L.J. Higgins's Blog, page 9

What’s going on?

With the release of Utopia taking up most of my social media time (only 2 weeks till release!), I’m sure it’s hard to imagine I’m working on many other things as May 6th approaches. With both of my kids now at school, and deciding to write full time this year, I have so many new idea’s to pursue, all of which revolve around the wonderful world of books.

As the release date for Utopia fast approaches, I’ve been spending much of my spare time writing book two of the Secrets of Aurora series. With around 15,000 more words to write, I hope the time between releases is much shorter than in the past. Although I haven’t decided on a date at this stage, I’d love to release book two in mid-to-late 2017. And of course, once book two is finished I’ll be straight into writing book three.

While I continue writing the Secrets of Aurora series, I’ve also started research for my next contemporary, young adult novel. I don’t want to give too much away, but the story is inspired by one of the short stories in my collection of short stories, In Their Shoes. It’s a delicate subject and I want to ensure I’m telling the story in a way that both brings attention to the issues it highlights, but also gives hope to those who go through it. Okay, so I’m being very vague, but I will do my best to bring a rawness and truthfulness to the story, and will take the time it needs to achieve this.

Also, on my to-do-list for the coming month, is writing some free content for those of you who are signed up to my newsletter. Along with this content I hope to offer more giveaways and discounts. If you have any suggestions or ideas on what you’d like to see in my newsletters in the future, I’d love to hear them. You can email me at ljhiggins01@hotmail.com.

For those of you who are in the Brisbane area, I will be attending Riveting Reads Australia, in October, and encourage you to come along and check it out. It will be an amazing event, for both authors and readers, and I’ve been preparing swag and other items for the day. I will only be attending on the Saturday, but it runs over the entire weekend.

As well as writing and getting organised for Riveting Reads, I’ve been working on something that I’ve kept pretty quiet about until now. For the past few months I’ve been pulling together my experiences with self-publishing, researching and asking author friends to give me their feedback and idea’s. I’ve put all of the information together in an easy to understand workshop, and will be holding a Self-Publishing Workshop in my local area of Gladstone, Queensland on July 1st. It’s a project I’m both excited and nervous about, but hope that by imparting my knowledge and experiences I can help others have a smoother transition into the world of self-publishing. If you are interested in discovering more about the workshop you can head to www.ljhiggins.com/workshops.

Well, there you have it. I’m keeping myself busy and enjoying every moment and can’t wait to bring all of these projects to you. If you have any questions please comment below!

Author Spotlight: Michelle Bryan

This month I sat down to talk to the incredibly talented Michelle Bryan. She is the author of the dystopian, fantasy, adventure books in the New Blood’s series (Awaken & Ascension)as well as the Bixby series (Strain of Resistance & Strain of Defiance), which is set in a world invaded by aliens. I fell in love with both of these series and I know you will too. Just as I know you will enjoy learning more about Michelle Bryan, as much as I did when we spoke.

 

[image error]LJ: Where do you do most of your writing?

M.B: My messy office. But I read that a messy person is very smart soooo I must be a genius.

LJ: Do you have any children?

M.B: I have a grown son, Adam, who I very much like his introvert mom and didn’t want his picture taken, lol.

LJ: Obviously writing is something you love to do, but what else are you passionate about?

M.B: My family, of course. They are everything. Reading, writing, anything Stephen King. I also love to bake. You wouldn’t think that after I work with chocolate and sweets all day long, but I find baking very therapeutic.

LJ: Do you have a favourite quote you could share with us?

M.B: “Go then. There are other worlds than these.” Stephen King, The Gunslinger. Not sure if I’ve told you, but the Dark Tower series it my favourite of all time!

LJ: You may have mentioned it once or twice… So we know you your favourite author is, who is your favourite singer or band?

MB: Colin James was my teenage crush and I finally got to see him in concert this year! Love him. Straight No Chaser is an acapella group that I’ve fallen in love with and has been added to my bucket list to see in concert. Just discovered Disturbed with their Sounds of Silence cover and LOVE!!! I could go on and on but I’ll stop right there.

LJ: Can you draw us a picture of yourself or something that represents you?

M.B:

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Me every day, torn in a million different directions.

LJ: Do you prefer to drink coffee or tea?

M.B: COFFEE!! I cannot be without.

[image error]LJ: Do you have a pet?

M.B: This is my fur baby, Garbage.

