Sandra Hurst's Blog, page 3

Peace out is a cup of coffee for the soul – Peak Story Reviews.

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Thanks so much to Sophie LeRoux at Peak Story Reviews for the wonderful review of Peace Out!

You can read the original here or find the text copied below.

We all have our comforts.

For some of us, maybe its an indulgent square of dark chocolate, or an aromatic cup of hot coffee. For others it could be a smell, a movie, or a song. But Sandra Hurst’s novella, Peace Out, might just be a comfort all in itself.

First and foremost, this is more than a simple tale of country romance. Peace Out is like a big comfy blanket that engulfs you as you feel the tension melt away. There is drama, don’t get me wrong, but it’s believable and relatable.

This story takes place in the fictional town of Peace, Montana where Cynthia, or Cyn, and her mother, Bev, will wrap you up in the very real turmoils of cancer, familial secrets, and the tipping of scales when it comes to small town politics.

We watch Cyn evolve from an over-burdened, homebound caretaker whose frozen in time, into an independent, ambitious woman who strives to achieve her dreams. Even her mother, Bev, suffers through several internal struggles throughout the book; some of them life-changing.

But what I love most about this story is how Cyn’s cowboy crush, Jericho, is the loving and supportive kind of southern gentleman we can all admire. However, as far as the romance is concerned, it’s a sweet undertone in the book, and Hurst portrayed female empowerment through Cyn in a very subtle, yet powerful way.

This novella, though fast-paced, is a well written and relaxing read. The ending will leave you wanting more without the cliffhanger. Hurst’s storytelling ability is also excellent. There were only a few instances of repetitiveness and a couple typographical errors.

In the end, Peace Out is the kind of book you should whip out as you sit by the fire on a snowy day. And don’t forget to bring your coffee, folks, because this book will have you craving a mug of it something awful.

[image error]Favourite Quotes:

“Her heart was wrapped in bailing wire, its razor-sharp threads were all that held her together now.”

“Fortunately, this gave Cynthia a prime view of an unexpected asset. And man, what an asset.”

“Cyn felt her heart flutter and slammed the lid hard on her wayward emotions.”

“One sip of water will not save a dying man.”

‘Peace Out’ is for sale on Amazon.
Connect with Sandra Hurst on Twitter, Facebook, or via her blog.

 

Here’s to the Real Heroes of #Cockygate

If you are part of the writing community on social media you’ve heard about the efforts of one indie writer to trademark the word Cocky and make using it illegal in book titles or promotions.

Everyone has their own opinions on the ethics or legality of this manoeuvre but really, I don’t give a rats ass. There is only group of heroes in this story, and they’ve gone unthanked and unrecognized. I want to change that.

Who are these brave souls, you ask? Well; it’s not the author who started the whole explosion, she’s just grabbing for her fleeting moment of fame, it’s not the army of outraged authors who started flapping their collective beaks and screaming foul the moment the story came to light, and it’s definitely not the lawyers who sit, smile, and count their billable time.

The hero in this tale is you!

[image error]The readers–the ones who buy our books time after time trusting in the magic we create and believing that our words are somehow worth your hard earned money. You don’t pay attention to the drama, you don’t feel hurt, slighted, or offended because some stray snowflake happens to land on your side of the street, and you really don’t want to know or be involved in what happens behind the scenes at the scriptorium. You just want good books to read.

I want to thank you and all the other anti-drama llamas and to apologize. Here in the book world, although we may get overheated and fly around squawking at times, we realize that whether one person reads our books, or millions do, each and every reader deserves thanks and respect.

We have been acting like children fighting over toys, and I’m sorry.  I promise that at least for my part, the drama is over – back to making the magic.

The Hell In-Between

Or…what happens when there are too many voices inside your head.

As I’ve told you, probably ad nauseam, Peace Out launches on May 25th. I’ve done the blog tour, done the promos, done the teasers, and uploaded everything to Amazon. There is nothing I can do now but move on. But to what?

I’ve currently got so many works in process that my poor brain is frozen in mid-sentence and the words have all run away to join a union and protest for more sanity in the workplace.  So here is a list of the most current stories on the pile, not all of them, just all that are developed enough to turn into a real storyline.  Tell me, what would you like to read next?

