Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 401
January 11, 2015
Spotlight and Giveaway with Karen Anne Golden
The Cats that Played the MarketThe Cats that . . .Cozy Mystery SeriesBook 4Karen Anne Golden
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Date of Publication: November 25, 2014
ISBN: 13:978-1503033276ASIN: B00Q71LBYA
Number of pages: 296Word Count: 37,384
Cover Artist: Christy Carlyle of Gilded Heart Design
Book Description:
They’re back! Scout, Abra, Iris, Lilac and Abby — the cats you’ve grown to love — are once again caught up in intrigue and mayhem.
A blizzard blows into Indiana, bringing gifts, gala events, and a ghastly murder to heiress Katherine “Katz” Kendall. It’s Katherine’s birthday, and she gets more than she bargains for when Colleen and her mum visit the Victorian mansion to celebrate. Handsome boyfriend Jake adds to the joys of the season.
After all hell breaks loose at the Erie Museum’s opening, Katherine and her five cats unwittingly stumble upon clues that help solve a mystery. But has Scout lost her special abilities? Or will Katz find that another one of her amazing felines is a super-sleuth? With the cats providing clues, it’s up to Katherine and her friends to piece together the murderous puzzle . . . before the town goes bust!
Available at Amazon
Series Reading Order
Book 1The Cats that Surfed the Webhttp://amzn.com/B00H2862YG
Book 2The Cats that Chased the Stormhttp://amzn.com/B00IPOPJOU
Book 3The Cats that Told a Fortunehttp://amzn.com/B00MAAZ3ZU
Book 4The Cats that Played the Markethttp://amzn.com/B00Q71LBYA
Excerpt: PrologueLATE DECEMBER
Katherine ran to her car, opened the door, and jumped in. Nervously fumbling with the clasp on her crossover bag, she extracted her cell and called Jake. “I’ve got an emergency,” she said breathlessly. “Chief London wants me out of town.”“Why?” Jake asked in disbelief. Katherine turned the ignition, floored the accelerator, and peeled out on Main Street. “I’m heading to the pink mansion now. I don’t have time to explain.”“Katz, I’m not far. I’ll meet you there and help corral the cats. We’ll decide later where to go.”“Colleen’s with Daryl, but her mum’s home. Park in back and use your key to the basement. I’ll see you in a few.”Driving in front of the house, she was shocked to see a red pickup blocking her parking spot. Surely that’s not the stolen vehicle, she thought.Quickly getting out of the car, she rushed up the steps to the front porch landing. She was startled when Colleen’s mum opened the door. “Hello, Katz. I was just headin’ to the kitchen to make a bit of tea,” she slurred.Katherine took one whiff of Mum’s breath and knew she’d been drinking. “Is everything okay?” she asked worriedly. “Why do you ask, dear? You look like you’ve been touched by a banshee!”“Whose truck is that?”“I’ve been talkin’ a bit of treason with your friend from the library. They’re waitin’ for you in the living room. I’ll fix some tea.”Katherine took Mum by the arm. “Come with me,” she insisted. She directed her to the stairwell. Mum resisted. “Whatever ‘tis the matter?”Katherine said firmly, “Shhh! Lower your voice. Go to your room and lock the door. I only have one friend from the library, and Michelle doesn’t drive a red pickup with out of state plates.”“Oh, it’s somebody else. I didn’t catch their name. What’s goin’ on?” “I beg of you. Just do as I ask,” Katherine implored. “When you get to your room, call Colleen and tell her to not come back to the house until she hears from me.” “In the name of all the saints,” Mum said, as she staggered upstairs. Katherine sprinted past Mum to her back hallway bedroom. She was alarmed to see the door standing wide-open. She had specifically shut the door so the cats wouldn’t bother Colleen’s mum while she was away. “Dammit,” she said, surveying the room. The cats were not there. She pulled the Glock out of the gun safe and joined Mum outside her door. “You’re not goin’ to use that thing, are you?” Mum said frantically. “Why don’t we call the police?” “I’m going to call the police! Please relax,” Katherine reassured and then, with rising alarm in her voice, “Where are the cats?”“The last time I saw them, they were toastin’ their buns on the kitchen register.”“Hurry! Get in your room.” Mum finally went in and locked the door. Katherine yanked her cell out of her bag and called Chief London. “I think the stolen vehicle is parked in front of my house,” she said anxiously. “It’s a red pickup.”“Katz, stay in your vehicle. Do NOT go inside,” the chief ordered. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”“That’s a problem because I’m already inside.” She disconnected the call and tapped Jake’s number. It rang and rang, then went into voice mail. “Don’t come. Chief’s on his way.” She put the cell in her back pocket.Gripping the Glock with both hands, she cautiously walked downstairs. Suspecting the person in the living room was armed, Katherine swiftly searched downstairs, leaving the living room for last. She had to get to the cats in the kitchen, and shut that door so they wouldn’t run into the living room. Entering the kitchen, she was shocked to find the cats weren’t on the register or on the window valance. Oh, my God. They’re in the living room with a murderer.
About the Author:Karen Anne Golden released her first book, “The Cats that Surfed the Web,” in December 2013. In one year, she added three other books to The Cats that ...Cozy Animal Mystery series. “The Cats That Played the Market” is the fourth book.
Karen received a bachelor’s degree in History/Education from Columbus College, Columbus, Georgia. She obtained a master's degree in anthropology at Purdue University, and then conducted ethnographic field research (all-but-the Ph.D. dissertation) in Brighton Beach, New York.
When she decided that an academic career wasn't for her, she worked for a major computer company, riding the subway from Brooklyn to mid-town Manhattan. But her heart wasn't in the big city. Karen saved for years until she was able to buy a Victorian house in Indiana.
Now she lives in a Queen Anne built in 1897; it's a "painted lady" with four colors in the paint scheme. She’s spent many hours restoring her beloved house. With the house finished, she has time to do what she’s passionate about — writing. She has opened her house to many cats, mostly "rescues.”
https://www.facebook.com/karenannegolden
http://www.karenannegolden.webs.com
http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Anne-Golden/e/B00H3KTH8Q
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 12 InterviewThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
January 12 SpotlightCBY Book Clubhttp://cbybookclub.blogspot.co.uk
January 13 SpotlightSapphyria's Book Reviews http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/
January 14 SpotlightBooks Directhttp://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com.au/
January 14 SpotlightDeb Sandershttp://DebSanders.com
January 15 SpotlightFiction Zealhttp://www.fictionzeal.com
January 15 SpotlightShare My Destinyhttp://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com
January 16 SpotlightMythical Bookshttp://www.mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/
January 19 InterviewRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannerhoads.com
January 19 Spotlight3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com
Capturing You by Katana Collins
Capturing YouMaple GroveBook 1Katana CollinsGenre: Contemporary Romance
Date of Publication: 12/16/14
ISBN:ASIN:
Word Count: 72,000
Cover Artist: Fiona Jayde
Book Description:
After discovering she's infertile, Lydia Ryder has all but convinced herself that she doesn't need children or a family to be happy. All she needs is her camera, her passport, and a damn good manicure. And maybe, maybe a sexy male travel companion. But when her job as a magazine photographer lands her in the small town of Maple Grove, NH, a precocious ten year old and her single father barge into Lydia's life, turning what she thinks she wants onto its head. In this town full of happily ever afters, Lydia finds herself wishing for things she had sworn off long ago...
When Cameron Tripp's wife passed away from heart disease, he thought he'd never find love again. He certainly never would have expected a woman like Lydia Ryder to waltz into his life and awaken his dormant heart and libido. But despite his better judgment, Cam finds himself drawn to the vivacious and argumentative outsider. He quickly learns that, like him, she knows all about misplaced trust, heartbreak, and how quickly a family can fall apart if you let it.
As impassioned arguments morph into frenzied kisses, the two wonder if one weekend can ever be enough. Despite lacking a maternal side, can Lydia connect with his ten year old daughter? And when Cameron finally learns the true nature of Lydia's article, the trust he worked so hard to build crumbles once again. With such doubts filling their minds, is there any hope that Lydia and Cameron will be able to start a new life together?
Prologue The edge of the heavy card stock bit into Lydia Ryder's palm as she gripped the pamphlets. Numbness crept up her body, beginning with her toes until it nearly swallowed her. “There are alternatives when and if you're ready to be a mother. Premature ovarian failure doesn't necessarily mean you can't have children. There are plenty of options. In vitro, adoption... ” Dr. Seaver's voice faded into the recesses of Lydia's mind. Even though the doctor only stood only a few feet away, it may as well have been miles. Lydia stared, hypnotized by the pamphlet in her hand. Coping with Infertility... She wasn’t even thirty years old, too focused on her photojournalism career to consider a serious relationship, much less a family. Hell, she didn't even know if she wanted children, and yet here she was—with nature making the choice for her. “Depression can be very common in the wake of a discovery like this. I'm referring you to a therapist—someone you can talk to. And in the meantime, we'll start you on estrogen therapy. You'll feel a lot better once your hormones are balanced. Lydia...are you listening?” She jumped at the weight of Dr. Seaver's palm on her shoulder. With rapid fire blinks, she raised her gaze to the gynecologist. “Yes. Yes, I'm listening. Thank you, Dr. Seaver.” She pushed off of the exam table, hiking her leather camera bag and laptop case onto her shoulder and draping her blazer over an arm. Taking the prescriptions the doctor held out, Lydia tucked it into her purse along with the folded pamphlet. There was another few minutes of chatting, but she could barely focus enough to listen. It was as though she was submerged in water, straining to hear those above her.