LJ: If you could travel back in time what year would you travel to?

M.B: The year I graduated high school and went to university (and no, I am not telling you what year that was) I wish I would have taken my writing more seriously and started it back then instead of waiting for so late in my life.

LJ: Who is an author you wish more people knew about?

M.B: There are soooo many talented writers I have met and become friends with over the years, but there are five that hold a special place on my list. Michelle Lynn, Kayla Howarth, Bethany Wicker, Kimberly Readnour and Linda Higgins (sound familiar?) My BB buddies. We have each other’s backs, for sure. The most supportive and talented bunch ever!

LJ: They sure are! What is one thing you want people to know about you?

M.B: That I am an introvert and extremely shy and public speaking terrifies me. In other words, I’m a basket case lol.

A huge thank you to Michelle Bryan for taking the time to talk with me this month. All of her books are available at Amazon.com and you can find her on the links below!

Have you read any of Michelle Bryan’s books? I’d love to hear what you thought below!

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www.michellebryanauthor.com

Facebook

Twitter @michellebry101

Instagram @michellebryan200

 

My Top 5 Documentaries

My friends and family laugh when I start a sentence with, “I was watching this documentary…” they know I’m about to go off on a tangent about some weird and wonderful subject I learnt about from a documentary. I don’t watch the kind of documentaries with cute animals and about the migration of monarch butterflies. I like to watch doco’s that can be confronting, and inspire me to appreciate and question the wonderful world around me. I couldn’t tell you how many doco’s I’ve watched over the years, but I’m going to list five of my favourite’s below:

 

[image error] 1) The Cove

The Cove covers the Taiji drive hunt of dolphins that takes place in Taiji, Wakayama, Japan every year. The film brings attention to the mass dolphin slaughters in a bid to halt them, change the laws around the killing of the dolphins and to educate people about the hazard of mercury poising from dolphin meat.

Each year the dolphins are driven into a cove where they are trapped in nets. Some are said to be sold for entertainment while the remaining, unwanted dolphins are slaughtered with spears and knives.

This documentary is very real and confronting, and even writing this brings up the feelings of sadness and helplessness I experienced when watching this movie. But despite it having such an emotional impact on me, the compassion and willingness of those involved to do whatever it takes to expose the truth, left me feeling empowered.

 

[image error] 2) Blackfish

Blackfish questions the morals and consequences of keeping orcas in captivity. It follows the story of Tilikum, an orca in captivity that has been involved in the deaths of three people.

The bone chilling video and the conditions the orca are kept in made as much of an emotional impact on me as The Cove. It made me think twice about visiting theme parks that featured animals, and inspired me to research where these parks get their animals from.

 

 

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3) Before The Flood

Before the flood follows actor Leonardo DiCaprio as he visits regions around the globe revealing the impact of man-made global warming. The film focuses on the denial of climate change among politicians of the United states.

We’ve all heard about global warming and climate change, and this film documents cases where people and places are being effected making it a real problem, not just some story you hear about on the news.

 

 

[image error] 4) Woman with Gloria Steinem’s

Gloria Steinem is an American feminist, journalist, and social and political activist. The series of documentaries gives insight into the violence and oppression women around the world are still facing today, and shows how women are taking a stand and becoming part of the solution.

This documentary displays the resilience and strength of women, even under the most extreme and horrifying conditions. Not only will these stories shock and sadden you, but they’ll help you feel empowered and know that whatever life throws at you, you have the ability to push on and make a change, if only a small one.

 

 

[image error] 5) Did God Create the Universe?

Physicist and Cosmologist, Stephen Hawking, asks if there’s a need for a God or other supernatural beings, to create and control the universe in todays world. The film takes a look at beliefs through history and gives examples where god’s and legends were created to explain natural phenomena when scientific explanations weren’t yet available. Hawking also covers the set of physical laws that govern the way the universe works and raises the question, “if these laws are fixed, what purpose is there for God?”

Whether you believe in Stephen Hawking’s theory, science can answer for everything, or you follow a particular belief system or religion, this documentary is an interesting look into the history of different religious beliefs and the science behind how the world works. As someone with my own beliefs, I also strongly believe it’s important to have an open mind and not only challenge your own belief systems and truths from time to time, but to be open to learning more about others.

These are only five of the many documentaries I’ve enjoyed, and I hope to bring another list to you soon.

Have you watched any of these? What did you think?

