Jemi Fraser's Blog, page 14
December 4, 2019
IWSG & Dreaming Big
The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
****
December 4 question - Let's play a game. Imagine. Role-play. How would you describe your future writer self, your life and what it looks and feels like if you were living the dream? Or if you are already there, what does it look and feel like? Tell the rest of us. What would you change or improve?
I'm a pretty content person - I like my life the way it is...
BUT
... if I'm dreaming big, then I'd probably add these changes
copies of my (multiple!) published books on the shelf in my dena desk where my feet touch the ground and I can sit without pain for an hour at a timesomeone in the background quietly cleaning my house with products that don't make me sneezeand most important of all - me as a confident author who is able to tackle those major revisions without flinching and without needing more than 2 or 3 revision rounds!
How about you, what's a change that you would/will make if you're dreaming BIG?
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
****
December 4 question - Let's play a game. Imagine. Role-play. How would you describe your future writer self, your life and what it looks and feels like if you were living the dream? Or if you are already there, what does it look and feel like? Tell the rest of us. What would you change or improve?
I'm a pretty content person - I like my life the way it is...
BUT
... if I'm dreaming big, then I'd probably add these changes
copies of my (multiple!) published books on the shelf in my dena desk where my feet touch the ground and I can sit without pain for an hour at a timesomeone in the background quietly cleaning my house with products that don't make me sneezeand most important of all - me as a confident author who is able to tackle those major revisions without flinching and without needing more than 2 or 3 revision rounds!
How about you, what's a change that you would/will make if you're dreaming BIG?
November 6, 2019
IWSG & Strange Research
The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
***
November 6 question - What's the strangest thing you've ever googled in researching a story?
We're a fun bunch and I'm looking forward to seeing the answers to this question!
For one of my stories, the setting was a ranch so I did a lot of research on that.
The weirdest part of that research was on the different ways to brand cattle.
I now know a lot more about using dry ice to brand cattle than I ever thought I would!
I also have a pretty good idea about how to steal and fly a small personal plane without getting tracked by radar.
How about you? What fun things have you researched - or read about?
Anyone else's searches make them appear to be living a life of crime?
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
***
November 6 question - What's the strangest thing you've ever googled in researching a story?
We're a fun bunch and I'm looking forward to seeing the answers to this question!
For one of my stories, the setting was a ranch so I did a lot of research on that.
The weirdest part of that research was on the different ways to brand cattle.
I now know a lot more about using dry ice to brand cattle than I ever thought I would!
I also have a pretty good idea about how to steal and fly a small personal plane without getting tracked by radar.
How about you? What fun things have you researched - or read about?
Anyone else's searches make them appear to be living a life of crime?
October 28, 2019
C. Lee McKenzie & Not Guilty
I’m delighted today to welcome author C. Lee McKenzie to my site to talk about her latest release,
NOT GUILTY
, as part of her MC Book Tour Blog adventure. After you find out more about this tantalizing new story, be sure to enter Lee’s giveaway featured below.
* Not Guilty
* by C. Lee McKenzie
* Publication Date: October 25, 2019
* Genre: Young Adult
A blood-smeared knife. One young man’s word against another. A lifetime dream crushed. The evidence points to Devon Carlyle. He was there when it happened. Everyone knows he had it in for Renzo Costa. And Costa says Devon was the one. In the judge’s rap of a gavel, Devon’s found guilty of assault. The star of the Oceanside High’s basketball team loses his shot at the one thing he’s worked so hard for—the championship game where college scouts could see how good he is. Now he makes his great shots in Juvenile Hall with kids far different from those that have always been in his life. Angry? Hell, yes. He’s bent on finding who did the crime. He’s bent on making them pay because he’s Not Guilty. But can he prove it?
For those who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s a bit of background on her.
C. Lee McKenzie has a background in Linguistics and Inter-Cultural Communication, but these days her greatest passion is writing for young readers. She has published five young adult novels: Sliding on the Edge, The Princess of Las Pulgas, Double Negative, and Sudden Secrets. Not Guilty is her most recent one. Sometimes she likes to jump into the world of the fantastic and when she does, she writes for the middle-grade reader. Some Very Messy Medieval Magick is the third book in the time-travel adventures of Pete and Weasel, with Alligators Overhead and The Great Time Lock Disaster being the first two. Sign of the Green Dragon, a stand-alone, takes the reader into ancient Chinese dragon myths and a quest for treasure.
When she’s not writing she’s hiking or traveling or practicing yoga or asking a lot of questions about things she still doesn’t understand.
For more information on Lee and her writing, connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at her Website.
NOT GUILTY can be found AMAZON, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Goodreads.
The author’s other young adult books include: Sliding on the Edge, Princess of Las Pulgas, Double Negative, Sudden Secrets
GIVEAWAY
With Halloween celebrated this week, Lee’s giving away five digital copies of NOT GUILTY and a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate. This tour-wide giveaway will end at midnight on Tuesday, Nov. 5th.
To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for stopping by today during Lee’s visit. Do you enjoy stories where the underdog becomes the champion? Don’t forget to enter the giveaway.
***
My review:
This book is a powerful and emotional read - one of my favourite YA reads ever.
Devon is a 17-year-old basketball star who has everything going his way ... until he's accused of stabbing a man on a stretch of beach near his home.
Watching Devon go through so many challenges makes for a stressful and emotional ride that had me both in tears and cheering more than once.
Honest, gritty, realistic, and incredibly heartfelt.
These characters and this story will stay with you long after you've finished the final page.