When she left the building, the roar of New York City traffic was like white noise, as comforting as the sound of waves crashing or crickets chirping. The prescriptions and pamphlet—merely three pieces of paper—weighed heavy in her purse. It was a boulder on her shoulder. Moisture welled in her eyes, the tears burning like acid, but she blinked them back. She would not mourn. She would not cry over something she never had and didn't know she even wanted. With a glance at her watch, she felt the relief that she wasn't yet late for Noah Tripp's press conference. She passed by a Newsstand off of Hudson, that horrible article that her name was now attached to sat front and center, nestled between People and Us Weekly. Noah Blue: Hot Actor, Cold Heart. She cringed at the cover; at the differences between the portrait she took—a smiling Noah against a simple white backdrop, paralleled against the dingy, dark photo that the ghost writer found of him drunk at a club. It was her first ever mainstream magazine article. She understood why the Daily View wanted one of their veterans ghosting her. But did they have to so utterly botch her article? Not to mention the fact that they used off the record information. By the time Lydia had read the new copy, the article had already gone to print and it was too late. The ghost writer claimed that it would be their word against Noah's. She pushed on, ignoring that queasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. To make matters worse, a rival magazine, City Star, saw the Noah Blue article and liked it so much that they offered her a full time job. She hadn't said no, but she also hadn't said yes. Gotcha journalism and TMZ reporting was the last thing she had expected her life to become when she graduated with her BFA in photography and writing. Her throat tightened, sweat forming beneath her button down shirt with June's hot sun beating down on her. But now? These medical bills were going to add up if she didn't get on a better insurance plan. And how often did photographers get the opportunity for salaried jobs with paid vacation and sick days? It was a good opportunity; even if she only did it for a short time to pay off some bills. Lydia pushed her eyes to the ground, watching carefully as she huffed down the city sidewalk toward the press conference. The building was just ahead—a tall, corporate looking building that was plopped right in the middle of the West Village's old city charm. She froze, waiting at the stop light from across the street as city traffic whizzed by. She blinked as dark hair, olive skin and dimples came into view. Noah Blue. Standing just outside the building talking to another man. Oh, God, she felt sick about what had happened. The Daily View using that story about his sister-in-law's funeral was just appalling. And even though the magazine's lawyers had warned her to stay far away from him, she just couldn't. She owed him an explanation; an apology. The light turned green and she rushed forward as Noah walked into the coffee shop that was in the lobby of the building. Her laptop and camera bag bumped her hip with each bouncing step. What the hell was she even going to say? What couldshe say? She shook the doubtful feelings away. It didn't matter. She needed to apologize; even if it opened herself up to a lawsuit. She needed to look this man in the eyes and tell him that she had nothing to do with that story—but even still, that she was sorry. She pushed through the glass doors as the familiar smell of heady arabica wafted by her. Scanning the bustling cafe, she looked for those signature blue eyes and dimples that made Noah Blue Tripp famous. How did he manage to disappear so quickly? There was a huge line of people waiting to place their orders. Then again, he was a star...maybe they let him through to the front of the line? She weaved her way through the crowd, just in time to see a glimpse of Noah getting on the elevators in the lobby. Damn. But maybe it was better this way. She didn't even want to go to this press conference—she knew exactly what happened with that article. What else was there to learn? That nauseous feeling flooded her core once more and she leaned against the wall beside the restroom door. Was it the hormones Dr. Seaver had injected her with today? Or was that her stupid conscience rearing its head? Either way, it felt horrible. She felt horrible. Pushing off the wall, Lydia turned and reached for the bathroom door just as it swung open. Abroad-shouldered man in a plain white T-shirt and perfectly fitted jeans barreled toward her. He didn't look up as he shook his hands of water. Defined muscles pushed against the shirt in the most delicious way, and she stood frozen to the floor as he collided with her. Her ankles wobbled over the pencil thin heels she wore, and she yelped, stumbling backwards as a strong hand darted out, steadying her just in time. She began an apology as he said, “I'm so sorry,” His voice boomed over hers, and her mouth went dry at his tone—one hundred percent masculine and utterly delicious. She could dip that voice in chocolate and eat it for dessert. He smiled. A genuine smile from a stranger in New York was not a common thing. Two dimples formed on either side of his mouth. Heat raced across her body, and Lydia's skin tightened under his gaze as it swept her face. His chest was heavy with each breath and she watched as his expression shifted into something more melancholy, reminding her of where she'd just come from. She placed a palm on her purse, remembering the pamphlet. “My fault,” he said as he dropped his hand from her elbow. She'd barely noticed he had still been touching her—it felt that comfortable, like his hands were simply meant to be on her body. A heaviness sat in her belly as a thought hit her hard like a bucket of ice water. Dating—meeting men...it would never be that easy, flirty thing again. Sooner or later, if things got serious, she'd need to have the infertility conversation. She was suddenly very thankful that his hand was nowhere on her anymore. Shrugging, she gave him a small smile. But even as she lifted the corners of her lips, she could feel the quivering sob forming in her chest. Like a striking match, it started small, but given the circumstance could quickly form into a roaring fire. His jaw tightened as he swallowed and creases settled across his sun-weathered face. “You can do this,” he said, almost as though he knew; as though he understood. Her fake smile sagged, and for the first time all day, Lydia allowed herself to feel the full weight—the full sadness of her loss. She didn't bother brushing off the runaway tear. The man stepped to the side. Slowly, she reached for the doorknob, pausing just before she opened it. “Thank you,” she answered, looking up into his bright blue eyes once more. She smiled, warmed by the kindness of this stranger, before closing the door behind her. After splashing some cold water on her cheeks and taking a moment to collect herself, she exited the bathroom and moved to the end of the long line. Somehow, the crowd was comforting. And even though there wasn't a single friend in the coffee shop, Lydia felt far less alone in the presence of strangers. Two people ahead of her, she saw the man from the bathroom. Just as she looked up and caught his eye, he turned his head back toward the menu board. Lydia exhaled a silent breath. Of course he wasn't interested in her, not in that way. No man wanted to date a crying woman. “Mommy! Mommy! I want a blueberry muffin!” The child's voice came from directly behind her and cut right through to her heart. With a stiff spine, she turned to find a little girl with light brown hair, ruddy cheeks, and light eyes. Heat flushed across Lydia's face, and her chest expanded with a held breath that felt like a bubble lodged just to the right of her heart. “Is that how you ask for things?” the mother asked, her voice razor sharp. The little girl groaned, and the next thing Lydia knew, the kid was stomping and thrashing her limbs around. Her screams pierced through the low, chattering hum of the café. The mother gave a weary sigh and somehow managed to talk over the screams. “You have until three. One—two—” Lydia shifted, looking to the board uncomfortably. What do you do in this situation? Pretend like it wasn't happening? Ignore the tantrum? Hardly any of Lydia's friends had kids yet—she could count on one hand the number of times she held a baby. The noise abruptly stopped. “Now apologize to mommy.” Mommy. Mom. Mother. Mama. Lydia clamped her eyes shut, squeezing as hard as she could as though this subtle movement could completely eradicate any thoughts of children or motherhood from her mind. “Kids,” the man in front of her murmured with a snort. “Who needs 'em, right?” Lydia's eyes snapped open, excitement pulsing in her brain. Was bathroom guy talking to her again? But instead, she was met with the gaze of a different man directly in front of her. He was handsome in a much different way than the guy from earlier. Kids, who needs 'em. Was he kidding? She scanned his body—he was in great shape, even if a little pretentious in the way his shirt was rolled just perfectly to the elbow. Lydia gave a polite smile. “Right. Who needs them,” she answered. She could barely read her own inflection. Was that sarcasm? Hesitancy? Hell if she knew her own thoughts anymore. And she felt suddenly exhausted. “No, I'm serious.” He spun to face her. His gaze flicked down to the child before meeting Lydia's once more. “The planet is far too populated as it is.” Lydia swallowed hard, her throat burning. She considered that statement for a moment. She supposed he wasn't wrong about that. His eyebrows lifted. “Don't get me wrong. Kids are cute and fun for like, an hour. But I love my life. I'm fulfilled by my job, my friends, romance...I don't need a kid to satisfy some weird biological clock.” Up until an hour ago at the doctor's office, Lydia had been pretty pleased with her life, too. She didn't love her new gig freelancing for trashy magazines specifically, but she loved photographing and reporting. She loved her friends and the freedom to date as she