Michele Israel Harper's Blog, page 8

My Book Is Almost Here!

(Me holding my book and looking deliriously happy! Or maybe just delirious…) ;)

Oh my goodness, you guys! It’s almost here! Zombie Takeover is almost out. Just one more week!

Tuesday, July 12, 2016, I will be squealing, crazy dancing, shouting, and praising God for His goodness to me in letting another of my books be published.

And I’ll be getting ready for my Facebook Launch Party. Did I mention I’m giving away over 50 of my favorite books? I’m so excited to share my favorites with you! Join me here!

Also, Zombie Takeover the eBook will be $1.99 until the day of the Facebook party. What an awesome deal!

And eight of the most awesome people in the world signed up to be a part of my blog tour. You’ve seriously got to check out these amazing blog stops.

Amy Brock McNew interviewed me and asked me all kinds of nosy questions about book two (Vampire Feud) I was not prepared to answer. Spoilers, Amy, spoilers! ;) But I had to give a few hints anyway. Cause Amy is awesome and my readers rock. Check out her blog post on Thursday! As in, in two days!!!

Then Friday, July 8th, Kristen Stieffel let me write a guest post about “Why on earth did you write about zombies?” for New Authors’ Fellowship. So much fun! I bet you never knew this particular fact about me. Find out Friday!

Laurie Lucking from Lands Uncharted wanted to know my top three spec fic picks and why I adored these particular books. I’ll be giving a few of them away at my Facebook party, so I had to rave about them here as well. (And few I’ll be giving away at Kill the Beast’s Launch Party…hint, hint.) ;) Check out why I love them Saturday!

Sunday, Robin Pack will be reviewing Zombie Takeover on Snippets of Faith. I’m so excited (and did I mention nervous?) to hear what she thinks of my new release! Her website is absolutely gorgeous, you guys. Check it out!

Monday, July 11th, check out Robin Scobee’s review of Zombie Takeover on Quills and Ink Blotts. Each reader/reviewer has had something completely different to say about my novel, and I’m crazy excited (yep, still nervous) about this review as well. Bring it! ;)

Then you’ll hear plenty of gushing from me right here, next Tuesday, when my baby actually releases. Woohoo!

Wednesday, Jennette Mbewe will interview Candace Marshall in “Candid with Candace: How to Survive the Zombie Takeover.” That was freaking so much fun! Candace is such a baby. It’s just zombies, Candace. Sheesh. ;)

Shayla Eaton from Curiouser Editing is doing Zombie Takeover’s final review, and I’m nervous about this review for an entirely different reason. I mean, she’s an editor! What if I misspelled something, and my other editors and I missed it? Gasp! But I’m still so excited to see what she thinks about my book. This is surreal! It’s really happening! Check out her post Thursday, July 14th (the same day as the Facebook Launch party!) on Curiouser Editing’s blog page!

Then Ralene Burke is doing some kind of post-launch feature on how the entire launch for my latest release went. I’m on the edge of my seat to see what she has to say! Her posts are always so much fun! Check out the final blog stop of the tour on Friday, July 15th.

Isn’t that so cool? I’m so thankful for each one of these bloggers. They rock!

(You can also check out the full blog tour schedule on my publisher’s website.)

Here’s a little about Zombie Takeover:

I was the bravest, fiercest warrior, singlehandedly stopping the zombie apocalypse and earning the respect and admiration of those who fought with me. Just kidding. I pretty much peed my pants and wasted a ton of ammo. At least everyone else shot what they were aiming at. Me? Not so much. This is my story—me, Candace Marshall, the world’s biggest scaredy-cat, facing my biggest fear. Zombies. It was awesome. (As in, not at all.)

Candace Marshall hates zombie movies. She hates anything scary, in fact. In his usual, not-so-thoughtful way, her boyfriend surprises her with advanced screening tickets to the latest zombie flick, complete with interactive features and a tour. She refuses to watch it, but it doesn’t matter.