A fabulous read!!
NOT GUILTY is out and about and it is so good . It's easily one of the most powerful and emotional YA books I've ever read. It pulled me in from the beginning, dug in its claws, and didn't let go until the last words. Do yourself a favour and pick up your copy!
October 16, 2019
WEP Challenge & The Crop
Every crop of students has their own personality, their own foibles, and strengths.
This crop is strong.
Teachers plant seeds in their students. Good teachers strive to improve the future with every lesson. Hope is paramount.
There is no future without hope.
Teachers who don’t get that weed themselves out pretty quickly. Kids know far better than adults who is truly interested in them and who is just putting in the hours.
By the time they become teenagers, students who’ve been exposed to too many putting-in-timers are apathetic and that apathy might be the biggest problem facing the world today.
People who don’t care about anything breed more people who don’t care. Then society goes to hell, doesn’t even need the help of a hand basket.
This crop of students isn’t apathetic, they aren’t going to contribute to those issues. This group is going to do something about apathy. The future will be better because of those seeds planted long ago.
A ceremony isn’t strictly necessary, but pomp is never out of place at a moment like this.
The full moon brightens the clearing and the three take their places around the altar, black robes swirling around their feet. Each raises their hands and speaks the words.
After a symbolic beat, the words are repeated.
Sparks sizzle at their fingertips and blue light arcs from one to the next and the third, completing the circle.
Sulphur burns the air, robes blow in the sudden wind, and the howl of the unknown fills the woods.
They’re ready.
The most successful crop in history.
The world will never be the same.
***
This story is part of the WEP/IWSG challenge. Check out the link to find all the details - there's still time to sign up. Make sure to check out the other stories - it's always a blast to see how everyone interprets the theme!
How about you? Any memorable graduation ceremonies? Anyone else worried about Apathy?
This crop is strong.
Teachers plant seeds in their students. Good teachers strive to improve the future with every lesson. Hope is paramount.
There is no future without hope.
Teachers who don’t get that weed themselves out pretty quickly. Kids know far better than adults who is truly interested in them and who is just putting in the hours.
By the time they become teenagers, students who’ve been exposed to too many putting-in-timers are apathetic and that apathy might be the biggest problem facing the world today.
People who don’t care about anything breed more people who don’t care. Then society goes to hell, doesn’t even need the help of a hand basket.
This crop of students isn’t apathetic, they aren’t going to contribute to those issues. This group is going to do something about apathy. The future will be better because of those seeds planted long ago.
A ceremony isn’t strictly necessary, but pomp is never out of place at a moment like this.
The full moon brightens the clearing and the three take their places around the altar, black robes swirling around their feet. Each raises their hands and speaks the words.
After a symbolic beat, the words are repeated.
Sparks sizzle at their fingertips and blue light arcs from one to the next and the third, completing the circle.
Sulphur burns the air, robes blow in the sudden wind, and the howl of the unknown fills the woods.
They’re ready.
The most successful crop in history.
The world will never be the same.
***
This story is part of the WEP/IWSG challenge. Check out the link to find all the details - there's still time to sign up. Make sure to check out the other stories - it's always a blast to see how everyone interprets the theme!
How about you? Any memorable graduation ceremonies? Anyone else worried about Apathy?
October 14, 2019
Damyanti Biswas & You Beneath Your Skin
Please welcome my good blogging buddy Damyanti Biswas to the blog today!
***
You Beneath Your Skin has been called a gritty novel, and Jemi is a romance writer--but we have found one common ground--Romance in a Gritty Setting!Grit is sandy, gravelly, rough. Romance brings in images of softness. The two seem as different as-- well, to use a sad cliché-- chalk and cheese.It is possible though to evoke romance in a grittier setting, and often, this works well to make the novel grittier still, and the romance more tender. If you show moments of tenderness, then those of violence, and the harsher realities of being human are even more effectively seen in contrast.There are two romantic relationships in You Beneath Your Skin:Jatin-Anjali : Anjali is a conflicted Indian-American single mother of a teenaged boy with autism. She's a psychiatrist, also involved in a long standing-affair with Jatin Bhatt, a patriarchal, corrupt cop. Not much stereotypical romantic potential there, especially when you consider their ages: Jatin is 44, Anjali, 39.Maya-Pawan: Pawan is a handsome young detective of 23, straight-laced and principled as they come, who admires Maya, his cute 27-year old boss who runs an investigative agency. Maya has a giant crush on Pawan--but all of this is complicated by the fact that Maya carries a secret. She has vitiligo, and wears covered clothing to hide the patches.The setting is New Delhi—a burgeoning metropolis known more for its politics than romance—and my story is very real, it does not follow tropes of either crime, or romance, or romantic crime. It is a novel obsessed with the characters it portrays of which the city of New Delhi is one.All in all, the novel does not sound like a typical home for romance, but here's how romance appears in my gritty crime novel, You Beneath Your Skin:A romance where each fills a lack in the other: In my mind, no matter what the story, if the reader comes to understand characters, you have won the battle. In You beneath Your Skin, Jatin stays in an unhappy marriage to save his career, because his father-in-law is also his boss. His affair with Anjali is a bid to escape his dreary existence. Anjali, on the other hand, stays in the affair despite her guilt because she's attracted to him, and because he is her way of escaping the rigors of her life--single motherhood to a special-needs son.A romance that grows as the story develops: Without giving much away, we can to say that Jatin's love for Anajli deepens when they face crises together. A love that changes and strengthens is one that keeps the reader engaged.A romance sub-plot. A light sub-plot provides necessary relief from the darkness in a gritty crime story. In You BeneathYour Skin, that relief is provided by Pawan and Maya, and their nuanced, positive relationship throughout. A romance in gritty settings needn't be a happily ever after. A traditional romance needs a happy ending but when you write romance into a grittier novel, a tragedy or an unrequited love keeps the reader guessing. The relationship between the two main protagonists and their ups and down hold interest and provide narrative tension in places where the crime is in the background. When crime is in the foreground, the relationships in the background provide a certain wholeness—life continues, as does romance, in the harshest of settings and circumstances.Moments of tenderness: Tender moments between the characters establish their traits and this is something that makes the ending when come together the novel reaches its climax. In You Beneath Your Skin, everything collides in the end and the effect is heightened because the romance was established beforehand--the reader (hopefully) connects with the characters and wants to know their fate, romantic or otherwise.Poetry: Jatin is a lover of classical Urdu poetry, and of poets who are known as much for their philosophical take on life and loss, as they are for their couplets on love. This works throughout the novel to retain a sense of whimsy, of delicacy, of languor in a story that is a relentless barrage of events.