Sky Road: Book 2.

Continuing from Y’keta’s acceptance of his place in the village, this story digs deeper into the war with the Utlaak and the price the people will pay to survive. It also follows Siann as she searches to understand her power as a shaman and as a woman.  (Fantasy, Mythology)

Geo-Mage

The magic of the world is failing.  Everywhere Wild magic is erupting, Geoquakes and Magical Volcanoes spring up all over as rogue forces draw magic from the world’s core without replacing it. GeoMages are warning that the instability won’t resolve unless the magic at the world’s core is rejuvenated. When Tio and Amy, two young students at GAV (The Geographical Academy of Vulcanology) find evidence of fracking, forcing magic from the earth along geological fault lines. They are faced with impossible questions.  – Does the government know about the danger?  Would they believe two freshman mages even if Tio and Amy could prove it? (YA Sci-Fi)

Do Not Go Gently

The world is dying. Everyone knows. Even the gods are abandoning the planet one by one and drifting into the void. Can a young slave girl confront the last dragonsmith, and convince him to fight for the time her world has left? Or will they all be lost to the eternal night.  (Fantasy, Sci-Fi)

Alpha’s Mate

Wolf Shifter Rand Kuniak wanted nothing more than to escape his small town roots in in northern Alberta. After years living in the big city, Rand is reassigned, back to the town he ran away from and the responsibilities of the pack he doesn’t want.  Can he finally find someone who will meet his needs in the north-woods? Or is Rand destined to run again? (PNR Romance)

Comment below with which one you think should come next. I’m taking all options at this point!

 

Thanks,

Sandra.

 

 

 

Just a Little Peace of Mind.

About a year ago I was invited to participate in the Peace Novella Series. Eighteen international authors from many different genres all, writing romance based novellas in and around the little town of Peace, Montana.

This was quite the stretch for ye old fantasy and medieval gal, I can honestly say that I fought harder for this story than for anything else I’ve ever written. But, after much agonizing and with a great deal of support from the other Peace Authors, I’m proud to say that Peace Out, the 18th book in the Peace Novella Series comes out on May 25th.

I’ve fallen in love with Cyn and Jericho’s story, and I hope you do too!

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Preorder pricing is available until May 25th. (here)

More About Peace

Ranging from high school sweethearts, to second chance romances, with a few international love affairs thrown in for flavour. There is a love story for everyone in Peace. Check out the Peace Novella Website (here) for information on the other amazing authors contributing to the series!

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Tripping around the blogosphere!

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I made a stop today at www.mandyevebarnett.com.

Mandy had some really interesting questions to ask about my writing process and how I decided to become a writer.

Pop by if you have a moment she has some really great content on writing and writers!

Will you be ready for the Grand Opening?

Apparently, people are sneaking into the gallery to get a first glance at  Peace Out. [image error]Check out this bittersweet romance novella on Amazon and Kindle Unlimted May 25, 2018, Pre-orders available now!  Peace Out!

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Brent Harrington is dead and Cyn Redman really couldn’t give a rat’s ass. While the whole town celebrates or mourns the end of the Harrington dynasty, Cyn’s life is falling apart.

The last thing Cyn is looking for is Jericho, the quiet, soft-spoken ranch hand from the McBride place. Between the clinic closing, her mom’s health, and Cyn’s long-delayed college plans there are already too many changes happening.

Could Jericho be the anchor she needs so desperately as her world falls apart or is he just another excuse not to let go of Peace and move on?

 

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Storyteller Alley

Thanks so much to the people at Storyteller Alley for their amazing view of Y’keta.

responding to critical and thorough reviews are among the best ways for writers to learn the craft. I am flattered beyond measure at the score of 196/200 and at their support for independent and small press authors.

Check out the full review at http://www.storytelleralley.com/yketa

I highly recommend Storyteller Alley for a great selection of curated independent and small press books, all pre-screened, guaranteed good![image error]

 

What Does The Winter Oak Know?

I’m so honoured to have my poem used in such a great video. Thank you Ellie for putting it together!