Horror becomes reality when an experiment gone wrong transforms her peaceful town into a mess of slathering zombies. Thrown together with the only other survivor, Gavin Bailey, her favorite actor and secret crush, she somehow fights her way through the mess, making plenty of blunders and surprising herself with…courage?

But, just when Candace thinks it can’t get worse than zombies, it does.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Yo9yUf

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1U9F2NV

iBooks: http://apple.co/1S2Xr7E

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Ugurhl

Thank you so much for celebrating my new release with me!

In Him,

Michele

My Time at the Book Expo America 2016

I went to the Book Expo America in Chicago with no idea what to expect.

Oh, sure. They had a website, an app, and a list of classes, but I was way too busy to look at any of that.

(Just a touch of advice for you. Don’t do what I did. End of advice.)

 

All I knew was I wanted to attend an 11AM class on publishing agreements, and my train was due around 10AM. I could make it from Union Station to McCormick Place in 45 minutes, right?

No. Not if said stranger to Chicago gets lost, even with the best directions ever from a native Chicagoan. And that’s all I have to say about that. ;)

1PM: I enter the wrong end of the McCormick Place, bewildered, ready to kiss the ground I was walking on (the correct ground, this time), and so excited to finally be at the BEA 2016!

 

I wandered the book expo floor–and people kept shoving books in my hands. Lots of books. Free books. Books that haven’t been released yet.

187 books, to be exact.

I nearly tackled the guy handing out Katherine Reay’s soon-to-be-released novel. I restrained myself and somehow managed to snag a copy in the stampede anyway. Whew! And woohoo! I can’t wait to read this!

 

There were signings (including some very well-known authors such as Nicholas Sparks, signing his not-yet-released novel that, yes, they were just giving away–no, I did not stand in that 8-hour monstrosity called a line–but this signing happens to be my fave):

Mini-sessions were scattered throughout the floor, and an entire conference area downstairs was dedicated to hundreds of classes over the course of three days.

Patrick Brown, the Director of Marketing at Goodreads told us everything new and trending, and in beta testing, on Goodreads.

Cindy Ratzlaff, one of the most intense and dynamic speakers I have ever had the pleasure of listening to in my entire life, spoke on advanced marketing strategies on Facebook.

I learned so much. So. Much.

And I got the hang of everything by the second day. By the third, I was a pro. I could navigate Chicago, get to my classes on time, and look like I knew what I was doing.

I even bought a rolling suitcase in nearby Chinatown and used the expo’s bag check to store those lovely books I just couldn’t stop taking from all the people shoving them my way. (Um, thank you, lovely people. You are all pretty much my favorite.)

I was in my world, happy go lucky, when I ran across an article in the BEA’s Hulk-sized magazine. (Seriously. These suckers were the size of my rolling suitcase.) This is the first time in 12 years the BEA has left their venue in New York City to hold their conference in Chicago. Twelve. Years.

The Chicago and Midwest publishers and other industry professionals–including myself–were thrilled with the change in venue. (I mean, I could actually go!) The big publishers based out of New York? Not so much.

So during lunch on the third day, I sat with a publisher from New York and a freelancer from Ohio. And got to hear the entire argument from both of their perspectives. (So glad I read that article first!)

The New York publisher was upset with having to ship books, pay for hotels and airfare, send fewer representatives, and leave the convenience of walking from their downtown office to the expo. The freelancer (who was once an editor for a major New York publishing house, but has since done so well to freelance out of Ohio) was thrilled with the expo being so close to be able to attend–without the exorbitant costs of staying in New York.

I listened, nodded, smiled a lot, and wholeheartedly agreed with the freelancer.

The publisher did admit, with a sheepish grin, that the McCormick place was a much nicer venue than New York’s. And the publisher did allow that it must be nice for the smaller presses–including me–to be able to send someone. And the freelancer sympathized with the added costs of shipping stock and not having as many reps.

I was entranced by both of them. Well done, opposing sides!

So I just have to say: Thank you, Book Expo America, for coming to Chicago. Thank you for making it possible for smaller presses and their representative to attend.