In You Beneath Your Skin, love and loss hold hands in my attempt to show Delhi and its denizens as they really are, through complex, conflicted characters. The romance in the novel makes it not just a crime story, but as well a story that is (hopefully), deeply and unapologetically human.***
You Beneath Your Skin is a crime novel about the investigation of an acid attack on a woman from Delhi’s upper class, set against the backdrop of crimes against underprivileged women. They are assaulted, disfigured with acid, and murdered. While the framework is that of a thriller, the novel threads together different narrative strands. The author tackles various social issues: crimes against women and why they occur, the nexus between political corruption, police and big money; the abuse of the underprivileged, be it adults or children. Of these the issue of crimes against women is the strongest—why do men attack women? Why do they gang together? What happens when a woman tries to break the glass ceiling? Can toxic masculinity masquerade as benevolent patriarchy?Parents would also find this novel fascinating: how do you bring up a good human being in today’s
troubled times? How much do you know of your teenager’s life? If you’re the parent of a special child, what challenges do you face and what sort of support can you expect?
It is a whodunnit, but also a whydunnit, because violent crime unravels those affected: the people, the relationships, the very fabric of society, and we get a glimpse of what lies beneath. That’s why the title, You Beneath Your Skin.The narrative of the book was researched and shaped during the author’s work with Project WHY , and some of the experiences generously shared by acid attack survivors from the non-profit Stop Acid Attacks . To return this debt of gratitude, all author proceeds from the book will go to these two non-profits.Outside India:
mybook.to/YouBeneathYourSkin :
India: https://www.simonandschuster.co.in/books/You-Beneath-Your-Skin/Damyanti-Biswas/9789386797629
Net galley: http://netgal.ly/fZfa9s
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
***Damyanti Biswas lives in Singapore, and works with Delhi's underprivileged children as part of
Project Why, a charity that promotes education and social enhancement in underprivileged communities. Her short stories have been published in magazines in the US, UK, and Asia, and she helps edit the Forge Literary Magazine. You can find her on her blog and twitter.
All the author proceeds will go to Project WHY and Stop Acid Attacks. Book links: Outside India: https://buff.ly/2LSv3vw India: https://buff.ly/2KMXlXN
***
Thanks so much, Damyanti!
The book is indeed gritty and powerful and stays with you long after you turn the last page. The relationships between the characters is the reason the story pulled so hard at me, even when some of it was very difficult to read. The characters are people searching for better - and isn't that often what life is all about? If you haven't read You Beneath Your Skin yet, do yourself a favour and pick up a copy today!!
How about you? Do you like gritty stories that pull you in and don't let go? Does having those tender moments make the dark parts easier to read? Have you read You Beneath Your Skin yet?