pleased. Maybe this would be okay. Lydia's breath became heavy, and she examined the men in front of her. Both offered her exactly what she needed to hear in a moment that she needed clarity more than anything. Two very different sets of advice...advice they hadn't even realized they were giving. “Thank you,” she whispered before she could stop herself. There were plenty of men who didn't want children. She didn't have to be destitute of love and relationships just because she couldn't have kids. He gave her an odd look, confusion marring his handsome features. “Sorry, mommy,” the little voice whimpered. “May I please have a blueberry muffin?” There was a rustle as the woman peeked beyond Lydia at the glass case. At least seven people were ahead of Lydia, and there was only one muffin left. Lydia hoped she was gone before the next tantrum started. “I swear,” the guy said, “there should be an area where kids are strictly not allowed.” Lydia felt a small smile flick at the corners of her mouth. “There is. It's called a bar.” Ahead of them, she heard the quiet snort of a laugh from the bathroom guy. The man in front of her grinned, his gaze traveling the length of her body. “I'd drink to that.” He slipped a hand into his front pocket as the line lurched forward. “I'm Jason.” “Lydia.” Brushing her hand to her clavicle. Rolling her neck to each side, she tried to ignore the noise as the little girl's whining behind her grew louder once more. To be fair, the line was taking forever. The line moved again, and they were nearly to the front. From his back pocket, he pulled out a business card handing it to Lydia. His smile softened, crinkling around striking eyes. “Lydia, I hope I'm not being too forward...but I'd love to take you out to dinner. Call me sometime.” He didn't wait for her answer before turning to one of the open baristas. The man from the bathroom finished paying and crossed toward Lydia. His bright blue gaze met hers and for a moment, everything stood still. She swallowed, taking the final opportunity to memorize the way his dark hair curled around his ears; it looked like he had been running his hands through it all day. Angled features and stubble dusted along his chiseled jaw. A grin lifted his face, and those damn dimples flanked another breathtaking smile. And he was headed directly for her. He paused at Lydia's shoulder, so close that she could smell the traces of cedar and smokiness on him—like a campfire. Something heavy buzzed between them as he held her gaze. Warmth seethed through her body and despite this heat, she shivered. Blinking, he brushed by her, crouching in front of the little girl, holding out the last blueberry muffin. He grinned wider, looking up at her mother. “Here ya go.” He dropped it into her hand with a wink. “Blueberry muffins are my little girl's favorite, too.” Lydia's stomach knotted as smile lines creased his face and though he looked tired, he also had a peace to him that she didn't find very often in Manhattan residents. “Be a good girl for your mommy, okay?” He pushed off his knees, standing once more as the mother thanked him. With a final look at Lydia, he left the coffee shop. Without saying another word to her. Heat and embarrassment rose like high tide from her belly. But for what exactly? She hadn't done anything wrong. She gulped. Or had she? Stepping up to the counter, Lydia ordered her tall, sugar-free, soy vanilla latte as memories of her mom and her shitty childhood consumed her thoughts. Looking on the bright side, at least now she wouldn't end up pregnant with a baby she didn't want like her own mother had. She couldn't do that to any child. And maybe she didn't want one. Maybe that parental gene was absent in her family. And this was nature's way of taking care of the decision for her. Lydia sipped her latte, savoring the warm flavor. Its comforting steam billowed around her mouth, and she sighed. This was okay—she was okay. She didn't know the first thing about kids or babies. And if she changed her mind...well, just like Dr. Seaver said, she had options. In the meantime, she needed to find a way to pay for these medical bills. Through the window, she watched as the man walked confidently down the street, sipping out of his to-go cup. She lifted a chin and reached into her purse for the pamphlet, dropping it into the trash along with the referral for a therapist. This was a good thing, Lydia thought as she rested a hand to the door. “I love you, Mommy.” Lydia's belly tightened, and her grip froze on the handle. You can do this, she repeated to herself, grabbing her cell phone and dialing. “Yes, hi, Mara? This is Lydia Ryder. I would like to formally accept your offer with the City Star. I can start next Monday.”
About the Author:Katana Collins Katana Collins splits her time evenly between photographing boudoir portraits and writing steam-your-glasses romances. Between navigating life as a small business owner, a first-time homeowner, and a newlywed, Kat is in a constant state of "OHMYGODINEEDCOFFEENOW."
She is the author of the Soul Stripper trilogy, Wicked Exposure, and the graphic novel, Cafe Racer, co-written with Sean Murphy.
She and her comic book artist husband commute back and forth as they please between Brooklyn, NY and Portland, ME with their ever-growing family of rescue animals (up to two dogs and a cat and still counting!). She can usually be found hunched over her laptop in a cafe, guzzling gallons of coffee, and wearing fabulous (albeit sometimes impractical) shoes.
Visit her on the web at www.katanacollins.com , on Twitter @katanacollins, or find her on Facebook www.facebook.com/KatanaCollins
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6577884.Katana_Collins
http://www.amazon.com/Katana-Collins/e/B00DQVU5ZA/
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A Review of Horror 101: The Way Forward
My Review:
If you write horror or have considered writing horror, this book is a must have.
This isn't a just a "write like this and sell your story" advice book but a book full of knowledge and experience from seasoned pros. It's full of behind the scenes info only an experienced horror author would know.
Tips, tricks and new points of view will help you explore ways of writing horror, while essays and anecdotes about rejection and perserverance will let you know that even the best in the business have dealt with their share of rejection and frustration.
It also dives into the business of being an author- agents, editing, formatting, proofreading, self-publishing, joining a horror writers association, networking, conventions and more.
Literally everything you need to get started or to advance as a horror writer.
And the basic information can be used for any genre.
Excellent, I can't recommend this book enough.
Horror is something I've been wanting to dip my toes into for awhile. I write on the fluffier side with paranormal romance and urban fantasy along with paranormal erotica. I've had a few stories cross over the the horrotica category...but straight up horror...it's been on my writing to-do list. And this book just gave me the nudge I needed to get started.
Horror 101: The Way ForwardPrint Length: 472 pages
Publisher: Crystal Lake Publishing
April 27, 2014
ASIN: B00JZJQUYW
Horror 101: The Way Forward – a comprehensive overview of the Horror fiction genre and career opportunities available to established and aspiring authors.
Have you ever wanted to be a horror writer? Perhaps you have already realized that dream and you’re looking to expand your repertoire. Writing comic books sounds nice, right? Or how about screenplays?
That’s what Horror 101: The Way Forward is all about. It’s not your average On Writing guide that covers active vs. passive and other writing tips, Horror 101 focuses on the career of a horror writer. It covers not only insights into the horror genre, but the people who successfully make a living from it.
Covering aspects such as movies, comics, short stories, ghost-writing, audiobooks, editing, publishing, self-publishing, blogging, writer’s block, YA horror, reviewing, dark poetry, networking, collaborations, eBooks, podcasts, conventions, series, formatting, web serials, artwork, social media, agents, and career advice from seasoned professionals and up-and-coming talents, Horror 101 is just what you need to kick your career into high gear.
Horror 101: The Way Forward is not your average On Writing guide, as it is more focused on the career options available to authors. But don’t fret, this book is loaded with career tips and behind-the-scene stories on how your favourite authors broke into their respective fields.
Horror 101: The Way Forward is perfect for people who:
• are suffering from writer’s block
• are starting their writing careers
• are looking to expand their writing repertoire
• are planning on infiltrating a different field in horror writing
• are looking to pay more bills with their art
• are trying to further their careers
• are trying to establish a name brand
• are looking to get published
• are planning on self-publishing
• want to learn more about the pros in the horror genre
• are looking for motivation and/or inspiration
• love the horror genre
• are not sure where to take their writing careers
Includes articles by Jack Ketchum, Graham Masterton, Edward Lee, Lucy A. Snyder, Emma Audsley, RJ Cavender, Scott Nicholson, Weston Ochse, Taylor Grant, Paul Kane, Lisa Morton, Shane McKenzie, Dean M. Drinkel, Simon Marshall-Jones, Robert W. Walker, Don D’Auria and Glenn Rolfe, Harry Shannon, Chet Williamson, Lawrence Santoro, Thomas Smith, Blaze McRob, Rocky Wood, Ellen Datlow, Iain Rob Wright, Kenneth W. Cain, Daniel I. Russell, Michael McCarty, Richard Thomas, Joan De La Haye, Michael Wilson, Francois Bloemhof, C.E.L. Welsh, Jasper Bark, Niall Parkinson, Armand Rosamilia, Tonia Brown, Ramsey Campbell, Tim Waggoner, Gary McMahon, V.H. Leslie, Eric S Brown, William Meikle, John Kenny, Gary Fry, Diane Parkin, Jim Mcleod, Siobhan McKinney, Rick Carufel, Ben Eads, Theresa Derwin, Rena Mason, Steve Rasnic Tem, Michael A. Arnzen, Joe Mynhardt, John Palisano, Mark West, Steven Savile, and a writer so famous he’s required to stay anonymous.
