Sharon Lipman's Blog, page 4
February 18, 2016
Exclusive sneak peak!
Bound to Blackwood features in the week's edition of RedHot Romance Magazine and there's and exclusive sneak peak too! You can read the full article here.
February 14, 2016
Incredible Indies welcomes Christine Jayne Vann
Tell us a bit about yourself and the books you've written
I live in Oxfordshire with my family, hedgehog, Dog and various squirrels. I work as a web developer, run the exotic pet resource website Crittery, and also enjoy geocaching.
I've published two books to date, with a third currently being edited. I've also got a few anthology contributions in the works, as I'm quite happy contributing to them - especially when profits go towards charity.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the Science Fiction novel Tacenda, an idea that grew from a simple action scene that was playing in my head when I was trying to sleep. Until I resolved to myself not to forget it, I wasn't able to sleep that night. That's one thing about Kerris I soon learnt, when she shuts up - there is a problem!
Can a unique partnership discover who is stealing the minds of children?
Life isn’t easy when you don’t own yourself, not all humans are aware that other species exist, and your ship is semi-sentient. Kerris and Arucken are an interspecies messenger team, tasked with aiding communication across the galaxy. Haunted by the grief of her sister's murder and stranded, Kerris must discover who is stealing the minds of children.
What authors or books have influenced you?
I love Robin Hobb, her writing and characterisation are just superb. The thing I find most incredible about her is not only did I cry the first time at a particular scene in the Tawny man trilogy (fans will know which bit!) I also have on every subsequent reading. Even prepared, despite promising myself I will not, and crying at books is rare for me. She's amazing.
Ursula Le Guin is also inspirational - not only does she make writing a thing of beauty, but the concepts she explores really open up new ways of thinking.
I'm marketing Tacenda, editing my NaNoWriMo 2014 YA Dsytopia book Deluge, and working on an odd little comedy project about time travel. After that, I've got my pick of projects to continue - I'm thinking it might be pirates next...!
Keep writing! Even things that aren't worth sharing give you valuable practice.
Keep reading! We aren't here to compete, we are here to learn from each other. The more you read, the more you'll improve your own writing skills, and develop your own style.
And lastly, be surprised! What people take from your work is very individual, it can be really fascinating to see who connects to what. My first book, When Disconnected, is an eclectic collection of short stories in speculative fiction. Each person seems to prefer a different tale in it, so I like to say it has something to appeal to anyone!
For writing? When you've written your first draft, step away from it for a few months. Hide it, and return to it with fresh eyes when your memories have faded.
For life? The universe doesn't owe you anything.
Finish the comedy project, then step away. Then I'll be working on getting Deluge finalised and published. Deluge was a lot of fun to write, and I'm planning to write the sequel in NaNoWriMo 2016. I had an interesting year last year, as my experience with NaNoWriMo took me out of my comfort zone as I was interviewed both by the local paper, and the local radio station. It does make me wonder what I can look forward to next!
The world is sinking. Each year the water steals more of the workable land and the seas only grow in rage. Kestrel and her brother Wren live in a small community on the edge of survival, and they have their own secret to keep. The gift that allows them to communicate is one that would see them exiled.
When Kestrel finds a stranded whale her community is eager to feast on this unexpected bounty. Yet Kestrel is desperate to hide the harness it wore. Who was riding this behemoth, and why? And what happens when they come looking for it?
At least that was her motivation. Until they stole her brother. Now the entire world can drown, if she can only get him back.
Buy "Tacenda"
Buy "When Disconnected"
January 22, 2016
Incredible Indies welcomes Denise Kelly LeBlanc
Tell us about yourself and how many books you've written
I have written and self-published one novel, 'Inheritance'.
I had my best friend write a bio as I am terrible about such things:
Shortly after coming into this world, Denise Kelly LeBlanc found it necessary to teach herself to read. Life had gotten that dull. Moving right along, she picked up her family's collection of biographies and romance novels, but soon became interested in true crime and murder.