***
You Beneath Your Skin has been called a gritty novel, and Jemi is a romance writer--but we have found one common ground--Romance in a Gritty Setting!Grit is sandy, gravelly, rough. Romance brings in images of softness. The two seem as different as-- well, to use a sad cliché-- chalk and cheese.It is possible though to evoke romance in a grittier setting, and often, this works well to make the novel grittier still, and the romance more tender. If you show moments of tenderness, then those of violence, and the harsher realities of being human are even more effectively seen in contrast.There are two romantic relationships in You Beneath Your Skin:Jatin-Anjali : Anjali is a conflicted Indian-American single mother of a teenaged boy with autism. She's a psychiatrist, also involved in a long standing-affair with Jatin Bhatt, a patriarchal, corrupt cop. Not much stereotypical romantic potential there, especially when you consider their ages: Jatin is 44, Anjali, 39.Maya-Pawan: Pawan is a handsome young detective of 23, straight-laced and principled as they come, who admires Maya, his cute 27-year old boss who runs an investigative agency. Maya has a giant crush on Pawan--but all of this is complicated by the fact that Maya carries a secret. She has vitiligo, and wears covered clothing to hide the patches.The setting is New Delhi—a burgeoning metropolis known more for its politics than romance—and my story is very real, it does not follow tropes of either crime, or romance, or romantic crime. It is a novel obsessed with the characters it portrays of which the city of New Delhi is one.All in all, the novel does not sound like a typical home for romance, but here's how romance appears in my gritty crime novel, You Beneath Your Skin:A romance where each fills a lack in the other: In my mind, no matter what the story, if the reader comes to understand characters, you have won the battle. In You beneath Your Skin, Jatin stays in an unhappy marriage to save his career, because his father-in-law is also his boss. His affair with Anjali is a bid to escape his dreary existence. Anjali, on the other hand, stays in the affair despite her guilt because she's attracted to him, and because he is her way of escaping the rigors of her life--single motherhood to a special-needs son.A romance that grows as the story develops: Without giving much away, we can to say that Jatin's love for Anajli deepens when they face crises together. A love that changes and strengthens is one that keeps the reader engaged.A romance sub-plot. A light sub-plot provides necessary relief from the darkness in a gritty crime story. In You BeneathYour Skin, that relief is provided by Pawan and Maya, and their nuanced, positive relationship throughout. A romance in gritty settings needn't be a happily ever after. A traditional romance needs a happy ending but when you write romance into a grittier novel, a tragedy or an unrequited love keeps the reader guessing. The relationship between the two main protagonists and their ups and down hold interest and provide narrative tension in places where the crime is in the background. When crime is in the foreground, the relationships in the background provide a certain wholeness—life continues, as does romance, in the harshest of settings and circumstances.Moments of tenderness: Tender moments between the characters establish their traits and this is something that makes the ending when come together the novel reaches its climax. In You Beneath Your Skin, everything collides in the end and the effect is heightened because the romance was established beforehand--the reader (hopefully) connects with the characters and wants to know their fate, romantic or otherwise.Poetry: Jatin is a lover of classical Urdu poetry, and of poets who are known as much for their philosophical take on life and loss, as they are for their couplets on love. This works throughout the novel to retain a sense of whimsy, of delicacy, of languor in a story that is a relentless barrage of events.
In You Beneath Your Skin, love and loss hold hands in my attempt to show Delhi and its denizens as they really are, through complex, conflicted characters. The romance in the novel makes it not just a crime story, but as well a story that is (hopefully), deeply and unapologetically human.***
You Beneath Your Skin is a crime novel about the investigation of an acid attack on a woman from Delhi’s upper class, set against the backdrop of crimes against underprivileged women. They are assaulted, disfigured with acid, and murdered. While the framework is that of a thriller, the novel threads together different narrative strands. The author tackles various social issues: crimes against women and why they occur, the nexus between political corruption, police and big money; the abuse of the underprivileged, be it adults or children. Of these the issue of crimes against women is the strongest—why do men attack women? Why do they gang together? What happens when a woman tries to break the glass ceiling? Can toxic masculinity masquerade as benevolent patriarchy?Parents would also find this novel fascinating: how do you bring up a good human being in today’s
troubled times? How much do you know of your teenager’s life? If you’re the parent of a special child, what challenges do you face and what sort of support can you expect?It is a whodunnit, but also a whydunnit, because violent crime unravels those affected: the people, the relationships, the very fabric of society, and we get a glimpse of what lies beneath. That’s why the title, You Beneath Your Skin.The narrative of the book was researched and shaped during the author’s work with Project WHY , and some of the experiences generously shared by acid attack survivors from the non-profit Stop Acid Attacks . To return this debt of gratitude, all author proceeds from the book will go to these two non-profits.Outside India:
mybook.to/YouBeneathYourSkin :
India: https://www.simonandschuster.co.in/books/You-Beneath-Your-Skin/Damyanti-Biswas/9789386797629
Net galley: http://netgal.ly/fZfa9s
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
***Damyanti Biswas lives in Singapore, and works with Delhi's underprivileged children as part of
Project Why, a charity that promotes education and social enhancement in underprivileged communities. Her short stories have been published in magazines in the US, UK, and Asia, and she helps edit the Forge Literary Magazine. You can find her on her blog and twitter.All the author proceeds will go to Project WHY and Stop Acid Attacks. Book links: Outside India: https://buff.ly/2LSv3vw India: https://buff.ly/2KMXlXN
***
Thanks so much, Damyanti!
The book is indeed gritty and powerful and stays with you long after you turn the last page. The relationships between the characters is the reason the story pulled so hard at me, even when some of it was very difficult to read. The characters are people searching for better - and isn't that often what life is all about? If you haven't read You Beneath Your Skin yet, do yourself a favour and pick up a copy today!!
How about you? Do you like gritty stories that pull you in and don't let go? Does having those tender moments make the dark parts easier to read? Have you read You Beneath Your Skin yet?
October 9, 2019
Charles Suddeth & The Mind Of A Child
Please welcome fellow Dancing Lemur Press author Charles Suddeth to the blog today!
**
Know your reader, know your age group—getting into a child’s mind
I am a substitute teacher for the Louisville schools. I sub for anything from pre-school to high school. I also host a monthly Louisville SCBWI Social where newer writers ask about age groups. Here are the age guidelines I use.
Picture Books: Ages 3 to 8. These children cling to me in class. They are Searching for Security. Even while playing, they need to know an authority figure is present to give them love and protection. They enjoy tattling on other classmates—perhaps to reinforce their security. Happy endings are a must for security’s sake.
Middle Reader’s: Ages 8 to 13. These children are sometimes described as crazy. They are not certain who they are or what their abilities are. They do things in groups to obtain peer approval, because they lack self-confidence and self-identity. They are Searching for Identity. Peer pressure is strong, and they never tattle on other students. They love books in series and books about kids in groups to help them find identity.