The TOC includes:
Foreword by Mort Castle
Making Contact by Jack Ketchum
What is Horror by Graham Masterton
Bitten by the Horror Bug by Edward Lee
Reader Beware by Siobhan McKinney
Balancing Art and Commerce by Taylor Grant
Writing About Films and for Film by Paul Kane
Screamplays! Writing the Horror Film by Lisa Morton
From Prose to Scripts by Shane McKenzie
Screenplay Writing: The First Cut is the Deepest by Dean M. Drinkel
Publishing by Simon Marshall-Jones
Weighing Up Traditional Publishing & EBook Publishing by Robert W. Walker
Glenn Rolfe Toes the Line with Samhain Horror Head Honcho, Don D’Auria by Glenn Rolfe
Bringing the Zombie to Life by Harry Shannon
Audiobooks: Your Words to Their Ears by Chet Williamson
Writing Aloud by Lawrence Santoro
Ghostwriting: You Can’t Write It If You Can’t Hear It by Thomas Smith
Ghostwriting by Blaze McRob
The Horror Writers Association - the Genre's Essential Ingredient by Rocky Wood
What a Short Story Editor Does by Ellen Datlow
Self-Publishing: Making Your Own Dreams by Iain Rob Wright
Self-Publishing: Thumb on the Button by Kenneth W. Cain
What’s the Matter with Splatter? by Daniel I. Russell
Partners in the Fantastic: The Pros and Cons of Collaborations by Michael McCarty
The Journey of “Rudy Jenkins Buries His Fears” by Richard Thomas
Writing Short Fiction by Joan De La Haye
A beginner’s guide to setting up and running a website by Michael Wilson
Poetry And Horror by Blaze McRob
Horror for Kids: not Child’s Play by Francois Bloemhof
So you want to write comic books… by C.E.L. Welsh
Horror Comics – How to Write Gory Scripts for Gruesome Artists by Jasper Bark
Some thoughts on my meandering within the world of dark and horror art by Niall Parkinson
Writing The Series by Armand Rosamilia
Running a Webserial by Tonia Brown
Reviewing by Jim Mcleod
Avoiding What’s Been Done to Death by Ramsey Campbell
The 7 Signs that make Agents and Editors say, "Yes!" by Anonymous
The (extremely) Short Guide to Writing Horror by Tim Waggoner
Growing Ideas by Gary McMahon
Filthy Habits – Writing and Routine by Jasper Bark
A Room of One’s Own – The Lonely Path of a Writer by V.H. Leslie
Do You Need an Agent? by Eric S Brown
Ten Short Story Endings to Avoid by William Meikle
Submitting Your Work Part 2: Read the F*****g Guidelines! by John Kenny
Rejection Letters – How to Write and Respond to Them by Jasper Bark
Editing and Proofreading by Diane Parkin
On Formatting: A Concise Guide to the Most Frequently Encountered issues by Rick Carufel
How to Dismember Your Darlings – Editing Your Own Work by Jasper Bark
From Reader to Writer: Finding Inspiration by Emma Audsley
Writing Exercises by Ben Eads
The Year After Publication... by Rena Mason
Writing Horror: 12 Tips on Making a Career of It by Steve Rasnic Tem
The Five Laws of Arnzen by Michael A. Arnzen
The Cheesy Trunk of Terror by Scott Nicholson
How to be Your Own Agent, Whether You Have One or Not by Joe Mynhardt
Networking at Conventions by Lucy A. Snyder
Pitch to Impress: How to Stand Out from the Convention Crowd by RJ Cavender
You Better (Net)Work by Tim Waggoner
Vaginas in Horror by Theresa Derwin
Friendship, Writing, and the Internet by Weston Ochse
Buttoning Up Before Dinner by Gary Fry
How to fail as an artist in ten easy steps by John Palisano
Writer’s Block by Mark West
Be the Writer You Want to Be by Steven Savile
The special paperback edition also includes:
* Going Underground by Adam Nevill
* What are You Reading by Kevin Lucia
* I Want to be A Small Press Publisher Too by
Charles Day
The articles by Jack Ketchum, Harry Shannon and Glenn Rolfe are only available in the eBook edition, but you can receive a free copy of the eBook with a paperback purchase.
Cover art by Ben Baldwin
Edited by Joe Mynhardt and Emma Audsley
eBook formatting by Robert Swartwood
January 10, 2015
A Review of One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More by Editors of Martha Stewart Living
My Review
This book is phenomenal!! As a busy working mom I need dinners to be simple- nothing is simpler than cooking an entire meal in one pot.
Especially since I received a set of Crock-Pots for Christmas.
And many of these recipes are actually food my entire family will eat. So many recipes books are filled with fancy and exotic dishes with ingredients my kids wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.
This book has real, edible food for families.
Beef stew with noodles, roast beef, roast chicken, mac and cheese, lasagna, pulled pork, pork chops...hearty, real, edible food that my entire family will eat. It even has desserts!
Finally an honest cook book I can use. So many times I get a book that sounds fabulous only to read through the recipes and ingredients and realize I would be cooking for one because niether my husband nor my kids would even try half of the exotic ingredients.
This book now has a special place in my kitchen so I can grab it everytime I start planning weekly meals and grocery shopping.
I plan to try almost every recipe in this book (my kids don't eat fish, so those are out but the rest are pretty much fair game).
My favorites to try are all tabbed with little sticky notes to mark the page. And I've already made the beef stew with noodles...yum. Perfect winter meal.
Next up Three-Cheese Lasagna.
One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More
by Editors of Martha Stewart Living
Using just one pan, you can stew, steam, sauté, simmer, braise, or roast your way to a fuss-free meal—and minimal cleanup to boot.
At the end of a busy day, you want to serve a delicious home-cooked dinner, a complete, all-in-one meal that can be prepared with little effort and few pans to wash. The editors of Martha Stewart Living present a brand-new collection of 120 recipes—organized by vessel—to help you do just that, all while adding savory new dishes to your weekly rotation.
One Pot is an exciting new way to approach everyday cooking: Imagine perfect pasta dishes for which everything goes in the pot at once (yes, that’s pasta, tomato, garlic, basil, and water all cooked together), dinner-party ready roasts with tender vegetables, and down-home casseroles, along with wholesome fish, chicken, and vegetarian dishes. You’ll get incredible flavor payoff from dishes such as comforting Chicken and Dumplings, easy Baked Risotto with Carrots and Squash, healthy Broiled Striped Bass with Tomatoes, hearty Pork Chops with Bacon and Cabbage, and the delectable Skillet Chocolate-Chip Cookie—each of which takes less than an hour from start to finish. Here, too, are a dozen outstanding recipes for surprising and simple desserts that can be ready when you are.
With chapters devoted to your essential cooking vessels—stockpot, skillet, slow cooker, and more—this book is sure to streamline your meals and to satisfy the people you share them with. Recipes include:
DUTCH OVEN: Beef Stew with Noodles, Chicken and Dumplings, Baked Risotto, Texas Red Chili, Cajun Stew
SLOW COOKER: Pulled Pork, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Classic Pot Roast, Lamb Shanks and Potatoes, Garlic Chicken with Barley
SKILLET & SAUTÉ PAN: Spinach Pie, Poached Cod with Tomatoes, Three-Cheese Lasagna, Macaroni and Cheese, Stir-Fried Chicken with Bok Choy
ROASTING PAN & BAKING DISH: Rib-Eye with Root Vegetables, Roast Chicken with Herb Butter, Salmon with Kale, Roast Beef with Acorn Squash, Tuscan Pork Roast
PRESSURE COOKER: Short Ribs with Potato-Carrot Mash, Kale and White Bean Soup, Chicken Cacciatore; Easy Chickpea Curry, Beef Stroganoff
STOCKPOT: Classic Chicken Soup, Split Pea Soup, Gemelli with Pesto and Potatoes, Corn and Shrimp Chowder, Pasta with Farm-Stand Vegetables
DESSERTS: Peach Crumble, Skillet Chocolate-Chip Cookie, Baked Blackberry Custard, Raspberry Sorbet, Molten Chocolate Cupcakes
Available at Amazon and Other Major Retailers
About the Author:Editors of Martha Stewart Living - One Pot For more than twenty years, the food editors and chefs in the kitchens of MARTHA STEWART LIVING have been producing bestselling cookbooks, including Meatless, Everyday Food: Light, Power Foods, and Martha Stewart’s Cooking School. MARTHA STEWART is America’s most trusted lifestyle expert and teacher and the author of more than eighty books on cooking, entertaining, crafts, homekeeping, gardens, weddings, and decorating. "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."
This book is phenomenal!! As a busy working mom I need dinners to be simple- nothing is simpler than cooking an entire meal in one pot.
Especially since I received a set of Crock-Pots for Christmas.
And many of these recipes are actually food my entire family will eat. So many recipes books are filled with fancy and exotic dishes with ingredients my kids wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.
This book has real, edible food for families.
Beef stew with noodles, roast beef, roast chicken, mac and cheese, lasagna, pulled pork, pork chops...hearty, real, edible food that my entire family will eat. It even has desserts!
Finally an honest cook book I can use. So many times I get a book that sounds fabulous only to read through the recipes and ingredients and realize I would be cooking for one because niether my husband nor my kids would even try half of the exotic ingredients.
This book now has a special place in my kitchen so I can grab it everytime I start planning weekly meals and grocery shopping.
I plan to try almost every recipe in this book (my kids don't eat fish, so those are out but the rest are pretty much fair game).
My favorites to try are all tabbed with little sticky notes to mark the page. And I've already made the beef stew with noodles...yum. Perfect winter meal.
Next up Three-Cheese Lasagna.
One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More by Editors of Martha Stewart Living
Using just one pan, you can stew, steam, sauté, simmer, braise, or roast your way to a fuss-free meal—and minimal cleanup to boot.
At the end of a busy day, you want to serve a delicious home-cooked dinner, a complete, all-in-one meal that can be prepared with little effort and few pans to wash. The editors of Martha Stewart Living present a brand-new collection of 120 recipes—organized by vessel—to help you do just that, all while adding savory new dishes to your weekly rotation.
One Pot is an exciting new way to approach everyday cooking: Imagine perfect pasta dishes for which everything goes in the pot at once (yes, that’s pasta, tomato, garlic, basil, and water all cooked together), dinner-party ready roasts with tender vegetables, and down-home casseroles, along with wholesome fish, chicken, and vegetarian dishes. You’ll get incredible flavor payoff from dishes such as comforting Chicken and Dumplings, easy Baked Risotto with Carrots and Squash, healthy Broiled Striped Bass with Tomatoes, hearty Pork Chops with Bacon and Cabbage, and the delectable Skillet Chocolate-Chip Cookie—each of which takes less than an hour from start to finish. Here, too, are a dozen outstanding recipes for surprising and simple desserts that can be ready when you are.
