly was such a fun character. She tried so hard to be good, but always seemed to be in one precarious situation after another. The supporting cast added much to the story, although I think the ending when Kit rushes to save Tilly from an attack seemed a little far-fetched in how he even knew she was in trouble. This is a short read that can easily be read in one sitting. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: SECOND DUKE'S THE CHARM by Kate Bateman

 

5 of 5 stars

Tess Townsend, the Duchess of Wansford, never forgave her father for forcing her to marry the ancient duke. The duke disgusted her with his leery ways and she got a lucky break when he collasped on their wedding night before he could consummate the marriage and died. Now Tess was free and she planned to enjoy her new independence. No man had tempted her since until she meets Justin Thornton at a masquerade house party. Neither knew each other's names as passion flared between them. Before their encounter led to more than sizzling kisses, Tess ran away. Little did she know that Thornton was the new Duke of Wansford.
Justin had never forgotten the passionate woman he met at the house party and when he finds out that she's the Duchess of Wansford, he proposes a business deal. They marry, and he'll give her freedom and money she'll need to do what she wants and he'll leave her alone after three months, but Tess has a secret. How she can tell him that she's still a virgin. Each of them are hiding secrets and when a series of mishaps nearly kill them, Justin thinks Tess is out to have him killed. Of course, this leads to a series of misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Can these two come clean and build a life together or will their unwillingness to share their true selves force them to part forever?
I really enjoyed this story. Tess was a wonderfully complex character. She was more than her physical beauty. She had brains and wit to match. It was delightful to see her try, and explain away her lack of knowledge on their wedding night. Justin was a sexy, brooding character. He didn't believe in love and always kept his relationships for only 3 months before he ended them. There are no feelings involved, just pleasure. It was great to see him brought to his knees by Tess. There's a mystery running through the book that Tess helps to solve with her friends and that is quite interesting. I can't wait to read more in this series.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: YOU'RE THE DUKE THAT I WANT by Lenora Bell

 

3 of 5 stars

Lord Dane Walker, brother to the current Duke of Rydell, could never have fathomed that a trip to a sleepy sea-side village would change his life forever, but that's exactly what happens when he meets Sandrine Oliver, a sweet and generous young woman who lives under the controlling thumb of her mother. He's smitten with her at once, but her strict upbringing makes her run from him the first time they meet. For Sandrine, when she meets Dane, he gives her a false name and she believes he's an honorable gentleman, only to find out he's an infamous rake from London. 

Sandrine wants something from Dane, and that is to restore the historical mansion in her village, but Dane's brother has refused to send any money for the mansion's upkeep. When a family tragedy strikes, both Dane and Sandrine's lives are forever changed. Can she ever trust him again after he lied to her about his identity, or has Dane lost her good opinion forever?

I enjoyed some parts of this book, but other parts dragged for me. This "Grease" retelling was cute, but I thought the Pink Ladies got rushed at the end. There are a few twists and turns in the story and a mystery to uncover about Dane's brother.  Sandrine's character underwent the most change, just like Sandy in "Grease." She went from an innocent to a a seemingly worldly lady with the help of her new friends. Dane and Sandrine had good chemistry, although I liked the tension-filled scenes before they got together better.  I enjoy Ms. Bell's books. However, this one fell a little flat for me.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#SALE: .99 WOLF IN DUKE'S CLOTHING by Debra Elizabeth

 

Blurb:

 

A long-lost duke. A penniless Earl’s daughter. And a threat that could tear them apart forever.

 

When Major Wolfgang Stillman receives a letter informing him that he is the long-lost heir to the Duke of Wiltshire title, he is thrown into a world of high-society etiquette and expectations - a world he knows nothing about. Unaccustomed to the rules of Polite Society, Wolf must struggle to fit in while also trying to win the affection of Lady Mercy Davies. 

 

Lady Mercy never expected to have a Season after the death of her beloved father. But, through the generosity of her grandmother, her dream of a Season finally comes true. During her first ball, she meets the Duke of Wiltshire, who sets her heart aflame with his masculine beauty. 

 

But Wiltshire is not the only one who desires Mercy. When she goes missing during a shopping trip, Wolf must race against all odds to save the woman he loves more than life itself. Will he be able to find his beloved before he loses her forever? 