Young Adult: Ages 14 to 18. Teenagers are famous for rebellion, sometimes called “attitude.” They are Searching for Independence. Psychologists describe this as psychological efforts to separate themselves from their families to become adults. Teens seldom tattle on students in class, but they will do so if other kids are not watching. They like books about loners or kids fighting the system as in many dystopian novels—independence is the key.
My favorite writing rule is: Take your reader where they are not expecting to go. Once you know your audience you can take them to destinations unknown and even undreamed of.
Bio and Links:
Charles SuddethWebsite Twitter Facebook Pinterest: Tumblr
Find Stone Man: And the Trail of Tears at:Amazon ITunes Kobo Barnes & Noble Goodreads
**
Thanks Charles!
Love that writing rule! As another teacher, I agree with your breakdown. It's important to know the needs of the age-groups we are writing for.
How about you? Have you ever written for children? Can you relate to those stages? Do you like when a book takes you in unexpected directions?
**
Know your reader, know your age group—getting into a child’s mind
I am a substitute teacher for the Louisville schools. I sub for anything from pre-school to high school. I also host a monthly Louisville SCBWI Social where newer writers ask about age groups. Here are the age guidelines I use.Picture Books: Ages 3 to 8. These children cling to me in class. They are Searching for Security. Even while playing, they need to know an authority figure is present to give them love and protection. They enjoy tattling on other classmates—perhaps to reinforce their security. Happy endings are a must for security’s sake.
Middle Reader’s: Ages 8 to 13. These children are sometimes described as crazy. They are not certain who they are or what their abilities are. They do things in groups to obtain peer approval, because they lack self-confidence and self-identity. They are Searching for Identity. Peer pressure is strong, and they never tattle on other students. They love books in series and books about kids in groups to help them find identity.
Young Adult: Ages 14 to 18. Teenagers are famous for rebellion, sometimes called “attitude.” They are Searching for Independence. Psychologists describe this as psychological efforts to separate themselves from their families to become adults. Teens seldom tattle on students in class, but they will do so if other kids are not watching. They like books about loners or kids fighting the system as in many dystopian novels—independence is the key.
My favorite writing rule is: Take your reader where they are not expecting to go. Once you know your audience you can take them to destinations unknown and even undreamed of.
Bio and Links:
Charles SuddethWebsite Twitter Facebook Pinterest: TumblrFind Stone Man: And the Trail of Tears at:Amazon ITunes Kobo Barnes & Noble Goodreads
**
Thanks Charles!
Love that writing rule! As another teacher, I agree with your breakdown. It's important to know the needs of the age-groups we are writing for.
How about you? Have you ever written for children? Can you relate to those stages? Do you like when a book takes you in unexpected directions?
October 2, 2019
IWSG & EEK!
The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
***
October 2 question - It's been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don't enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?
EEK!
I can't imagine trying to write a story without being a reader.
Reading has taught me so much - and not only about Story, but we'll stick with that for this post!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
***
October 2 question - It's been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don't enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?
EEK!
I can't imagine trying to write a story without being a reader.
Reading has taught me so much - and not only about Story, but we'll stick with that for this post!
September 30, 2019
Linda Charles & 5 Things That Transformed Her Writing Life
Please welcome Linda Charles to the blog today!!
***
Five things that transformed my writing life – by Linda Charles
Writing is a solitary occupation. Characters and scenes become a huge part of our thinking lives and we live with them for quite some time before we even write about them. As such, we rarely share these characters and our plans for them with our family and friends. For years I plotted, planned, learned and wrote my stories on my own. I joined writing associations, read their monthly magazines, checked the stories on-line, but never met up with any groups or other writers. My writing life changed the moment I became social.
Be social
A problem shared is a problem halved – we’ve all heard that and it’s so true. Writers love to share their knowledge, gives you contacts to editors (different types of editors), make (gentle) suggestions, tips, recommend writing books, and mention any opportunities – being social means that you can dream big and someone will understand. You might hear a few war stories along the way, which again adds another layer of knowledge for you, and there will be plenty cheering you on when you publish your first book – all of your books really!
Ask for help – be prepared
Don’t ever be afraid ask for help, because people love to help. Most of us remember those early writing years and the publishing world is changing and ever-evolving and knowledge is the key. Getting it will save you time and a lot of angst. Think about what you really need help with and seek out the right person to ask. If you don’t know the right person, ASK and someone will know the right someone. Be prepared and have your question ready (much like a pitch) when you meet up with the right person. The right question can often make all the difference between a waste of time and a golden opportunity.
Find a critique partner and a beta reader you can trust
There is nothing more satisfying than having a critique partner and/or a beta reader you can trust, enjoy their company and enjoy reading the same genre. It helps if they have an understanding of the genre or reader base your story is geared towards. Over time, they will grow to care about you and your work, and you shouldn’t have any fear in handing your work over to them to read. They too want to be able to critique without fear or favour – it’s a two way street and it’s a wonderful one. It’s a relationship based on trust and respect.
Join a writing group
I love my writing group. We have a lot of fun and are all at different stages in our writing career and it’s led to great friendships, and, for some of us, to write a series together, as we have with Bindarra Creek. A writing group is a safe place where we you can reveal the worst of our writing fears. It’s comforting to know that there is always someone on board who can offer some help and advice when you need it.