I have treasured everything I learned and the entire experience of BEA 2016. Thank you for the books. Thank you for the signings. Thank you for the classes.

Thank you for helping me grow in my profession, learn more about my field, and stay abreast of the latest trends in this ever-changing industry.

You have my undying gratitude for coming to Chicago.

And thank you, dear reader, for sharing my adventure with me! It was such fun!

In Him,

Michele

Okay, I had to show you these amazing journals I bought the last day of the expo. I’ve never seen more gorgeous journals in my life!

What’s next? Well, I’m not sure. But I hope it has something to do with Facebook Launch Parties, Blog Tours, and other book-release fun for Zombie Takeover. I can’t wait!!!

(Oh, yes! Zombie Takeover happens to be available for preorder. Hurray!)

Review of Rebirth by Amy Brock McNew

When I first read Rebirth, I was one of Amy’s beta readers. I begged her for a copy of the book I’d heard so much about–pretty much stalking her until she gave in and said yes–because it sounded amazing.

Well guess what? It was even better than I’d hoped.

And now not only is Amy Brock McNew‘s award-winning book being published, she is also my publishing sister! (For those who don’t know what that means–her book is being publishing by the same company publishing my books.) Hurray!

So today I get to be a part of her blog tour as her debut novel launches into the world in just a few short days.

But, first things first, here is the back cover copy:

Liz Brantley has a gift she wants to return.

Able to see and fight demonic forces, she has spent her life alone, battling the minions of hell bent on her destruction, running from the God who gave her this curse. Drawn to her abilities, the demon Markus unleashes havoc on her hometown and pulls Liz further into the throes of battle.

She’s desperate for a normal life.

When she meets a mysterious man who seems unaware of the mystical realm that haunts her, the life she’s always wanted moves within reach. But her slice of normal slips from her grasp when an old flame, Ryland Vaughn, reappears with secrets of his own. Secrets that will alter her destiny.

Torn between two worlds, Liz is caught in an ancient war between good and evil.

And she isn’t sure which side to choose.

Amy’s characters are gritty, real. Alive. Her writing is intense and draws you immediately into Liz’s world–a world filled with heartbreak, survival, and the slaughtering of demons.

I was hooked. Still am.

This urban fantasy with a touch of romance exceeded my expectations and instantly made me hunger for the next book in the series. (Come on, book two…)

And I hear she’s giving away some pretty awesome prizes at her Facebook Launch Party, including a few signed copies of Rebirth. Check it out here! (I also happen to be hosting it for her. I cannot wait!!!) :D

And don’t forget to check out tomorrow’s blog stop at Jennette Mbewe’s website for an interview with the author herself!

Way to go, Amy! I’m so excited for you! Your book is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!

In Him,

Michele

Btw, Chicago’s Book Expo America 2016 was incredible. I’m so thankful they brought it to Chicago instead of New York for the first time in years so I could go! Next week, I’ll tell you more, but for now, preorder a copy of Rebirth and see why everyone who reads it loves it! So in love with this book, you guys. Until next week! :)

Book Expo America 2016 and the Indianapolis Homeschool Convention

Right now I’m in Chicago at the Book Expo America 2016. Squeal! Isn’t that amazing?

I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to come, but I felt so strongly I needed to be here this year, my husband moved heaven and earth to make sure I could attend.

Isn’t my husband the sweetest man on earth?

I’ll have pictures next week! :)

But for now, a little on my time at the Indianapolis homeschool convention.

To say I dislike homeschooling would be an understatement. “Detest” is more accurate.

Why? I was homeschooled. And I hated it.

So when God put the IAHE convention (Indiana Association of Home Educators) on my heart and said, “Do this,” I said, “No way.”

I wanted to go to Comic Con. Well guess what? Comic Con was sold out. Their waiting list never opened. And God didn’t stop saying, “Do this.”

I reluctantly agreed and contacted the president of our Indiana chapter of ACFW, Rick Barry, to reserve a spot. Of course a spot was available. Of course. ;)

And I loved every minute of it.

Guess what? Homeschooling parents aren’t psychos bent on never letting their kids have friends, have fun, or go outside.