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Dukes-Clothing-Unlikely-Lords-ebook/dp/B0CFR6DHGK

#Excerpt: SEDUCTION IN BLOOD by Kim Allred

 

#Excerpt: THE SANTA GAMES by Leanne Treese

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Reeling from a broken engagement, Andi Carter swears off men. She quits her job in New York and returns home to figure out next steps. Luckily, she quickly finds a job--one that will take her mind off her ex--as a caretaker for an elderly widower, Liam Quinn. Liam is the owner of Christmastown, a holiday-themed amusement park that shut down years ago. But he’s anxious to reopen it, and Andi, loving the concept, throws herself into helping him. It’s the perfect distraction. Bonus: there are no eligible men for miles.

Until Matt Taylor shows up to audit the park.

Matt is handsome, charming, and full of surprises. Even Liam’s notoriously cranky cat, Claus, likes him. Andi works with Matt on a Christmastown project and platonic feelings turn into a full-fledged crush…maybe a little more. She likes this guy. Unbelievably, Matt seems to like her back.

Only she soon discovers that Matt isn’t who he says he is. So now, Andi has another decision to make—run away and start over—again? Or stay, and hear Matt out? After all, Christmas is the season of miracles…

Excerpt:

She doesn’t finish her sentence. She doesn’t have to. I know how it ends. Andi needs Christmastown to become a reality.

And I’ve been charged with making sure that doesn’t happen.

About the Author:

Leanne Treese is an award-winning author of women's fiction and romance. Her books have each independently been described as having "all the feels." When she's not writing, Leanne loves running, forcing her family to play board games (Settlers of Catan anyone?), and spoiling her beloved dogs. Leanne's favorite locations include her backyard, the Jersey shore, and anywhere that sells books or coffee, preferably both. A lifelong learner, Leanne's dream life would include going back to college and majoring in everything.

Website: http://www.leannetreese.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorleanne50
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/leannetreese

Read the book for free on https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Games-Leanne-Treese-ebook/dp/B0BB3GR3S7/ref=sr_1_1

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#Interview with Traci Wooden-Carlisle and D. Tina Batten, THE PRAYER WARRIOR

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

The Prayer Warrior is a Christian fiction supernatural novel about a student counsellor for a Christian Academy who prays, lends a listening ear and advice to the students and staff of the school. At night, while she dreams, Ms. V intercedes and battles for the souls of her students.  It is a standalone book but d. Tina Batten and I do have plans for book two.

 

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all? Did the character become the hero/heroine of their own book?

In my Promises to Zion series the sister in the first book is a secondary character but her true identity is revealed in the second book, thus creating a deeper backstory for her and some of the other original main characters. There was even a breakout book with her as the main character.

 

Do you have an ARC review team? How did you recruit your reviewers? BookFunnel? Readerlinks? Booksprout?

I use Bookfunnel to send out and track ARC copies. It allows me to move forward since it has automatic features.

 

Do you regularly send out a newsletter? How are you recruiting new subscribers? Do you have a reader magnet?

I usually send out a newsletter once a month. After much consideration, I did make my novella from my romantic suspense series a free gift to those who subscribe to my newsletter.

 

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?

 Absolutely! I get so far into my head when writing I miss grammatic and spelling errors all of the time. It is much easier to let a professional take care of it.

 

Is your book available in audio format? Briefly describe how your narrator was chosen?

Yes. My co-author Traci and I are so delighted to have our book, The Prayer Warrior available via audio format. In search of the perfect narrator who was chosen for this project was a divine connection to say the least. It happened so fast.  Traci and I were in the very beginning stage of seeking a narrator. We had just auditioned one other company prior to finding the right person for this project (Anita Faye Thomas) whom Traci found in passing. She was at the right place at the right time. The conversation was organic and after one audition, we knew she was the perfect person for our book project. If you have a chance to listen to the audiobook version of our book, you will quickly agree. She did a phenomenal job on the project.

 

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?

Yes, Definitely outline. I’m a big fan of outlining any story I write and will recommend that step to anyone. It will help save time by organizing your thoughts, making the necessary corrections along the way if something in the storyline isn’t working. Trust me! To outline your story is a good thing. 