With chapters devoted to your essential cooking vessels—stockpot, skillet, slow cooker, and more—this book is sure to streamline your meals and to satisfy the people you share them with. Recipes include:
DUTCH OVEN: Beef Stew with Noodles, Chicken and Dumplings, Baked Risotto, Texas Red Chili, Cajun Stew
SLOW COOKER: Pulled Pork, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Classic Pot Roast, Lamb Shanks and Potatoes, Garlic Chicken with Barley
SKILLET & SAUTÉ PAN: Spinach Pie, Poached Cod with Tomatoes, Three-Cheese Lasagna, Macaroni and Cheese, Stir-Fried Chicken with Bok Choy
ROASTING PAN & BAKING DISH: Rib-Eye with Root Vegetables, Roast Chicken with Herb Butter, Salmon with Kale, Roast Beef with Acorn Squash, Tuscan Pork Roast
PRESSURE COOKER: Short Ribs with Potato-Carrot Mash, Kale and White Bean Soup, Chicken Cacciatore; Easy Chickpea Curry, Beef Stroganoff
STOCKPOT: Classic Chicken Soup, Split Pea Soup, Gemelli with Pesto and Potatoes, Corn and Shrimp Chowder, Pasta with Farm-Stand Vegetables
DESSERTS: Peach Crumble, Skillet Chocolate-Chip Cookie, Baked Blackberry Custard, Raspberry Sorbet, Molten Chocolate Cupcakes
Available at Amazon and Other Major Retailers
About the Author:Editors of Martha Stewart Living - One Pot For more than twenty years, the food editors and chefs in the kitchens of MARTHA STEWART LIVING have been producing bestselling cookbooks, including Meatless, Everyday Food: Light, Power Foods, and Martha Stewart’s Cooking School. MARTHA STEWART is America’s most trusted lifestyle expert and teacher and the author of more than eighty books on cooking, entertaining, crafts, homekeeping, gardens, weddings, and decorating. "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."
January 9, 2015
Tens Lists with Kurt and Jessica Hansen Plus a Giveaway!
10 Things We Need in Order to Write
1) For Jess, it’s COFFEE!! (Hazlenut, please!) and for Kurt, it’s tea. Unless we’re writing at nighttime, in which case a Michelob Ultra or glass of Dornfelder works for Jess, and a mixed drink for Kurt. Give yourself permission to refer to these beverages as “story juice.”
2) An Idea. While this may sound simple, that’s not always the case. It’s the most crucial element of the story, and once you have it, you mustn’t look back. Don’t second-guess yourself. If you find the idea interesting, your reader probably will, too. Shaping, cultivating, and elaborating on that idea are all part of the writing process. Get it down - we sometimes refer to this as the “throw up” version. It may come out crappy, but it needs to come out. Editing can be done later.
3) Strong storytelling skills. We are already blessed with having a fisherman as a co-author, and, well, we’re sure you’ve heard about the kinds of tales that they tend to tell…But in all seriousness, ask yourself this as you go along: are you feeling something while you’re telling your story? If not, your readers won’t feel anything, either. Robert Frost said: “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” While your stories should be interesting in themselves, you must have the heart to back them up.
4) Editors, beta readers, and critical audience members. Hand the book to anyone and everyone who will read it and critique it for you. Be especially sure to give it to a person who’s provided constructive criticism or insight for you in the past: chances are, you’ll receive invaluable advice from this person. If your cousin Marge thinks you’re the best writer in the world and that you can do no wrong, your finished book will make a great gift for her, but she’ll be unlikely to provide critical feedback.
If you’re concerned about asking someone you know for feedback on your work, consider hiring beta readers through a site such as elance or guru. You can find candidates who have experience and credentials, and hire them for a fair price to critique, edit, and/or provide suggestions for your manuscript.
NEVER rely on your own self edits or the edits of a single additional person. There will always be a misspelled word, grammar error, or funky verbiage that you or one other person overlooks. After all, we’re humans, not Computer Love Companions.
5) A love of writing. Because, what’s the sense of doing it otherwise? If you’re writing simply to create the next NYT bestseller, stop what you’re doing right now. Writing can be painful at times, yes, but writers write because they absolutely have to - it’s in their blood. Don’t set out to write a full-length novel if you hated your writing courses in school. If you’ve never enjoyed writing, but want to give it another shot, experiment with short essays and use writing prompts. You may find that you enjoy it more when you’re not being forced to hit a specific page or word count. Writing for your own personal benefit should always be approached this way: you should enjoy doing it, and it should never feel forced. That’s when your best work will come out.
6) A support system, especially during the editing stages… During the editing processes for CL2, Jess told her boyfriend flat out, “You may not like me very much over the next few weeks.” Edits are stressful, frustrating, and overall, a writer’s worst nightmare. But they are a necessary part of the job.
Also, make sure that your loved ones and friends are aware that you may go missing while completing your novel. Whether you’re experiencing a creative streak that can’t be broken or have to take an evening to discuss marketing strategies, there are certain demands of writing that are very time consuming. Having a support system of understanding family members and loved ones is critical throughout these stages. We were blessed to have people that were not only patient, but incredibly encouraging as well.
7) Jake, our rescue pup. This misbehaving canine helps to provide much-needed distractions during hours of sitting behind a computer screen. Whether he’s barking for a treat, because he needs to go out, or just barking in general, it does help to have some sort of obligation other than writing to get you out of that desk chair every so often. Everyone experiences the feeling of “being on a roll” from time to time, but we try not to let our legs fall asleep beneath us. Jake helps to make sure this doesn’t happen.
8) A love for reading. If we hadn’t enjoyed other authors’ works, we’re pretty sure we’d have no clue how to craft a novel ourselves. Read anything and everything that inspires you. And, as Toni Morrison says, “If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
9) An ability to know your readers. Know that what one person considers to be “too much” detail may not be enough for another person. Likewise, you should try to appeal to all of the senses. You’ll have readers who are visual thinkers, along with others who think much differently. You want everyone who reads your book to be able to feel something, so take all personalities into consideration when writing.
10) Patience. This is something that Jess especially has learned. We truly live in a fast-paced society, in which instant gratification is the norm. You’ll seldom experience any instant “rewards” with writing, so it’s a matter of learning to love the process and having enough patience to cultivate the finished product.
Ten Things We LOVE to Hear our Readers Say: “I couldn’t put it down!”“I can’t believe you left me hanging like that… again!” Variations of this phrase include: “REALLY?!” and “No. That’s not fair,” and, “Now I need to read the next one!”“It really makes you think.”“It’s so cool that you two are a father/daughter team.”“My jaw literally fell open.”“One of the best books I’ve ever read”“It was a real page turner.”“I don’t know how you do it.”“It was fast-paced and a quick read.”“There was excitement all the way up to the very end.”
Computer Love Inc. II: GestationComputer Love Inc. SeriesBook IIKurt and Jessica HansenGenre: Science Fiction
ISBN: 978-0989068338ASIN: B00O05VR6C
Number of pages: 215Word Count: 46,095
Cover Artist: Steven J. Catizone
Book Description:
After the sudden deaths of two previous Computer Love Inc. CEOs, Marius takes control of the company. Embracing the talents of his godson, John, and his best friend, Zak, he hires the boys to oversee the Companion Services Division.
Marius refines his breakthrough technology, the Brain Machine Download, and as a result, creates his double, M2, as the prototype. Together, they ignite the future ofComputer Love Inc. by acquiring an elite team of scientists to expand the company’s technological boundaries. Meanwhile, Marius struggles with the government’s demands for a clandestine initiative - the Secret Service Companion.
Between the looming government presence and the overwhelming force behind his new team of inventors, can Marius survive the outcome of his own creations?
Available at Amazon and BN
Excerpt #2:The room remained silent. Ten pairs of eyes were fixed on Marius, not even a single person consumed with a hangnail or discreetly checking messages on his or her unit.“So then – and please forgive me when I say this, because often it seems that social delicacies elude me; I’m sure you all possess unique and likeable personalities, but really – it’s your brains that we’re after here.”Again Marius paused. By now, some gazes had shifted: faces looked amongst one another, gauging reactions – animals measuring a threat by observing the rest of the pack.“Have you ever heard someone say, ‘Can I pick your brain’? Essentially, that’s what I’d like to do here. I need your brilliance, and I implore you to consider this proposal. I would like to perform a Brain Machine Download on each of you in order to capture your intelligence. Is everyone familiar with what the theory of the BMD is, or what it entails?”If they were not familiar, no one spoke up or raised a hand. Again, the looks flashed around the room – there were a few who wanted to know more, but, seeing that no one else had first spoken up, they remained quiet. Marius had seen it. Even in the wisest, cowardice lives…
About the Authors:Kurt and Jessica Hansen reside in northern New Jersey . Kurt has worked in the aerospace electronics industry for over three decades and enjoys the outdoors, writing, and composing music. Kurt is easily recognized with a guitar in his lap, a pencil in his mouth, and a piece of paper in front of him.
Jessica graduated from Montclair State University, summa cum laude, with a B.A. in English. Her favorite pastimes include reading, running and spending time with her family. She can usually be found with a book in one hand and a hazelnut coffee in the other.
www.ComputerLoveInc.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Computer-Love-Inc/396920320362031
twitter: @ComputerLoveInc
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7134845.Kurt_Jessica_Hansen
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January 6, 2015
Spotlight and Giveaway-Tour Blitz: Haunt My Heart by Lisa Medley
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Haunt My HeartLisa MedleyGenre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Big Cedar
Date of Publication: January 5, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-9908856-03ASIN:
Word Count: 68K
Cover Artist: Sweet ‘n Spicy Designs
Book Description:
A Civil War soldier dies to save his men. Can he find true love to live again?