After dance related injuries required her to quit her first love, a second love was waiting in the wings. Having spent many childhood book-filled vacations in a cottage, her love of words had grown. Writing followed Denise to university, twiddled it's thumbs while she finished her English degree, and waited until she decided to go with her gut.
Having early success in writing scared the living crud out of Ms. LeBlanc, so she then busied herself becoming a genius barista. Then on to being a very successful cosmetician. It was during this time she had the seed of a plot that she couldn’t shake. This led to her first novel. She wrote the bulk of the novel over the next seven years while having her soul slowly extracted at a corporate desk job.
After leaving the corporate world, she finished her novel and decided to self-publish, the only real choice as she had very little trust in the corporate running of things and loss of control did not sit well her. She raised money to have the novel edited by a professional editor. With a strong visual sense, she set about creating a book cover that would not make her cringe. The vision was completed with the help of a small family of fine friends.
Hence, she brought forth her first novel, "Inheritance".
She currently lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada with her platonic other half and three fur children. The family plans to relocate somewhere very exciting in the near future. Stay tuned.
[image error]
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novel, 'Inheritance', began as one clear image. A story formed around this image and followed me for years. I finally realized that the only way to purge myself of the story was to write it all down once and for all.
It's hard to name just a few books. Everything from my early Nancy Drew books to the Brontës that I studied in University have played a role.
Not a writer of novels, but the work of Joss Whedon has also been hugely inspiring. His strong female characters and an unapologetic use of horror and supernatural elements showed me that it was okay to write what I loved. It could be done well and in a modern way.
Music has also had a massive impact on my work. My Chemical Romance's 'Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge' was the soundtrack of writing 'Inheritance'.
I am currently writing the second novel in the Fallon Guardians Series, of which 'Inheritance' was the first, as well as a number of short stories.
WRITE! Don't be afraid and don't let the criticism of others get you down.
A quote from the book 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron — "Leap and the net will appear."
World domination!
January 13, 2016
Do you have a favourite Indie Author? Nominate them now for the 2016 Indie Book Awards!
The cold of winter is setting in, at least for those of us in the northern Hemisphere of the world. But Metamorph Publishing aren’t letting that get them down! They’re already looking forward to a sizzling summer, and I'm here to announce their first annual Indie Book Awards!
You heard that right, a summer book awards! The event officially begins on January 1st of each year, and nominations will be accepted through midnight CST on August 31st each year. Voting will begin on September 1st and end on September 10th each year.
“What’s the big deal,” you ask? “There are all kinds of contests out there.” And you’re right, there are hundreds, probably thousands of book awards. But many of them are only for unpublished authors, or authors who only write in certain narrow genres, or for authors who have never published before in a particular genre. Plus, there are plenty of them that charge an entry fee, some of which are prohibitive to authors who publish independently, without the backing of a large and powerful publishing house.
So, Metamoph Publishing are hoping to do something different with the Summer Indie Book Awards! Entry is free, and nominations will be accepted from any indie or small-press author, regardless of their current published or non-published state, or what genre they write in. They are accepting donations of print or e-books, author swag or novelty items (bookmarks, pens, keychains, etc.), but donation is not required for nomination. They’re taking nominations from authors as well as from readers, and authors can nominate their own books; they only ask that authors who do so also nominate a fellow indie author.
Why Get Involved?
In the pinned post of the Facebook event, you’ll find these links, along with links to a Google Drive folder where you can look and see who’s already been nominated! And any author who is nominated will have access to an official contest nominee badge, that they can use on their book covers or any promotional media, if they so desire.
Winners in each genre will receive a prize, beginning with the 1st place winners. If they get enough prizes donated, they’ll go next to 2nd place winners, and then to 3rd place. Regardless of the prizes, winners will get a high-quality winner badge, stating their place and the genre of the book. These will be of high enough resolution for authors to use on their print books, if they want to!