Each person I spoke with was intelligent, scrounging through every single piece of material available for the very best to offer their kids. Science, math, art–these people were intense. And overflowing with love.

They genuinely loved their kids and wanted the very best for them. I saw it over and over and over and over again.

And God spoke very clearly to me. He said, “This is why you’re here. Get over it. Get over your hatred of all things homeschooling, of homeschoolers, and be free. I love them. And I love you. I want you to be free.”

I had to sit down.

Really? I mean, really? That’s why God had me there?

I’d been waiting for most of the convention, you see, to find out why on earth God had practically forced me to go to a place I didn’t want to go. There was a reason, and I was going to find it.

I just assumed it was so my book could bless somebody. (Um, pride anyone? Lol.)

Nope, it was so I could get over myself, so I could be released from bondage (it’s just so much working hating something for so long, you know?), so I could see through God’s eyes, even just a little.

He did it for me.

And now I’m crying. Oh, man! Wasn’t expecting that! Haha! (As I blow my nose…)

So I’m raving to go back next year and take as many ACFW Indiana members with me as I can. This convention rocks. I met so many wonderful people I just can’t even get over it. Selling my book was like the cream cheese vanilla icing on the rich fudge chocolate cake.

(And now I need to go raid my pantry…)

And best of all? I met fellow ACFW member April Frazier, and we got to talk editing. (Happy shiver. Day made. Right there.)

Next week? How awesome was the Book Expo America 2016? Well, I’ll tell you. ;)

I love you all, goodnight, and thank you for reading my post!

In Him,

Michele

(P.S. I totally apologize if any of my pictures are upside down. Yes, I’m scared of this. Really! Last time I took pics with my iPhone and slapped them on my blog post, they went out into the world … upside down. I kinda wanted to die. Since this post is scheduled–I am in Chicago, you know–I’m awaiting its post with fear and trembling. Please, please, please post the right way–please!!!)

Release Date for Zombie Takeover!

I finally have a release date for Zombie Takeover! Hurray!!!

Wait for it…

Here it comes…

Are you salivating yet?

I know I am!

Ahem. Zombie Takeover–my love, my baby, my very first completed book–will officially release from Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing on:

JULY 12, 2016!

Oh, I’m just…out of words.

I’m so excited and reeling from finally knowing when I can hold this book in my hands.

Thank you, Lord!

In Him,

Michele

(Next week, I’ll share a little about the awesome time I had at the homeschool convention. Seriously, such a beautiful time with such wonderful people! See you next week!) :)

Wisdom & Folly at the Indianapolis Homeschool Convention

Guess what? I’m taking Wisdom & Folly to the Indianapolis Homeschool Convention next weekend! Oh my goodness, I hope they love it!

The IAHE (or Indiana Association of Home Educators) hosts a yearly convention, full of workshops, general sessions, and exhibits galore.

And I get to be one of the exhibitors.

The Indiana chapter of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) of which I am the current treasurer, purchased a booth and invited their members to bring their fiction. Of course I jumped on it!

(I’m so attending the session “Never Give Up: The Critical Importance of Finishing What You’ve Started.” That can apply to so many areas of life!)

I remember being dragged–ahem, I mean, attending–a few homeschool conventions with my mom when I was young. My favorite booths were those that sold books, preferably the fiction kind, as my mom learned everything new and trending in the homeschool world. I didn’t care about any of that other stuff back then. I just wanted to read.

I can’t say my perspective has changed much (Me? Homeschool? No way. I would kill my kids. Kill. Them.) but my passion for fiction remains the same.

(Please let me say many of my friends homeschool, and I admire, respect, and pretty much adore them for being able to do what I cannot. Rock on! So jealous.)

The part of me who remembers that little girl, hungry for a good story, hopes to be able to bless someone at IAHE as I wished a certain vendor (corner both, stuffed full of discount books, didn’t want kids around unless their parents were paying) would have blessed me. A little grace for a lover of stories with grimy hands.

Wow. I feel like that got real fast.