What does the Winter Oak Know – by Sandra Hurst.

 

 

 

Ellie Masters is a freelance creative and independent author, one you should check out.

 

NEWS RELEASE

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For immediate release:

Author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Young Adult – Fantasy – Epic book “Y’keta” by Sandra Hurst, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1539396959.

Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

“Reviewed By Aimee Carol Dixon for Readers’ Favorite

Y’keta did not choose to leave his home village, that was a choice his father made for him. Cast out and stripped of his true form, Y’keta must come to terms with traveling the path of the Kit’na. Swallowing his bitterness will take time, learning to trust longer still. But there is no time. An ancient enemy is stirring, and the secrets he keeps may mean the difference between life and death for his new people. Sandra Hurst’s first novel, Y’keta: The Sky Road serves to introduce her as an author of great promise.

The lives of Hurst’s People are as rich as you could hope for. While careful never to inundate her readers with an avalanche of information, Hurst breathes authenticity into an ancient world. Each character has been crafted to become a friend or family member. To read Y’keta is to become one of the People. Hurst puts a great deal of trust in her readers. Rather than taking you by the hand and guiding you point by point, Hurst will frequently leave you to infer what must be happening between the scenes. This freedom of imagination allows for a more intimate connection with Hurst’s world.

Y’keta: The Sky Road is filled with powerful writing. One particularly poignant scene features the titular character Y’keta talking down D’vahn, the leader of the Red Lodge. His words resonate with feeling and are said to shake loose a soul intent on destruction for the greater good. This moment came late in Hurst’s novel, which only served to heighten Y’keta’s personal growth alongside his connection with the village that became his home.”

You can learn more about Sandra Hurst and “Y’keta” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/yketa where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

Readers’ Favorite LLC

Media Relations

Louisville, KY 40202

800-RF-REVIEW

support@readersfavorite.com

https://readersfavorite.com

Six Ways From Sunday

[image error]It’s early Sunday morning and the voices in my head are complaining. My headspace, usually so full of stories and characters, is being taken over by questions. Am I doing enough to promote my book? Is the book good enough to deserve promotion? How can I even call myself an author if no one reads what I write?

I’m tired of it!
So, here are six things I can do this week to make more space for the stories inside.

1. Write daily.

It often feels like writing is the first thing I want to do, and the last thing I actually get done. There’s always work to finish, housework, and family chores. By the time all this gets done there is very little ‘me’ left to write with.  This week I’m changing that. It doesn’t matter if the dishes sit ’till morning. I’m committing to 15 minutes a day of writing for myself, on any story. It might be baboon crap words, but the words must happen.

2. Set limits on checking Amazon/Goodreads.

Nothing brings me down more than obsessively checking my Amazon KDP page. No new sales, no new reviews (or even worse, bad reviews) and I’m right back at the beginning questioning my right to put words on paper.

3. Plan a weekly blog post.

When I started this blog I committed to doing a weekly post. I think the only way I’ll get it done is by scheduling it and making myself responsible. So I’ve put the topic and expected posting date on my Outlook, just to keep me honest.

4. Take myself on a writing date.

I promise to give myself 60 minutes, all to myself. No phone, no facebook, no twitter, no family. Just me, Starbucks, and my notebook.

5.  Get back in touch with my writing support people.

I’ve been ignoring the friends who started me on this crazy road. The ones who convinced me that I could write words in the first place. I need these people, badly. They are my support on days when my own brain becomes the enemy.

6. Read something new.

The best and easiest way I know to get my brain out of the doldrums is to inject new ideas. This week I will read two books outside my normal list of authors/genre’s and see what kind of bubbling they set off.

7. Stick to the Twitter game.

I’ve been doing better on twitter lately. Following up on conversations and taking part in some of the twitter games. This week I’m going to keep up with #wipwordsearch and #turtlewriters.

Okay, Sandra, thats seven, not six, are you sure you can stick to such an ambitious list? Maybe. But It feels good on a cold Sunday Morning to know what I’ll be doing to improve my writing world this week. I’ll check back next week with the results!

Cheers,

Sandra.