Attend conferences
Conferences are wonderful. You meet new people, learn plenty and make some great contacts. I met my critique partner at a conference and we still meet up for lunches and at other social events. The workshops are great, especially the Q&A sessions where you hear other people’s questions, which always make things interesting. Go out and be social, introduce yourself and make the first move.Thank you for the invite to write this blog. I’ve been fortunate to be part of the https://bindarracreekromance.com/a-town-reborn/ and have just released the third book in the series – No Looking Back. It can be found on Amazon - https://amzn.to/303nrQWAbout the book:
Sometimes it’s good to take a risk…
Hannah McKenna loves working with horses and is trying hard to keep it altogether after her first horse syndication deal turns sour. Since then she’s been careful and played life straight, and has had enough. She runs into trouble when she meets Blake Hudson – the man who put together the failed deal – who rescues her when she takes a nasty tumble from a horse. Blake Hudson is known as Mr Nice Guy, but there are dark shadows in his past. He’s the dealmaker, the perfect go-between who puts together horse syndications and once the deal is done he moves on. Problem is, Hannah is the exception and he can’t keep away, but fears she will walk if she knew the truth about his past. He hadn’t bargained on dealing with a mischievous third party called attraction.
When she discovers the truth, both realise they could lose everything, including each other.***
Linda Charles has been reading romance since high school. Her reading life started very early, but changed direction after she read Gone with the Wind. She was born in Sydney and spent her teenage years in drama classes, and then taught Speech & Drama for many years. She still loves to go to the theatre, but her plan was always to write. Linda lives in Newcastle and when she's not writing, she can be found walking, browsing the bookshops or planning her next holiday.
Linda Charles on the web: Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads Pinterest
No Looking Back: Bindarra Creek: A Town RebornHannah McKenna loves working with horses and is trying hard to keep it altogether after her
first horse deal turns sour. She runs into trouble when she meets Blake Hudson – the man who put together the failed deal – who rescues her when she takes a nasty tumble from a horse. She likes him, simple as, and finds plenty of reasons to make him want to stay.
Blake Hudson feels like an imposter because he knows loved ones would walk if they knew the truth. He’s the dealmaker, the perfect go-between who puts together horse syndications and once the deal is done he moves on. His life takes a turn when he meets Hannah, the woman at the centre of his worst deal. Problem is he can’t keep away, but fears she will walk if she knew the truth about his past.
He hadn’t bargained on dealing with a mischievous third party called attraction.
When she discovers the truth, both realise they could lose everything, including each other.Buy on:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Aust
Amazon UK ***
Thanks Linda!
I met one of my writing buddies when she was travelling through town, but I haven't been brave enough to check into local writing groups. Thanks for the push - I might have to look into that.
How about you? Are you social with local writers or do you do most of your interacting online?
***
Five things that transformed my writing life – by Linda Charles
Writing is a solitary occupation. Characters and scenes become a huge part of our thinking lives and we live with them for quite some time before we even write about them. As such, we rarely share these characters and our plans for them with our family and friends. For years I plotted, planned, learned and wrote my stories on my own. I joined writing associations, read their monthly magazines, checked the stories on-line, but never met up with any groups or other writers. My writing life changed the moment I became social.
Be social
A problem shared is a problem halved – we’ve all heard that and it’s so true. Writers love to share their knowledge, gives you contacts to editors (different types of editors), make (gentle) suggestions, tips, recommend writing books, and mention any opportunities – being social means that you can dream big and someone will understand. You might hear a few war stories along the way, which again adds another layer of knowledge for you, and there will be plenty cheering you on when you publish your first book – all of your books really!
Ask for help – be prepared
Don’t ever be afraid ask for help, because people love to help. Most of us remember those early writing years and the publishing world is changing and ever-evolving and knowledge is the key. Getting it will save you time and a lot of angst. Think about what you really need help with and seek out the right person to ask. If you don’t know the right person, ASK and someone will know the right someone. Be prepared and have your question ready (much like a pitch) when you meet up with the right person. The right question can often make all the difference between a waste of time and a golden opportunity.
Find a critique partner and a beta reader you can trust
There is nothing more satisfying than having a critique partner and/or a beta reader you can trust, enjoy their company and enjoy reading the same genre. It helps if they have an understanding of the genre or reader base your story is geared towards. Over time, they will grow to care about you and your work, and you shouldn’t have any fear in handing your work over to them to read. They too want to be able to critique without fear or favour – it’s a two way street and it’s a wonderful one. It’s a relationship based on trust and respect.
Join a writing group
I love my writing group. We have a lot of fun and are all at different stages in our writing career and it’s led to great friendships, and, for some of us, to write a series together, as we have with Bindarra Creek. A writing group is a safe place where we you can reveal the worst of our writing fears. It’s comforting to know that there is always someone on board who can offer some help and advice when you need it.
Attend conferences
Conferences are wonderful. You meet new people, learn plenty and make some great contacts. I met my critique partner at a conference and we still meet up for lunches and at other social events. The workshops are great, especially the Q&A sessions where you hear other people’s questions, which always make things interesting. Go out and be social, introduce yourself and make the first move.Thank you for the invite to write this blog. I’ve been fortunate to be part of the https://bindarracreekromance.com/a-town-reborn/ and have just released the third book in the series – No Looking Back. It can be found on Amazon - https://amzn.to/303nrQWAbout the book:
Sometimes it’s good to take a risk…
Hannah McKenna loves working with horses and is trying hard to keep it altogether after her first horse syndication deal turns sour. Since then she’s been careful and played life straight, and has had enough. She runs into trouble when she meets Blake Hudson – the man who put together the failed deal – who rescues her when she takes a nasty tumble from a horse. Blake Hudson is known as Mr Nice Guy, but there are dark shadows in his past. He’s the dealmaker, the perfect go-between who puts together horse syndications and once the deal is done he moves on. Problem is, Hannah is the exception and he can’t keep away, but fears she will walk if she knew the truth about his past. He hadn’t bargained on dealing with a mischievous third party called attraction.When she discovers the truth, both realise they could lose everything, including each other.***
Linda Charles has been reading romance since high school. Her reading life started very early, but changed direction after she read Gone with the Wind. She was born in Sydney and spent her teenage years in drama classes, and then taught Speech & Drama for many years. She still loves to go to the theatre, but her plan was always to write. Linda lives in Newcastle and when she's not writing, she can be found walking, browsing the bookshops or planning her next holiday.