Sarah Knight has a job she’s good at, a quirky BFF, and a boyfriend who’s bad for her. When Sarah unearths a Civil War artifact on a ghost hunt at Chatham Manor, she brings home more than a souvenir.
Lieutenant James “Tanner” Dawson fought for the Union, working as a supernatural liaison for his Major General in a secret Masonic offset called the Brothers of Peril. When he’s hexed by a witch, he learns the only way to save his men is to die himself. But death is not the end. Awakening 150 years later, he knows if he wants to be corporeal again, he has to find true love to break the hex—a task no easier in 21st century than it was in the 19th.
Amazon Kindle Amazon Print
Excerpt from Haunt My Heart:
It all starts when Sarah finds a ring on the grounds of Chatham Manor after a night of ghost-hunting. She takes home much more than a souvenir.
Ellie opened the driver’s side door, and Sarah waited for her to crawl across the seat of the old Mustang and pop the passenger-side lock. The broken power locks were one of many deficiencies in the classic car. Sarah retrieved her betraying phone from her pocket and powered it up as Ellie shuffled about inside the car.
As she checked her phone display, a glint of light on the ground to her right caught her eye. Aiming her screen at the ground like a flashlight, she bent low and searched for the source of the flash. Just as she began investigating, though, she heard the lock pop, and Ellie pushed the door open. The door hit Sarah in the head, knocking her to the cold, hard ground.
“Sorry,” Ellie said, scrambling to catch the door before it slammed closed again.
Sarah mumbled a few choice obscenities and rubbed her head. She reached down and ran her finger over something half-buried in the ground.
“What is that?” Ellie was hanging out the car, her body stretched across the seats.
“I don’t know.” Sarah turned the flashlight of her phone up to full beam and picked at the object in the frozen turf. “Do you have a pen or something?”
Ellie scuffled around inside the dark, rolling landfill that was her car—the interior lights long burned out—and produced a screwdriver instead. “Will this work?”
Sarah took the offered screwdriver and dug at the buried treasure. After breaking it free from its cold grave, she examined it by the light of her cell phone. “It’s a ring.”
“Let me see.”
Ellie scrambled back into the driver’s seat. Sarah joined her in the car, then shut the door against the cold.
“Hold the light,” Sarah said, digging a Kleenex from her coat pocket to clear as much of the mud from the ring as possible.
The ring remained caked with mud, which filled the engraved edges, but the stone cleaned off easily enough. The set, a square cut black onyx, glinted. The cold metal of the band warmed in her hand.
“You know what that is, right?” Ellie asked.
“A ring?” Sarah couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her voice, not after the night she’d had.
“An artifact.”
“No. Someone just lost a class ring. Like one of the sorority girls.”
“Does that look like a woman’s ring? No. No is the answer. That is a man’s ring. An officer’s ring or something. That could be a real-life, true-blue Civil War artifact.”
“I doubt it. And if it is, we’ll return it. This is a national park. There are rules.”
“I say finders keepers. Let me see it better.”
About the Author:Lisa has always enjoyed reading about monsters, and now she writes about them, because monsters need love too.
She adores beasties of all sorts, fictional as well as real, and has a farm full of them in her southwest Missouri home, including: one child, one husband, two dogs, two cats, a dozen hens, thousands of Italian bees and a guinea pig.
She may or may not keep a complete zombie apocalypse bug-out bag in her trunk at all times, including a machete. Just. In. Case.
Website http://lisa-medley.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/lisamedley
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/medley3/
Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+LisaMedley/
Amazon Author Page www.amazon.com/author/lisamedley
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/lisamedleyauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7824406.Lisa_Medley
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January 4, 2015
Release Day Blitz Watch Me Burn by Sharon Bayliss
Watch Me BurnThe December PeopleBook TwoSharon BaylissGenre: Contemporary Fantasy
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Date of Publication: 1/5/15
ISBN:ASIN:
Number of pages: 250Word Count: 75,000Cover Artist: Michelle Johnson
Book Description:
David Vandergraff lost his home, his job, and contact with his oldest son, but remains determined to be a good husband and father despite being a dark winter wizard.
His resolve is tested when a flyer for a missing girl--who happens to be a summer witch--begins to haunt him. David believes a spell needs to use him to save her, so he follows the magic's command and looks into her disappearance. His teenage daughter Emmy resents him for caring so much about a random stranger. But when she uncovers some disturbing evidence close to home, she begins an investigation of her own.
David and Emmy quickly learn that the mystery is not only about a missing girl they barely know, but a deeply personal story that impacts everyone they care about. As their world crumbles, they fear the warning may be true—never mess with summer wizards, because the good guys always win.
Book Trailer: https://animoto.com/play/NNYqeNxzQ9ec1Rb6Gu33ww
Available at AmazonExcerpt: David Vandergraff could smell magic in the air, as clearly as he could smell the motor oil and burned coffee. When the news report began, the volume on the television became much louder, and the screen glowed as if demons would claw their way out at any minute. However, none of the other patrons in the waiting room of the mechanic's shop noticed anything different. They continued staring at their phones, looking pale and sick in the fluorescent light and excessive air conditioning. Before David had known he was a wizard, he dismissed such oddities as "just one of those things you can't explain". But now, he knew better.The image of the missing girl on the screen shined so intensely, he could see her outline burned into the blackness behind his eyelids when he blinked. The girl posed in her volleyball uniform, displaying a radiant white-toothed smile. She looked about fourteen or fifteen. She had blonde hair and golden skin and a strange radiating quality, as if the pixels in the television gave her an extra glow. David shook his head. Since he had learned he was a wizard, anytime he noticed anything strange, from bad weather to a headache, he feared magic was involved. His daughter Emmy was blonde, around the girl's same age, and played volleyball. So, the missing girl reminded him of Emmy—and of course, that would upset him. Besides, his heart always raced when he saw a missing child. Two of his own children had been missing for a long time. And even though they were now safe at home, he didn't think the fear and grief would ever leave him.He tried to turn his attention back to scanning job listings on his tablet, but he couldn't focus his eyes on anything except the television report and all the other sounds turned into a whirring buzz.
About the Author:Sharon Bayliss is the author of The December People Series and The Charge. When she’s not writing, she enjoys living happily-ever-after with her husband and two young sons. She can be found eating Tex-Mex on patios, wearing flip-flops, and playing in the mud (which she calls gardening). She only practices magic in emergencies.
www.sharonbayliss.com
@SharonBayliss
https://www.facebook.com/authorsharonbayliss
https://www.goodreads.com/SharonBayliss
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January 2, 2015
Interview and Giveaway Banewolf by Eden Ashley
Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
I’ve pretty much always loved things that are a little spooky. Growing up my parents wouldn’t let me watch the X-Files no matter how much I begged because they thought the show was too scary for me. Sometimes, I’d sneak and watch it anyway. Mom was right about it being too scary, but the resulting nightmares were worth it. It seems that my love of the supernatural/paranormal eventually migrated from determining my entertainment choices to influencing my writing. The stories I love most always have a strong romantic thread in them. I don’t know at what point I became a hopeless romantic, but if there’s love and weirdness, I’m all in! So far, it seems to be a natural fit for me to write the same kind of stories that entertain most me.
What inspired you to write this book?
I’d read so many books and fell in love with so many characters, my wildly overactive imagination would create new scenarios for old favorites, and I could easily spend hours daydreaming about what would happen if those same characters encountered the situations I’d created for them. Eventually that evolved into the invention of my own unique characters with storylines they could call their own.
Please tell us about your latest release.
My latest release is actually a novel entitled Blood Chained, the third book of the Dark Siren series. It picks up a few months after the events that conclude Banewolf and answers a lot of questions readers will be dying to know by that point.
Do you have a special formula for creating characters' names? Do you try to match a name with a certain meaning to attributes of the character or do you search for names popular in certain time periods or regions?
While I wouldn’t say that I have a particular formula, many times the names do end up with meanings that accurately describe certain attributes of the characters. Sometimes that is intentional due to various baby name websites, and other times it is a complete coincidence! For example, I decided to name the male MC of the Dark Siren series Rhane before I wrote a single concrete word. Later on, I discovered that the Germanic meaning of Rhane is “deciding warrior.” I’m pretty sure I pumped my fist on reading that. As soon as you meet the guy you see how much that description suits him. But no matter what the name means or where it originates from, I won’t use anything that doesn’t feel right.
Was one of your characters more challenging to write than another?
In each of the books the narrative is split between Kali’s POV and a character from the pack POV (usually Rhane). It definitely took me longer to settle into writing from a male POV, especially when trying to channel heavy sexual tension. (Laughs). I interviewed a few gracious male friends and started paying closer attention to other books written in a male narrative. Once I got down the basics, it started to be a lot easier to shift gears in storytelling from Kali to Rhane.
What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?
I went to a shooting range and fired a gun for the first time. That was exciting.
With the book being part of a series, are there any character or story arcs, that readers jumping in somewhere other than the first book, need to be aware of? Can these books be read as stand alones?
The journey of Rhane and Kali’s love and redemption is one big, tangled web of intricate and interlocking threads. The story also evolves and matures with the female lead. Secrets run rampant and the suspense is thick, promoting a gradual reveal of character motivations, the worlds they come from, and the hidden pasts they protect. If you’re going to read this lovely series, you’ll have to start with the first book, Dark Siren, or you’ll be chronically lost.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you deal with it?
I have yet to suffer from the infamous writer’s block. I am curious as to what it feels like and how I’ll handle it when it inevitably happens.