Back to fun and happy!

So anyway, I will be there, selling my book, and signing as many copies as possible!

Will you be there this year? I would love to see you!

In Him,

Michele

Zombie Takeover, Final Edit

I can’t even tell you how many edits this baby has been through. From critiques to line edits to copy edits to content edits, it has been shaped, revised, edited, then edited some more.

I kept wanting to have it published, kept thinking it was done, but…

There was just something missing.

I didn’t know what, but it wasn’t the best it could be.

Enter the Editorial Review.

(Insert heavenly singing of the Hallelujah Chorus here…)

Now, Nadine Brandes has no idea I’m going to do this, but I have to brag on her a little bit. (Yes, the Nadine Brandes, author of A Time to Die. Such a good book!)

I hired Nadine to complete an editorial review on my manuscript, and I was all pins and needles waiting to hear what she had to say.

(Not sure what an editorial review is? Read about it here: Nadine Brandes Editorial Services.)

Not only did I make her laugh (Yes!), she loved the story and had so many exactly-what-I-needed-to-hear suggestions.

I am now ready to give my book baby to the world. (And the world will be much happier reading it without all of those pesky little errors.) ;)

In other words, I’ll have a real release date soon! Ahhh!!! Happy screaming!

I can’t wait!

In Him,

Michele

Cover Reveal for Rebirth

I’m beyond excited to be a part of Amy’s cover reveal! Look at that cover! Isn’t it amazing?

I am so stinkin’ thrilled to get my hands on this baby May 24th, when it releases.

I mean, seriously. Gorgeous. Cover.

Here’s a little about the book:

Liz Brantley has a gift she wants to return.

Able to see and fight demonic forces, she has spent her life alone, battling the minions of hell bent on her destruction, running from the God who gave her this curse. The demon Markus, drawn to her abilities, unleashes havoc on her hometown and pulls Liz further into the throes of battle.

She’s desperate for a normal life.

When she meets a mysterious man who seems unaware of the mystical realm that haunts her, the life she’s always wanted flits within reach. But her slice of normal slips from her grasp when an old flame, Ryland Vaughn, reappears with secrets of his own. Secrets that will alter her destiny.

Torn between two worlds, Liz is caught in an ancient war between good and evil.

And she isn’t sure which side to choose.

 

 

 

 

 

And the author:

Amy Brock McNew doesn’t just write speculative fiction, she lives and breathes it. Exploring the strange, the supernatural, and the wonderfully weird, Amy pours her guts onto the pages she writes, honestly and brutally revealing herself in the process. Nothing is off-limits. Her favorite question is “what if?” and she believes fiction can be truer than our sheltered and controlled realities. Visit AmyBrockMcNew.com to learn more about this intriguing author.

Isn’t that awesome? Can’t wait until this sucker is available for preorder! :)

(Btw, I hear there’s a surprise on Amy’s website to celebrate her cover reveal. Check it out!)

Happy reading!

In Him,

Michele

Goodreads Giveaway for Wisdom & Folly, Part Two

Goodreads Book Giveaway


Wisdom & Folly
by Michele Israel Harper

Giveaway ends March 31, 2016.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

I’m so excited to share with you my next Goodreads giveaway!

I am sending two signed copies of Wisdom & Folly Part Two out into the big, wide world. Sniff. (Seriously, so hard for an author to do. Other people read your baby and tell you what they think. Scary!)

Anyway, the giveaway ends March 31, 2016.

If you haven’t already read my story, now is a perfect time to enter to win. Or, if you’ve read book one and need book two, like, yesterday, here ya go! :)

And believe me, I want to know what you think.

Enjoy!

In Him,

Michele

Goodreads Giveaway for Wisdom & Folly

Goodreads Book Giveaway


Wisdom & Folly
by Michele Israel Harper

Giveaway ends March 14, 2016.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

I’m so excited to let you know I’m giving away two copies of the first book of Wisdom & Folly!

If you haven’t been able to read my book yet, you just may want to enter. ;)

I hope you love it!

Happy Reading!

In Him,

Michele