Linda Charles on the web: Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads Pinterest
No Looking Back: Bindarra Creek: A Town RebornHannah McKenna loves working with horses and is trying hard to keep it altogether after her
first horse deal turns sour. She runs into trouble when she meets Blake Hudson – the man who put together the failed deal – who rescues her when she takes a nasty tumble from a horse. She likes him, simple as, and finds plenty of reasons to make him want to stay. Blake Hudson feels like an imposter because he knows loved ones would walk if they knew the truth. He’s the dealmaker, the perfect go-between who puts together horse syndications and once the deal is done he moves on. His life takes a turn when he meets Hannah, the woman at the centre of his worst deal. Problem is he can’t keep away, but fears she will walk if she knew the truth about his past.
He hadn’t bargained on dealing with a mischievous third party called attraction.
When she discovers the truth, both realise they could lose everything, including each other.Buy on:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Aust
Amazon UK ***
Thanks Linda!
I met one of my writing buddies when she was travelling through town, but I haven't been brave enough to check into local writing groups. Thanks for the push - I might have to look into that.
How about you? Are you social with local writers or do you do most of your interacting online?
September 23, 2019
S.A. Larsen & Motley Education
Please welcome the lovely SA Larsen to the blog!
***
It’s finally here!New cover. Completely rebranded. Same corpse-raising middle grade adventure.MOTLEY EDUCATION: The Urd Saga, book Iby S. A. LarsenAges: 8-12Pages: 354Ellysian Press, September 10, 2019; Second Edition
"A deftly crafted ... and entertaining read!" Midwest Book Reviews - Children's Watch 2017
Motley Junior High: School for the Psychically and Celestially Gifted Terms of Enrollment Signed: Ebony Charmed
Ebony should be excited about entering sixth grade to further develop her skills. And she would be. If only her lame abilities let her see more than three ghosts.
Struggling to live up to her gifted family, Ebony is horrified when she is branded a Seeker: someone who is neither Sensory nor Luminary. To top it off, her Deadly Creatures and Relics project – transforming a measly stick – seems destined for failure.
But there are doors to other worlds where creatures have been watching her. And when the truth emerges that her project is more than a stick, she knows she must act. Along with her best friend Fleishman and his pet lizard, Ebony finds herself wedged between prophecies and quests. Oh, and saving the entire spirit world from annihilation.
Ebony is not ready to be a hero. But a dark presence has already stolen more than one local kid. And this time, her failure is not an option.
*FIRST PLACE WINNER, CHILDREN'S CATEGORY, 2016 NEW ENGLAND BOOK FESTIVAL!*
*Bronze Award Winner, 2017 Feathered Quill Book Awards for Best Juvenile/YA Fiction* *Winner - Purple Dragonfly Awards 2017, Honorable Mention; ebook**Gold Medal Award Winner - Literary Classics Book Awards 2017, Grade School Fantasy**Gold Medal Winner - 2017 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, Children's Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Amazon | B&N| iBooks| Kobo | SmashwordsOrder signed books from The Children’s Book Cellar via message.
ATTENTION all US teachers & librarians, follow this link to enter a Twitter contest with amazing prizes! https://twitter.com/SA_Larsen/status/1173919715053490176
About the Author
S.A. Larsen is an award-winning author, childhood apraxia of speech advocate, and Maine-iac ice hockey fan, who has watched more hockey games than she could ever count. She also has a soft spot for the strange and misunderstood, which might explain her love for dipping plain chips in ketchup. Her favorite stories push the boundaries of our world and open harbored emotions to inspire and challenge the heart. She's the author of Motley Education: The URD Saga Book I (Ellysian Press, 2019; second edition), a fantasy-adventure for middle grade readers and Marked Beauty-her debut young adult fantasy-romance (Ellysian Press, 2017). When she's not chasing her characters around a cemetery or antagonizing them with the wonders of young love, she lives in the land of lobsters and snowy winters with her husband and four children. Visit her cyber home at salarsenbooks.com, find her on Twitter @SA_Larsen and Instagram sa.larsen, or on spookymiddlegrade.com, where she does most of her spookiness brewing up all sorts of creepy ideas with a group of #SpookyMG authors. Stop by for a visit . . . if you dare.
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads
***
Thanks Sheri - wishing you all the very best with the book!
Love the new cover!!
***
It’s finally here!New cover. Completely rebranded. Same corpse-raising middle grade adventure.MOTLEY EDUCATION: The Urd Saga, book Iby S. A. LarsenAges: 8-12Pages: 354Ellysian Press, September 10, 2019; Second Edition
"A deftly crafted ... and entertaining read!" Midwest Book Reviews - Children's Watch 2017
Motley Junior High: School for the Psychically and Celestially Gifted Terms of Enrollment Signed: Ebony Charmed
Ebony should be excited about entering sixth grade to further develop her skills. And she would be. If only her lame abilities let her see more than three ghosts.