Do you have any weird writing quirks or rituals?
While brainstorming, you might catch me waving my hands around in public like I’m conducting an orchestra. Other times, I may just pull some blankets over my head, emerging only when I have found the perfect words or plot direction.
Where is your favorite place to read? Do you have a cozy corner or special reading spot?
Oh man, I can read anywhere. I have this uncanny ability to shut out anything and everything around me whenever my head is in a book. I’m also one of those people who carry paperbacks in her purse to sneak in a few pages at any chance she gets!
What can readers expect next from you?
The fourth and final book of the Dark Siren series, Primed Son, will be released fall/winter 2015. I’m also working on a completely different fantasy romance project. Hopefully, I can get it done next year too!
Where can readers find you on the web?
http://edenbynite.blogspot.com/ https://www.facebook.com/EdenAshleyAuthor https://twitter.com/Eden_byNite
BanewolfDark Siren SeriesBook TwoEden AshleyGenre: paranormal romance, young adult
ISBN: 9780989963237ASIN: B00GTT3RDI
Number of pages: 395Word Count: 90,000
Cover Artist: Nathalia Suellen
Book Description:
New enemies are made.
New allies must be forged.
Kali is beginning to regain her memories. In doing so, she discovers old secrets and betrayals that threaten to unravel her present and shake the foundation for Rhane’s belief in her innocence. While her maturing abilities present unique challenges, a bigger problem arises when Kali learns her ex-boyfriend has made a misguided deal with the enemy in order to win her back—a decision that may ultimately cost him his humanity.
Keeping Kali safe has become a full time job for Rhane. And struggling to gain control of the immortal Banewolf isn’t making that task any easier. The power to eliminate the growing threat against Kali lies at Rhane’s fingertips, but using it means risking his friends to the insatiable blood lust of a monster. So Rhane is forced to forge a shaky alliance with creatures he has sworn to destroy. Despite these new allies, the danger pressing on their borders intensifies, culminating in a heartbreaking and shocking finale.
The strength of the bond between young and ancient lovers will be tested…and if Kali and Rhane are to survive, they must find a way to be unbreakable.
BN Amazon Print Amazon KindleExcerpt from Banewolf
I Want You to Remember…
After seeing the Cal who wasn’t Cal, Kali’s mind was far too harried to focus on class. Skipping the last block of the day, she went to the swimming pool and sat at the bottom for a long time. Her eyes were closed. Her body was motionless. The pressure of the water became a loving caress, helping to relax everything except her mind. Those anxious thoughts just wouldn’t let go. Even with all Rhane had revealed, the past remained hidden like it had never existed. But you didn’t forget.That was right. An entire lifetime…taken. And it wasn’t just her life with Rhane. Kali had lived well over a dozen lives in stolen human bodies. Yet she couldn’t remember a single one of them. Each of those little girls had been stripped from the arms of a family who loved them, only to be replaced by a soul-sucking, fire-setting siren. And for what reason? If Rhane knew, he wasn’t telling. Why won’t he talk to me? I’ve proven my trust. Well, she amended the thought. I did push him away at first, but only for like fifteen minutes. Then Gabriel showed up and started ripping more of my life to pieces.Kali took a breath and then another, but not with her lungs. Her skin absorbed oxygen from the water and exchanged it for carbon dioxide waste in her blood. The process didn’t come automatically. It took a lot of focus to make underwater breathing happen. In her two weeks on the lam, she’d discovered this new talent. And it had proven very useful, practically allowing her to live in the water. Holding her breath was certainly easier, but that came with time limits. After twenty minutes, she had to surface. She was determined to master underwater breathing. Concentrating on the task left her brain severely limited in the number of other things it could worry about. And that was a plus. Feeling the faintest tremble in the water, she opened her eyes. The lights were flickering. After a few cycles of an ebbing and surging glow, they went out completely. She tried not to panic in the darkness, expecting the underwater lighting to illuminate soon. But instead, there came a muted thud. All of the lights suddenly flooded the pool arena. And Kali screamed. Bodies were everywhere. Hundreds of them littered the swimming pool floor. Parts of their skin were burned. Charred chunks broke apart from decaying flesh. Tentacles of black liquid snaked into the water. The body of a child rose up, a bloated mass set adrift in a nonexistent current. Kali stared into the film of the corpse’s dead eyes with absolute horror. Black hair floated around his head in a dark halo of death. Even with blanched, greying and puckered skin, Kali saw in the child a startling resemblance to Rhane. Bubbles spurted from her mouth as she screamed again. She kicked hard, trying to get as far away from the corpse as fast as she could. When her back slammed into solid concrete, she turned to scramble up the pool wall. Fingers slipping on the wet ledge, she finally managed to pull herself out and flop onto her stomach. Trembling with a dozen more screams welled up inside, Kali shook with the effort of not releasing them. Pushing to her feet, she looked down into the water, needing desperately to believe she was not going crazy. There were no dead people. There was no dead boy. The pool was empty.#Icy water pounded from the showerhead, streaming into her eyes as it washed the chlorine from her body. All Kali could see was the boy. His lifeless face floating before hers, dark and grey and distorted in death. It took both hands to smother her sobs. She couldn’t understand what was happening. Was it possible that the vision was a real memory like the nightmares of the horseman had been real memories?The lights in the shower room flickered and went out just as they had in the pool auditorium. Her breath caught in her chest as she waited for what would happen next. She didn’t have to wait long. “Kalista,” a male voice sighed into the darkness. She backed away. She was naked and blind. And in the shower was a stranger who probably meant her harm. The vulnerable state made Kali’s movements very clumsy. “Darkesong.” This time the voice was closer. So close, she could feel the whisper against her skin. She knew it was the thing pretending to be Cal. Kali bit her lip. She was too frightened to scream. But screaming wouldn’t have helped anyway. At first, his touch was light. Kali reacted, flinching away violently. Then “Cal” grabbed her. He was an irresistible force shoving her against the wet shower wall. His hard body pressed against hers. The heat from him completely dispelled the cold that fell around them. Kali felt his face against her skin. His hot breath steamed next to her cheek. “Don’t,” she whispered. Strong fingers slipped around her throat, but their hold was gentle. The lights partially returned, and she could see him. Physically, everything was the same…except for the eyes. Gone was the shocking blue of Cal’s stormy stare. In its place were two red orbs that reflected abnormally in the dim light. She would have recognized those eyes anywhere. “Gabriel.” He nodded. His body still had her pinned. His right hand grasped her throat, while the other rested idly against the wall. She waited for him to say or do something, but he didn’t. Nothing happened. Open malice and rage emanated from Gabriel’s still form, but Kali wasn’t entirely sure those emotions were aimed at her. She inhaled a shaky breath. The action squashed her breasts against his chest. “What did you do to Cal?”Another unnerving smile slashed his face. “He’s still here.”“What do you want?”Pressing his nose into the curve of her neck, Gabriel inhaled a dramatic whiff of her scent. Trembling, Kali tried to push away, wedging her body painfully into the wall. When Gabriel’s left hand moved, she went rigid. But the hand never touched her. It hovered next to her head, holding a tiny yellow stone. “I want to help you remember.”The events that followed would remain a blur of varying shades of grey darkness for some time. When Kali came to, she was standing in the rain, completely drenched. Rhane stood in front of her, lips moving soundlessly as he shouted, the words swept away by an unforgiving wind. She had never seen his eyes so black or so deadly focused as he leveled a gun directly over her heart.
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About the Author:Cynic, realist, and hopeless romantic all rolled into one, Eden was born and raised in a small, sunny town in South Carolina, but thunderstorms have inspired her best ideas. There are few things she loves more than curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee on a rainy day, (except maybe chocolate cake. She loves cake.) often reading into the wee hours of morning when something really grabs her attention. She pretty much loves anything with supernatural elements, so writing paranormal romance and fantasy romance seems to be a natural fit.
http://edenbynite.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/Eden_byNite
https://www.facebook.com/EdenAshleyAuthor
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7150184.Eden_Ashley
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Storm Cloud by Lacy Danes
Vampires in Dragon’s Fate
Hello,
Thank you for having me on your site today. My new book Storm Clouds Dragon’s Fate Book Three just released on December 30th. If you have not read any of this series yet here is a bit of the back lore about the series.
“Five hundred years ago, using her own vampire blood and ancient magic, the vampiressCarmen brought forth the birth of the elemental dragon princes, or Zir, from the last of theelemental dragon’s eggs. Cursed by an enemy who wanted their power, they were condemned to take human form. There are no females among them, and so each is destined to live with an unrelenting urge to find his elemental mate. For she is the key that will unlock their history and their destiny.”
Vampires, witches, dragons, and other paranormal creatures are seen in this world. I have set these stories in the late 1700- mid 1800 England, Europe, and flashbacks to Denmark. When brainstorming this series I knew I wanted to use dragons. I also knew I wanted to do a twist on a vampire story for this series. I came up with a curse that mixed vampire and dragon with human form.
Book one Waterfall: introduces the ZIR. They know they are from dragons but they don’t know much more about how the came to be. In this story our hero is Jordan a water Zir. We are also introduced in this story to the blood drinkers or Vampires that are a part of this world.
Book two: Open Flame is Madoc the Fire Zir’s story and mainly takes place in France.
Book three: Storm Clouds is Ilmir the Air Zir’s story.
Book four: (working title) Forte. Is Ferrous the metal Zir’s story and wraps up the curse and the overall arch plot that spreads through the four stories.