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?
I would first congratulate the new author for finishing their book project and considering self-publishing. That’s a huge hurdle to cross alone. After the manuscript is complete, this is when the hard work truly begins. There is a mountain of very important decisions the author must make. It’s the end of one process and the beginning of another. 

The author can publish the book he or she truly desires because the author maintains direct control of every aspect of publishing the book. The author must make the important decisions about anything and everything involving their book. It’s good to find a team of trusted professionals to help bring the author's vision to life. Outsource when you can depending on the budget. It’s a time saver. Search for a great editor, graphic designer to help create the best possible book cover to draw readers to want to purchase the book. And this is only the beginning.You need to decide on publishing platforms to distribute the book, marketing of the book, etc.  Research! Research! Research! There is a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done with self-publishing. But the rewards are great. 

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

I’m a very creative person. I love the performing arts ministry and try to stay connected to those roots. I’m always working on projects. I could be producing a stage play, dinner show, film, or concert. No telling with me. You will have to follow me and stay tuned in for sure ;-)

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?

I prefer Dogs, Chocolate, Tea, Talk and Night.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

There is a thin line between the natural and the spiritual realm.
Ms. V., a humble servant of the Lord, has been placed on assignment at Center of Hope Christian Academy.

By day, she serves as a trusted counselor for students, giving them a safe haven to pour out their innermost feelings while providing professional and honest truth wrapped in a firm kindness and love that inevitably draws them closer to Jesus. Not to be outdone, the faculty also bends her ear from time to time.

By night, Ms. V. enters the spiritual realm and takes her place on the battlefield as one of God’s faithful prayer warriors. She wields her whispering sword, slicing through the enemy’s plans to bind the precious hearts under her charge.
Her assignment’s burden on her physical body is taxing, but can she withstand the strain and remain victorious?
Saving souls is her true mission, but at what cost?

Readers are in for a journey of spiritual intrigue and biblical insight as they experience the ramifications of each character’s life-altering decision.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

D. “Tina” Batten is a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter and Mima to her grandchildren. She is a gifted visual storyteller who is passionate about bringing encouraging messages of inspiration and hope to the world.

Tina Batten, a writer for over eighteen years of various dramatic works of performing art via stage, and film, encompasses unique ways of creating fascinating story concepts that touch the heart of most who view or read her work. She is both honored and thrilled to have teamed up with long-time friend, sister in the gospel and co-author Tracy on this phenomenal collaborative book project. With such a humble heart and desire to bring people together in love and unity, Tina Batten will continue her work as a visual storyteller spreading the good news of Jesus Christ one project after the other. 

 

As Always, D. “Tina” Batten gives God All the Glory!

 

You can find her at the following social media platforms:

Website: http://www.sisterbatten.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Sister-BattenCom-Sister-Batten-Productions-157650117630075/

FB: Tina Batten Profile: https://www.facebook.com/tina.batten.18

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sisterbatten/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sisterbatten

Subscribe to Sister Batten YouTube Channel

shorturl.at/lsxA4

Walking in the Spirit Trailer

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sisterbattenfilms

If Not For The LORD, Where Would I Be? Delicious Episode Trailer

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sisterbattenproductions

 

Traci Wooden-Carlisle

Traci Wooden-Carlisle began writing to publish in 2011 and enjoys writing stories that provoke thought and evoke emotions. Her desire is to draw readers into the lives of her characters and share messages of God’s love, His faithfulness and peace. The messages in her books speak to her way before they speak to her readers.

 

Traci lives in San Diego with her husband, David. When she isn’t writing she does some light traveling or assists people with their physical fitness, creates graphics, designs pretty things for her jewelry business and swag for authors. 

 

You can find her on the following social media platforms.

 

Website: www.tawcarlisle.com

 

Newsletter: www.tawcarlisle.com/subscribe

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Traci-Wooden-Carlisle/e/B00OIAS208/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Author_TraciWCarlisle

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/traciwoodencarlisle

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/tawcarlisle

Bookbub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/traci-wooden-carlisle

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/traciwcarlisle

Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/tawcarlisle

Book Video: https://youtu.be/lw3DiS_-E0A?si=1DjRSVTB3Ggqg9pT

 

 

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