But it’s not only the winners that will benefit from the Summer Indie Book Awards! All nominated authors will have the potential to reach hundreds, if not more, of new readers (readers often have a preferred genre, and while they’re voting for their favorite author, will come across others they may not have tried yet), and reach a huge new audience through the social media forums! And best of all, it’s meant to have fun, to reach out and network with other authors, potentially forming long-lasting relationships. And readers will benefit from having a wealth of new books in front of them, as well as a vast amount of new stories to immerse themselves in.
PLEASE NOTE: Though Metamorph Publishing are using Facebook and other social media as a platform to reach more authors and readers, none of these social media outlets are affiliated with the awards. They are hosted strictly by Metamorph Publishing.
December 24, 2015
Incredible Indies welcomes "The Eyes of Mares" Blog Tour!
About the author
Rocky Rochford is your standard guy, if your standard guy scuba dives, parakes in underwater photographer and is a wake-boarding, adventure seeking, sword collecting, marine conservation supporter. After living life on the road and the places between, he finally settled down but not without benefiting from all the lessons life had to teach him.
Self-professed “Student of Everything, and Master of Nothing,” Rochford does not choose what he writes, but writes what chooses him, be it fantasy, crime, poetry, philosophy or even adventure. Life is a journey we all get to experience, just like a good book.
Every read into another of his typed works is another trip into the imagination of his mixed up, crazed and deranged mind and this year along those works include the likes of full novels and novellas such as:
Author: Rocky Rochford
Illustrator: Ashleigh Longman
Title: The Eye of Mares
Series: Book 2 of the Rise of the Elohim Chronicles
Genre: Illustrated YA fantasy adventure
Book Content Rating: Suitable for ages 12 and up
Tag-line: “Darkness has many forms and Mares is its playground.”
Blurb:
Nearly four years have passed since Zach drew blade against the Shanzi Shimay and now the time has come for him to draw his sword once more. The Realm of Mares has fallen victim to invasion as three terrifying beasts of darkness, seek to destroy the world around them, as they await the inevitable arrival of their King.
With dark times ahead, the numbers of the Watchers on Iris has grown, as Zach is joined by seven fellow students, all too eager to prove their worth. It's not long before the students are put to the test facing off against the Nein Navy and uncover a dark secret.
The stage is set and the Battle for Mares is under-way.
[image error]
About the author
Rocky Rochford is your standard guy, if your standard guy scuba dives, parakes in underwater photographer and is a wake-boarding, adventure seeking, sword collecting, marine conservation supporter. After living life on the road and the places between, he finally settled down but not without benefiting from all the lessons life had to teach him.
Self-professed “Student of Everything, and Master of Nothing,” Rochford does not choose what he writes, but writes what chooses him, be it fantasy, crime, poetry, philosophy or even adventure. Life is a journey we all get to experience, just like a good book.
Every read into another of his typed works is another trip into the imagination of his mixed up, crazed and deranged mind and this year along those works include the likes of full novels and novellas such as:
[image error]
London Calling – a Deep Water Novel (Spy Thriller)
Don’t Even Blink – Part of the Don’t Turn Around Trilogy (Horror)
Wait and Bleed – The Don’t Turn Around Collection (Horror collection of the entire Don’t Trilogy)
And now The Eye of Mares – Book 2 of the Rise of the Elohim Chronicles (Illustrated YA fantasy adventure)
Other works released by him, are a number of short stories pertaining to horror, paranormal and romance, as well as other works released as part of an anthology:
The Devil You Know (Paranormal short)
Salt in the Wound – Part of the Entwined Saga (Paranormal short)
The Food of Love (featuring Him & Her) – An Anthology by Solstice Publishing (Romance filled Anthology)
Him & Her (Romance Standalone release)
Don’t Say A Word (Horror)
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volume II (featuring The Devil Before) – An Anthology by the Solstice Shadows (Paranormal themed Anthology)
Awethology Dark (featuring Ghosts) – An Anthology by the #Awethors (Adult stories pertaining to a darker theme)
The December Awethology Dark Volume (featuring Seven Years Bad Luck) – An Anthology by the #Awethors (Adult stories pertaining to a darker theme, set around December)
Rochford writes a little something for everyone, so if Mares isn’t your cup of tea, you can guarantee one of his many other works certainly is!