Struggling to live up to her gifted family, Ebony is horrified when she is branded a Seeker: someone who is neither Sensory nor Luminary. To top it off, her Deadly Creatures and Relics project – transforming a measly stick – seems destined for failure.
But there are doors to other worlds where creatures have been watching her. And when the truth emerges that her project is more than a stick, she knows she must act. Along with her best friend Fleishman and his pet lizard, Ebony finds herself wedged between prophecies and quests. Oh, and saving the entire spirit world from annihilation.
Ebony is not ready to be a hero. But a dark presence has already stolen more than one local kid. And this time, her failure is not an option.
*FIRST PLACE WINNER, CHILDREN'S CATEGORY, 2016 NEW ENGLAND BOOK FESTIVAL!*
*Bronze Award Winner, 2017 Feathered Quill Book Awards for Best Juvenile/YA Fiction* *Winner - Purple Dragonfly Awards 2017, Honorable Mention; ebook**Gold Medal Award Winner - Literary Classics Book Awards 2017, Grade School Fantasy**Gold Medal Winner - 2017 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, Children's Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Amazon | B&N| iBooks| Kobo | SmashwordsOrder signed books from The Children’s Book Cellar via message.
ATTENTION all US teachers & librarians, follow this link to enter a Twitter contest with amazing prizes! https://twitter.com/SA_Larsen/status/1173919715053490176
About the Author
S.A. Larsen is an award-winning author, childhood apraxia of speech advocate, and Maine-iac ice hockey fan, who has watched more hockey games than she could ever count. She also has a soft spot for the strange and misunderstood, which might explain her love for dipping plain chips in ketchup. Her favorite stories push the boundaries of our world and open harbored emotions to inspire and challenge the heart. She's the author of Motley Education: The URD Saga Book I (Ellysian Press, 2019; second edition), a fantasy-adventure for middle grade readers and Marked Beauty-her debut young adult fantasy-romance (Ellysian Press, 2017). When she's not chasing her characters around a cemetery or antagonizing them with the wonders of young love, she lives in the land of lobsters and snowy winters with her husband and four children. Visit her cyber home at salarsenbooks.com, find her on Twitter @SA_Larsen and Instagram sa.larsen, or on spookymiddlegrade.com, where she does most of her spookiness brewing up all sorts of creepy ideas with a group of #SpookyMG authors. Stop by for a visit . . . if you dare.Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads
***
Thanks Sheri - wishing you all the very best with the book!
Love the new cover!!
September 9, 2019
Alex J. Cavanaugh & CassaDawn
Our favourite Ninja Captain has a book tour & giveaway going on! Check out the news below!
CassaDawnCassaStar Series PrequelBy Alex J CavanaughGenre: SciFi Adventure, Space Opera
The prequel to the Amazon best-selling Cassa series!
A pilot in training...
Fighting the odds, Byron is determined to complete Cosbolt training and join the Cassan space fleet. Poised at the top of his class, only one situation holds him back–his inability to work with anyone in the cockpit. Byron’s excellent piloting skills won’t be enough without a good navigator…
**Get it FREE!! **Add to Goodreads Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo
CassaStarCassaStar Series Book 1
To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…
Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard.
Much to Byron’s chagrin the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential.
As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit?
“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal
Add to Goodreads Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo* BAM
CassaFireCassaStar Series Book 2
From the Amazon best-selling author - CassaStar was just the beginning…
The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.
The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities.
To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…
Add to Goodreads Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo* BAM
CassaStormCassaStar Series Book 3
A storm gathers across the galaxy…
Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.
After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.
Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…
“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.” - Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries
Add to Goodreads Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo *BAM
Get the CassaSeries Boxed Set Here!
Add to Goodreads
Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design, graphics, and technical editing. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the award-winning site, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He’s the author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, and Dragon of the Stars. The author lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
Website* Twitter * Bookbub* Amazon* Goodreads* Insecure Writer's Support Group
Follow the tour HEREfor exclusive content and a giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you haven't read this great sci-fi series, you're missing out! Great characters, pace, and storylines!
CassaDawnCassaStar Series PrequelBy Alex J CavanaughGenre: SciFi Adventure, Space Opera 
The prequel to the Amazon best-selling Cassa series!A pilot in training...
Fighting the odds, Byron is determined to complete Cosbolt training and join the Cassan space fleet. Poised at the top of his class, only one situation holds him back–his inability to work with anyone in the cockpit. Byron’s excellent piloting skills won’t be enough without a good navigator…
**Get it FREE!! **Add to Goodreads Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo
CassaStarCassaStar Series Book 1
To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard.
Much to Byron’s chagrin the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential.
As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit?
“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal
Add to Goodreads Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo* BAM
CassaFireCassaStar Series Book 2
From the Amazon best-selling author - CassaStar was just the beginning…The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.
The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities.
To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…
Add to Goodreads Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo* BAM
CassaStormCassaStar Series Book 3
A storm gathers across the galaxy…Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.
After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.
Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…
“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.” - Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries
Add to Goodreads Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo *BAM
Get the CassaSeries Boxed Set Here!
Add to Goodreads
Amazon* Apple* B&N* Kobo 
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design, graphics, and technical editing. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the award-winning site, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He’s the author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, and Dragon of the Stars. The author lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
Website* Twitter * Bookbub* Amazon* Goodreads* Insecure Writer's Support Group
Follow the tour HEREfor exclusive content and a giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you haven't read this great sci-fi series, you're missing out! Great characters, pace, and storylines!