I love this world. I am sad I am working on the final story, but who knows… maybe there is another Zir out there to be found. :-)
I’m happy to answer any questions about writing, Zir, and life.
Kindly, Lacy.
Storm CloudsDragon’s FateBook ThreeLacy DanesGenre: Paranormal Romance/alternate universe/historical/red hot
Publisher: Samhain
Date of Publication: December 30th
ISBN: 9781619225718ASIN:
Number of pages: 75
Book Description:
Before there can be fire, there must be air…
Like his brothers, Ilmir is a dragon born by blood magic. Unlike them, he has an unrelenting thirst for human blood. His one and only scruple: he will never bite a woman he loves. It would kill her, and her loss would drive him mad.
Yet over the years, a young girl he once rescued and brought to the Isle has grown into a woman who occupies too much of his mind and heart.
On her name day, Astrid makes her two most heartfelt wishes: to experience the delights of the city, and to bring the vexing Ilmir back to the Zir family fold. As her wishes drop from her lips, lightning cracks and she discovers she is a weather witch—one in need of serious training to control her powers.
But her goal to redeem Ilmir is fraught with peril, for her deep need to learn the magical language not only awakens the dragon’s passion, it creates a perfect storm of danger that could cost the life of the man she loves.
Warning: This novel contains explicit sex, weather witches, vampires, a super-hot air dragon, and a woman who can wrap him up in a spell.
Available at Amazon BN Kobo iBooks
About the Author:Lacy Danes made a New Year's resolution to write a hot, historical romance.
A year and a half later, she achieved her goal. She lives in Portland, Oregon, where besides writing she enjoys playing cards, chasing her kids around, and savoring a great martini with the man of her dreams all while watching the world go by.
Visit Lacy at her web site.
www.LacyDanes.com
http://twitter.com/lacydanes
https://www.facebook.com/LacyDanes
https://www.facebook.com/lacy.danes.5
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/137629.Lacy_Danes
December 30 InterviewHouston Havens https://houstonhavens.wordpress.com
December 30 SpotlightShare My Destinyhttp://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com
December 31 ReviewThe Reading Pile. http://thereadingpile.com
January 1 SpotlightRoxanne’s Realmwww.roxannerhoads.com
January 2 Guest blogFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
January 5 Guest blog and reviewIlluminite Caliginosushttp://darkwriter67.wordpress.com
January 6 SpotlightLisa’s World of Bookswww.lisaswroldofbooks.net
January 7 Guest blogBookin' It Reviews http://www.bookinitreviews.com/
January 8 SpotlightLola Carson Bookshttp://lolacarson.blogspot.ie
January 9 SpotlightAll I Want and More Books https://alliwantandmorebooks.wordpress.com/
January 12 InterviewKay Dee’s Placehttp://www.kaydeeroyal.blogspot.com
January 13 SpotlightThe Creatively Green Write at Home Momwww.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
January 14 SpotlightDeal Sharing Auntwww.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com
January 14 Spotlight and rveiew
Penny For Them....
Http://pennyforthemuk.com/tour
January 15 Spotlight3 Partners in Shopping; Nana, Mommy, and Sissy toohttp://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com/
January 16 reviewNatural Bri-pursuits of lifeWww.naturalbri-pursuitsoflife.blogspot.co.uk
January 16 SpotlightGeeks In High Schoolhttp://www.geeksinhighschool.com
January 19 Guest blog Inner Goddess Forumhttp://www.InnerGoddessForum.com
January 20 Guest blogARe Cafewww.AReCafe.com
January 20 reviewParanormal Romance and Authors That Rockwww.pratr.wordpress.com
January 1, 2015
The Joys and Challenges of Writing Urban Fantasy Guest blog and Giveaway with Cory Dale
The Joys and Challenges of Writing Urban Fantasy
I've always been a huge fantasy fan of both film and books. I remember when the Wolfman and Dracula were considered horror, and now horror is totally redefined as something else. We're not so horrified of vampires and werewolves anymore. They, among other beasties, have become our fantasy.
Urban Fantasy has been around for a while, but I remember when there used to be some confusion as to what it meant. Most people understand epic fantasy, those magical realms with medieval settings. So when you classify fantasy as "urban," it may raise a few eyebrows. Or at least it did when the genre was still new. Urban Fantasy continues to baffle those who haven't yet been introduced to the imaginary world of contemporary magic.
I think one of the most intriguing aspects of urban fantasy is that stories are set in the present, and typically in a modern city (vis-à-vis urban). It's kind of mind blowing when you think about it. Many readers associate sorcerers and dragons and elves with thatch-roofed villages and horse-drawn carts. But in an urban fantasy we see these characters juxtaposed with modern cars, nightclubs, gangsta rap, computers, iphones, television, skyscrapers and everything else we associate with city life. It shakes up the fantasy genre and that's what I like about it. It's unexpected. There's something special about everyday people confronted by extraordinary circumstances.
Not all urban fantasies are romances. Most stories may have romantic elements, but romance is not the focus of the plot. Romance is typically used as a subplot portrayed in varying heat levels from sweet to hot enough to melt the fillings in your teeth. An urban fantasy is more like a mystery-suspense with magic and supernatural creatures. Some stories have absolutely no romantic elements at all.
I enjoy writing urban fantasy because it allows me to open up creatively and gives my imagination the opportunity to do just about anything it wants. That being said, it's not an easy genre to write well. Writing fiction is hard no matter what the genre, but when you invent magical systems with their own unique set of rules, and then have to explain your world in a way that doesn't sound like an explanation, you have a huge challenge on your hands. Everything has to flow seamlessly at a fast pace and not be overly heavy with information. Concepts must be easy to grasp for any reader. It takes several drafts to get right.
The market for tried and true urban fantasy--meaning the kind that features traditional monsters like werewolves and vampires--is rumored to be tapering off. Readers are looking for something that transcends the genre and presents a unique story, something that stands out in a crowd of books. A new twist on an old saw. So not only should urban fantasy writers be at the top of their game as far as craft, their stories must also be on the cutting edge of originality.
Demon Fare, the first book in my Spawnstertown Chronicles, is an urban fantasy set in a alternate history New York City. A hundred and fifty years ago, a powerful earthquake trampled the entire planet, destroying almost everything in its wake. Millions died, cities crumbled, and progress came to a screeching halt. It’s now the twenty-first century and civilization still relies on steam-powered energy, but there’s help from a magical species unearthed by the quake. The people have named them demons because of where they came from, but these amorphous creatures of energy are gentle and want only to serve humans by possessing their machines to make them run.
Though global resurgence is slow, the new world has enjoyed a century and a half of peace. At least until one greedy man—part human and part demon—forces the city’s demons to turn against their human masters. The city is blessed with two unlikely saviors: A Hellspawn taxi driver and an exorcist. Can these two sparring partners work together to take down the menace biting the Big Apple before it spreads worldwide?
Thank you for reading!
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Demon Fare The Spawnstertown ChroniclesBook OneCory DaleGenre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Karen Duvall
Date of Publication: 12/20/2014
ISBN: 13: 978-0692342633ASIN:
Number of pages: 324Word Count: 86,000
Cover Artist: Karen Duvall
Book Description:
In an alternate history New York City—one hundred and fifty years after an earthquake from hell nearly destroyed the planet—the twenty-first century clings to an industrial age. Steam engines rule, and demon-powered technology is the up and coming thing. Henry Paine, a half-demon taxi driver, is the go-to guy for just the right demon to possess your machine and automate any mechanical gizmo with or without an engine. The creatures are tame as pets. Or at least they have been… until now.
Wanda Snow is an exorcist who grudgingly admits to having a few drops of demon blood herself. She's come to New York to rid the city of demonic vermin as well as any other demons that get in her way. Wanda and Henry are naturally at odds, but the two are forced to become partners in a mutual goal to round up the rogue demons biting the Big Apple and take down the sinister tyrant who started it all.
Available at Amazon
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About the Author:Karen Duvall, who wrote Demon Fare as Cory Dale, lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and four incredibly spoiled pets. Karen is represented by Elizabeth Winick Rubenstein of the McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency. Her Knight's Curse series was published by Harlequin Luna in 2011 and 2012, and her post apocalyptic novella, Sun Storm, appeared in Luna's 'Til The World Ends anthology in 2013.
Karen is also a professional graphic designer who designs book covers and book interiors for self-published authors, and creates original 3D graphics for computer gaming. Demon Fare is the first book in her Spawnstertown Chronicles.
http://www.karenduvallauthor.com/
http://www.karenduvall.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/KarenDuvall
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/405199.Karen_Duvall
http://www.facebook.com/Karen.Duvall.Author
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December 29 Guest blogHelen Treharnewww.helentreharne.wordpress.com
December 29 SpotlightBooks N Pearls http://booksnpearls.com/blog
December 30 Spotlight3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy. & Sissy, Too! http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com
December 31 Guest blogSapphyria's Book Reviews http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/
December 31 SpotlightAshley's Paranormal Book BlogHttp://www.ashes86blog.wordpress.com
January 1 Guest blogFang-tastic Bookswww.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
January 1 SpotlightCBY Book Clubhttp://cbybookclub.blogspot.co.uk
January 2 InterviewThe Reading Pile http://thereadingpile.com
January 2 ReviewParanormal Romance and Authors That Rockwww.pratr.wordpress.com
January 5 Interview and reviewhappy tails and taleshttp://happytailsandtales.blogspot.com/
January 7 Guest blogJill Archerwww.jillarcher.com