December 10th – Part I https://rockyrochford.wordpress.com/
December 11th – Part 2 https://ramblingsfromawritersmind.wordpress.com/
December 12th – Part 3 https://rainne15.wordpress.com/
December 13th – Part 4 http://nevermindfineprint.net
December 14th – Part 5 https://anitashaven.wordpress.com/
December 15th – Part 6 http://www.clschneiderauthor.com/
December 16th – Part 7 http://www.jasongreensides.com
December 17th – Part 8 http://karensbooksandreviews.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
December 18th – Part 9 http://elizabethnnewton.com/
December 19th – Part 10 www.marniecate.com/
December 20th – Part 11 https://limelightliterature.wordpress.com/
December 21st – Part 12 www.chrissymoon.com
December 22nd – Part 13 blog.jaynorry.com
December 23rd – Part 14 http://www.matthewharrill.com/
December 24th – Part 15 www.sharonlipman.com/blogs
December 25th – Part 16 http://ddsiddeas.blogspot.com/
December 26th – Part 17 https://thewritersemporium.blogspot.com
December 27th – Part 18 chessdesalls.wordpress.com
December 28th – Part 19 http://patrickelliottwrites.blogspot.com/
December 29th – Part 20 http://thescaryreviews.com/
December 30th – Part 21 http://stewartbintauthor.weebly.com/
December 31st – Part 22 www.dmcain84.com
December 22, 2015
Incredible Indie welcomes Jennifer Deese!
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written one book, my Debut book, The Orchid Keeper. I have a short story coming out in December in an anthology of dark and light Christmas/Holiday shorts done by a great group of world wide authors from The #Awethors group I am an active member of. I am currently working on book 2 of a series I am writing...The Orchid Keeper being the first book in the series. After that I will be putting together a collection of my short horror/thriller and fantasy stories in a collection I have titled Chills and Thrills, A collection of off horror and fantasy by Jennifer Deese
[image error]
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Orchid Keeper is my latest work and is also my inaugural piece. I was inspired to write this book first by the Nations battle against addiction...the worlds battle in fact. Secondly, I love fantasy and was inspired at a very early age to foster my imagination and love all things literary by my Mother. Our frequent trips to libraries are amongst my very favorite memories.
Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series are a inspiration for me.
Richard Bachs book One intrigued me.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rawlings is another favorite.
There is a plethora of others but I will be typing for hours if I list them all!
I am working on The Fading Light, book two in The Osipian series I am writing. The Orchid Keeper is book one.
Don't stop writing, keep going no matter what the reviews are, or how many rejections. If writing is your love then just do it. Do not let discouragement side track you. also, join writers/author groups, Make an author blog and network your little tail off!
Pretty much the same as above. Keep trying, keep writing. Network via all social media possible. Most of all keep writing!
I wish to soon finish book two in the series, The Fading Light and put together my collection of shorts.
Buy "The Orchid Keeper"
December 11, 2015
Incredible Indies welcomes Scott Borgman!
Tell us about yourself and how many books you've written
I'm from Minnesota originally. I've lived in Iowa, Virginia, Arizona, and now for the past 11 years in Wisconsin. I've been married to my gorgeous better British half for sixteen years, and together we're raising our three children ages 16, 15, and 13 *gulp!*, along with a rescued cat and our lovable bed-hogging pit bull who is all kisses and cuddles. I write in two genres, YA Fantasy for the 12+ age groups, and Paranormal Romance, which is geared toward readers 18+ due to language and some steamy scenes (not explicit... steamy!) I've also written a small collection of poetry, which is free on Smashwords.