Are there any documentaries you think I should watch? Let me know in the comments!

 

Utopia is coming!

The launch of Utopia: Secrets of Aurora, is almost here and I’ve teamed up with The Never-ending Notebook to bring you an awesome giveaway to celebrate!

To enter, all you need to do is pre-order your softcover copy of Utopia, and you will gain 1 entry per book. The winner will take home a Basic Bundle + Utopia Goodies and will be drawn on the official launch day, 6th May 2017, at the Launch Party which you are also invited to!

How do you pre-order your copy? Click HERE and fill out the form.

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If you would prefer to pre-order an EBook version, you won’t receive an entry into the giveaway, but you can do so at Amazon.com HERE.

If you are in the Gladstone, QLD area, please join me in celebrating at the official launch party! Find out more information on the Book Launch, Utopia: Secrets of Aurora event page.

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I look forward to releasing Utopia in May and while I wait I am working hard on Secrets of Aurora, book two!

 

Book Reviews

With finishing up writing Utopia and getting it ready to be published I’ve struggled to get too much reading done at late. But I thought I’d share with you the most recent book’s I ticked off my TBR list and what I thought of them.

[image error] Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

Sixteen years ago Leviticus Blue invented a great digging machine, strong enough to dig through Alaska’s ice, it was called the Boneshaker. While testing the Boneshaker something went wrong and it dug into the earth, destroying the town and uncovering a deadly blight gas and releasing it into the air. Anyone who breathed it in, turned into a zombie.

To stop the blight from spreading a wall was built around the affected area to contain it.

Briar Wilkes is the inventors widow and has found it hard to live life with the reputation her son left her and her son, Ezekiel with. But struggling with who is father was, Ezekiel decides to escape under the wall to find the truth about who is father really was.

I really enjoyed this book. I’m not sure if it was because it was something completely different from what I’ve read before or just because the story was so interesting. With zombies, air pirates and twists and turns it was pretty hard to put down.

I gave Boneshaker 5 out of 5 stars.

 

[image error] The Lost Book of Salem by Katherine Howe

While clearing out her grandmother’s cottage, Connie Goodwin finds a parchment inscribed with the name Deliverance Dane. And so begins the hunt to uncover the woman behind the name, a hunt that takes her back to Salem in 1692 – and the infamous witch trials.

I really wanted to enjoy this book. But although I enjoyed the storyline I did find myself skimming over the history and research related to the story as Connie uncovered the truth about who Deliverance Dane was. The characters were great, and I enjoyed the time hops back to the days of the Salem witch trials. If you love a book full of history and research then you will thoroughly enjoy this book.

I gave The Lost Book of Salem 2.5 out of 5 stars.

 

 

[image error] Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them by J.K Rowling

When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt’s fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…

After watching the movie and absolutely loving it I was excited to dive into this book. I’ve missed Rowling’s world of witches, wizards and muggles and Fantastic Beasts didn’t disappoint. It was an easy read and I found thoroughly enjoyed reading over the screenplay and making sure I didn’t miss a thing. I thought I’d find reading a screenplay much harder than I did, and easily found myself back in the world of Fantastic Beasts.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and highly recommend to those of you who love Harry Potter and the world he’s from.

I gave Fantastic Beasts 5 out of 5 stars.

 

 

Have you read any of these books? I’d love to hear your thoughts on them in the comments.

 

Utopia Book Cover Reveal!

Today I’m really excited to be able to finally show you the cover for the first book in my next series, Utopia – Secrets of Aurora! Utopia is scheduled for release on May 6th 2017 and once again the talented Ann-Maree of Create the Occasion has worked her magic and created a beautiful cover that fits the story perfectly.

But before you scroll down and see the cover, why not find out what Utopia is all about.

Utopia

Secrets of Aurora, Book One

In a single moment, Aurora’s life is forever changed…

The floating city Utopia, is all sixteen-year-old Aurora has ever known. Along with three other cities, it is home to the only survivors of the cataclysmic events that ended life on Earth sixteen years ago. After witnessing her mother’s gruesome murder, Aurora finds herself on the run from the very people who are meant to protect her. With the help of her best friend, Fletcher, Aurora must find the truth behind her mother’s execution and why she is being hunted.

Someone wants the facts to remain hidden, but Aurora won’t stop until each hurtful truth is revealed. When her search takes an unexpected turn, nothing can prepare her for the answers that prove her entire existence has been built on a lie.