[image error]
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest publication was bundling all three books in my Paranormal Romance series together to tell the complete story in one full volume - The Exiled Trilogy: Collector's Edition. As for what inspired the story, that came from our youngest son, who passed away in 2010 when he was only three. That event opened my eyes and helped me to see so many things that I'd never truly SEEN before, like how much we take for granted, and the constant negativity we're bombarded with every day. When we're that young, we know nothing of lies, selfishness, greed, hate, or discrimination... we only know love. Those other things we learn as we get older, and they steal away that innocence we once had. Ultimately, that's what the story hopes to do - to help readers see once more through the innocent eyes of a child, as we all once did... before we learned of those things. It's a story about angels and old gods, of devils and demons, of the struggle between good and evil... and about humanity, while passing on those lessons throughout the story. It's by no means boring - there's definitely plenty of action and suspense, some romance, a touch of horror and even a bit of fantasy, all in a modern day setting that throws each of those things together and blends them up. Honestly, the story has caused some tears, but that's what it was always meant to do: have an emotional impact on the reader.
[image error]
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Dragonlance books, R.A. Salvatore's books about Drizzt Do'Urden and other drow (dark elves), and Terry Brooks' Shannara books brought me into the fantasy worlds, while Stephen King's It, Misery, and The Shining (to name a few) brought the horror elements. And a whole slew of authors who wrote books set in the Ravenloft world had me meeting vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures.
I started working on the 4th and final book in my YA fantasy series, then put that on hold for a little bit to get the Collector's Edition put together. With that having just been released, I'm going back to working on that last book in the series now, which I'm looking forward to because I've missed the characters. After writing about them for over two years, it's like meeting up with old friends again. Though in all honesty, it's going to be hard when this one is done. When I finished the last book in the PNR series, it was really hard to say goodbye to the characters. I expect this time will be no different. But that's the way it should be. After all, if I felt nothing for the characters that I write about, how could I expect readers to?
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start off each day by looking in the mirror. What you will see is not just your reflection. I'll toss in a quote from The Exiled (book 1 in the trilogy) because it is so relevant to this question: 'When you doubt in yourself, you create the one barrier that is impossible to overcome. The only thing that can stop you from reaching your goals is yourself.' Keep writing. Keep reading. Keep reaching up. No star is out of reach, unless you don't make the effort.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
'You don't need a degree to write.' -- Steven Thayer, Written Communications Instructor, MSTC. Thank you Steven, for reminding me that a piece of paper doesn't define me as a writer, it's the gift I was given and was meant to use, the stories that I write, and the readers who enjoy them that does.
After I'm done with this next fantasy book, I'm switching back into the Paranormal Romance side. Writing in two different genres, it's almost like I have a split personality! I wrote a flash fiction on the Trail-Mix Readers Goodreads group a few months ago... you know, where a picture is posted and you write something based off the picture. Well, I was told (quite emphatically) by a fellow author that I HAD to expand that into a full blown story. I promised I would, and I keep my word when I give it. I wouldn't be surprised if that turns into at least a few others afterwards ;) I have plans for the YA Fantasy as well - single books that focus on certain characters who have at this point only been minor that I really want to get to know better and follow along with as well. But that will have to wait. I have a promise to keep first.
[image error]
I would like to add that along with the release of the Collector's Edition, I'm doing something special for the month of December, 2015. One thing I strive to do is to try and make a difference. It's something I feel very strongly about doing. So I would like to ask readers to please take a few minutes and check out my blog for the details
Buy "The Exiled Trilogy: Collector's Edition" - Digital
Buy "The Exiled Trilogy: Collector's Edition" - Paperback
Buy
"Province of a Thief"
December 5, 2015
Incredible Indies welcomes Lynne Murray!
Tell us about yourself and how many books you've written
I've wanted to write books for as long as I can remember. My first mystery novel was published in 1988 and since then I've published a total of six mysteries, one romantic comedy, a vampire novel and most recently a science fiction tale of most unusual alien-human first contact.
[image error]
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Gravitas: Valkyrie in the Forbidden Zone was inspired by a book on the UFOs craze that suggested we were seeing a religion being formed in front of our very eyes. Also I liked the idea of envisioning a planet where women rule and an aphrodisiac is the major export.
I'm constantly finding new books and authors to love. Some that I have loved in order of affection are Jane Austen, William Goldman (the Princess Bride!), Terry Pratchett, Dorothy L. Sayers and Dashiell Hammett.