And here it is, the cover of Utopia!

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I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Author Spotlight: G.K DeRosa

This month I sat down with USA Today Bestselling Author, G.K. DeRosa. DeRosa is the author of the supernatural series, Wilder: The Guardian Series,which consists of four titles; Wilder, Wilder Destiny, Wilder Revelation and Wilder Legacy. I was excited to have a chat with G.K. DeRosa and get to know the author behind these amazing stories.

[image error]LJ: We’d love to see where you work your magic. Where do you write?

G.K: I write on my lap lol. I don’t really have a designated writing area especially lately. It all depends on where the baby is and if my mom is watching him or if my husband is or if he’s on my lap. Sometimes I write outside in the courtyard of my apartment building, sometimes in my bed, and most often on the couch.

LJ: Other than writing, what else are you passionate about?

G.K: I love food and traveling! I am a total foodie and will pretty much try anything. I like to eat and cook and enjoy experimenting and coming up with all kinds of fun creations. I love international cuisine which also ties into my passion for traveling. Italian food is my definite favourite, I could eat pasta everyday. I am also a huge sushi and Asian food fan. I’ve never been to Asia, but I have to go just to try authentic sushi and Thai cuisine especially. We spend all of our money on traveling which is fine with me. I love going to new places and discovering new foods and truly immersing myself in the local culture. There are so many places to visit in the world and just not enough time!

LJ: Can you tell us a bit about your son and any pets you have? [image error][image error]

G.K: My first baby is Nico our fur baby who is an 8 year old German shepherd. He also does promo shoots for my books

Writing Weekend

Last weekend I was lucky to leave the real world behind and meet up with fellow Aussie Author, Kayla Howarth, in Hervey Bay for 3 nights of writing! It was awesome to be able to concentrate on getting words down and having someone to bounce ideas and thoughts off. It was a great weekend with great food, great company and lots of words… I managed to add 20,000 of them to Book Two of Secrets of Aurora, which means I am now half way through the first draft. I’m going to post some pictures of our weekend away below, and hope to bring Utopia: Secrets of Aurora, Book One to you all in early May 2017!

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Just Me

I have a confession to make… I don’t have anything to post today. Usually I try to bring you something exciting to read about books I’ve been reading or love, an author I think you’d love to hear about or other exciting news. But not today.

Instead I thought today I could tell you a little bit about me. Not L J Higgins the Author or Linda the Mum, but Linda the individual who has her own likes, dislikes, dreams and aspirations. Today I just want to be me.

From a young age I enjoyed reading and writing, so both have always played a big part in my life. Today I want to share 5 things about me you probably don’t  know.

Along with reading and writing, I’ve always loved drawing and painting. I use to have a small online store where I sold some of them along with other crafty things.

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Once a week a friend and I do hip hop and contemporary dancing. Not only is it something new to get us both out of our comfort zones, it’s also so much fun. You don’t even realise you’re exercising until your body aches the next day.
I can’t decide if I’m an introvert or an extrovert. I go between both of them deciding on my mood and the situation I’m in. This means I will go through periods where I’m happiest spending my days at home by myself writing and crafting. But then I go through stages where I go out for lunch or coffee, go to an exercise session or dancing and I’m more than happy to be around people.
I love documentaries. Not really the ones about wildlife but ones about how different people live, hardships people endure, philosophy and how the world around us works.
I like to listen. I love listening to peoples stories and find them fascinating. I always try to relate to, and understand other people and listening is a great way to do it.

So there you have it. 5 things about me you may not have known.

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about me please feel free to ask below. Do you like any of these? I’d love to hear about that too!

Author Spotlight: T D Shields

[image error] This month I had a chat with Dystopian Author T.D Shields. I’ve read the first book in T.D Shields Shadow and Light series, Into Shadow, and enjoyed every moment! So I thought we should get to know her a little better.

 

 

 

LJ: Can you please share with us where you write?

TS: Sitting at my messy desk in my giant recliner!

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LJ: What are the ages of your children?

TS: I have 4 kids – currently aged 13, 10, 8 and 6

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LJ: Wow, four kids! How about pets?

TS: We have 5 cats (only 3 of which consented to be photographed)

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LJ: Can you please draw me a picture that represents you?

TS: I kind of prefer it all stylized and artistic-like… because it erases my wrinkles and double-chin!