Another book featuring Sybil from Planet Valkyrie, who has an offer she can't refuse to go to Planet Fury, a place where assassination is a global pastime.
Writing books is the most personal thing you'll ever do. Look for what works for you. I find that at certain points in time when I'm ready to try new things. Other times I need to stick with what I know has worked in the past. What others swear by can be useless for me, but I keep looking and often find ways to improve.
George Chesboro at a Bouchercon keynote speech said that there are no child prodigies in novel writing. It always takes years to learn the craft. Talent is not rare, but the surest predictor of success is the ability to keep writing in the face of no encouragement whatsoever, because that's what everyone who learns will have to do to get there.
I'm pretty happy now. I've found some new ways of working that help me write more. I'm a big fan of "take what you need and leave the rest." My current challenge is trying to write faster (so far it's working--thanks for ideas on how to do this to A.L. Mengel, Rachel Aaron and Chris Fox).
December 1, 2015
Prizes up for grabs!
As part of the "Meet the Author, In Character Event" you have the chance to win a paperback copy of Bound to BlackwoodOn Saturday December 5th (at 6am CST, 12 Noon GMT and 1pm CET) Lena of House Blackwood will be taking over the event for a few hours.
It's your chance to ask her anything you like! I can't promise she'll answer everything - you know how she is, but she'll be there waiting for your questions.
As part of the event, House Blackwood is hosting the House Blackwood Hunt, an opportunity for you to get to know the story and characters better by way of a virtual treasure hunt. All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer the questions below. All the answers you need are right here on SharonLipman.com
First PrizeA paperback copy of Bound to Blackwood, delivered right to your door.
Runners upAn ebook copy of Bound to Blackwood delivered in your required format via email.
RULES APPLY
November 27, 2015
Incredible Indies welcomes Keanan Brand!
Tell us more about yourself and how many books you've writtenI started writing at a young age -- early elementary school -- so have written far more than I've published. So far in print, I have one novel and several short stories, and am working on producing three more novels, all in different genres.
[image error]
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? The current published novel is Dragon's Rook, the first half of The Lost Sword, an epic fantasy duology. Dragon's Rook -- and its companion story, Dragon's Bane -- began life as a dream that morphed into a short story that grew into something far bigger and far different than I imagined. The story now bears no resemblance to the dream or the short story, and that's a good thing.
What authors, or books have influenced you? Oh, these are many and innumerable! There are the usual suspects -- Tolkien, Lewis, Kipling, Stevenson, Shakespeare, the Bible, and so on -- and the not-so-obvious, such as history and biographies and more. One of my favorite nonfiction works remains Gentlemen's Blood, about dueling in the modern age and in history.
What are you working on now?I am completing Dragon's Bane, as well as a space opera novel (Thieves' Honor) and an urban fantasy/paranormal fantasy (The Unmakers). I hope to have at least two of these completed and published in 2016.
Do you have any advice for new authors? Read widely -- not only inside the genre you write, but well beyond it. You may find inspiration in the biography of a mathematicion, or find the perfect detail about Morocco in a travelogue, or gain a deeper understanding of the struggles in a nation by reading its history. In turn, this adds dimension to your storytelling.
I'm not the first to say it, nor will I be the last: Writing is the hardest work you'll ever love.
What is the best advice you have ever heard? "So what, who cares?" was tossed at me offhand many years ago, but has since helped me focus on what to keep and what to delete from my stories.
What's next for you as a writer?Publishing and marketing are collaborative efforts. However, I'm learning more about publishing and marketing in the digital age -- interior layouts, cover design, venues, etcetera -- so that I am not bound by a dependence solely on others in order to see my work in print. The rise of digital publishing (e-books, e-zines, and more) has spun the wheel back around where it used to be. There was a time when authors made the decisions about where and when to print, and would hire a printer to produce the work, but then publishing houses eventually took over, and either accepted or rejected authors. Now, the balance of power is tipping back toward the authors.
Want to support this Incredible Indie?
Buy "Dragon's Rook"
Buy "The Deer Place"
Buy "Awake"
