Cheryl Kaye Tardif's Blog, page 31
December 9, 2010
Smashwords ebook sale - thrillers, YA, romantic suspense, horror only $0.99 each - limited time offer
For a limited time*, you can purchase the following ebooks on Smashwords.com for only $0.99 each:
WHALE SONG (YA/mystery novel - 2010 edition)LANCELOT'S LADY (Romantic suspense novel)SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET (Horror/Suspense anthology)REMOTE CONTROL (Suspense/Sci-fi novelette)THE RIVER (Suspense thriller novel)DIVINE INTERVENTION (Paranormal suspense novel)
You can read Smashwords ebooks on a variety of ereaders and smartphones, plus you can read on your computer or laptop. Multiple formats available. You can also read large samples.
Happy Holidays!
Cheryl Kaye Tardifwww.cherylktardif.com
*This offer expires January 10th, 2011.Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
WHALE SONG (YA/mystery novel - 2010 edition)LANCELOT'S LADY (Romantic suspense novel)SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET (Horror/Suspense anthology)REMOTE CONTROL (Suspense/Sci-fi novelette)THE RIVER (Suspense thriller novel)DIVINE INTERVENTION (Paranormal suspense novel)
You can read Smashwords ebooks on a variety of ereaders and smartphones, plus you can read on your computer or laptop. Multiple formats available. You can also read large samples.
Happy Holidays!
Cheryl Kaye Tardifwww.cherylktardif.com
*This offer expires January 10th, 2011.Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
December 8, 2010
Autographed novels make perfect gifts
While supplies last, I am offering to autograph and mail out WHALE SONG, THE RIVER and DIVINE INTERVENTION to customers in Canada or the US. I have 35 of each book in stock and I'll take orders until December 20th.
The price is $9.99 each, plus shipping and handling. Shipping is $4/book.
Remember to note via PayPal who you want the book addressed to, especially if it's a gift. I can mail it to you or to the recipient, so be sure to add that info to PayPal.
*A free bookmark is included with each book.
To order, click on Add to Cart buttons below:
WHALE SONG - a "compelling" story of family ties, love, tragedy, sacrifice and transformation that will change the way you view life...and death.
$9.99 US + Shipping
THE RIVER - like LOST meets TIMELINE meets THE DA VINCI CODE. Stem Cell Research, Cloning, And World Domination--With A Twist.
$9.99 US + Shipping (sells for about $20 at most retailers)
DIVINE INTERVENTION - CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan is assigned a hot case―one that requires the psychic abilities of the PSI Division.
$9.99 US + Shipping (sells for just under $20 at most retailers)
Shipping times vary and can take one to 2 weeks to arrive. Canada and US destinations only.Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
The price is $9.99 each, plus shipping and handling. Shipping is $4/book.
Remember to note via PayPal who you want the book addressed to, especially if it's a gift. I can mail it to you or to the recipient, so be sure to add that info to PayPal.
*A free bookmark is included with each book.
To order, click on Add to Cart buttons below:
WHALE SONG - a "compelling" story of family ties, love, tragedy, sacrifice and transformation that will change the way you view life...and death.
$9.99 US + Shipping
THE RIVER - like LOST meets TIMELINE meets THE DA VINCI CODE. Stem Cell Research, Cloning, And World Domination--With A Twist.
$9.99 US + Shipping (sells for about $20 at most retailers)
DIVINE INTERVENTION - CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan is assigned a hot case―one that requires the psychic abilities of the PSI Division.
$9.99 US + Shipping (sells for just under $20 at most retailers)
Shipping times vary and can take one to 2 weeks to arrive. Canada and US destinations only.Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
December 6, 2010
Redeeming Characters Blog Tour - Turning a Sidekick into a Leading Man
Today's special guest blogger is Jennifer L. Hart, whom I met at Textnovel.com. To celebrate the launch of Jennifer's latest novel, Redeeming Characters, she's put together a fabulous blog tour with great prizes. Welcome, Jennifer! ~ Cheryl
Hello all and a great big thank you to my hostess for having me here as part of my Redeeming Characters blog tour. One of my personal guilty pleasures is watching brainless comedies. You know the kind when you laugh at toilet humor and people falling off high places to land in a whole pile of icky glop? Yes I know, how sophomoric, but I love to laugh.
Going hand in hand with that is the drive to make other people laugh too. I don't have the personality for a stand-up comedian—I actually don't like that much attention focused on my person. I'm more like the two old muppet characters snarking from the balcony.
In typical comedy, the one-liner character is invented for a single purpose, to say something pithy to ease the tension or sometimes to ratchet it up a few notches. After watching enough comedies though, I stop following the main storyline and my mind starts wondering what his story is, what makes a man so snarky and always ready to quip at another's misfortune?
Popular culture has never really delved into that guy, the side kick, the wingman. Sure you have your comedic heroes—John Cusack comes to mind— but the characters he's plays always have more depth right from first scene.
Unsatisfied at the offerings of snarky heroes, I made one up instead. From his very first line, "Did anything in the known universe suck as much as author day?" I knew this guy was exactly what I wanted, the kind I yearned to know more about. Absolutely nothing was sacred— anything in sight was fair game to Drue.
What I didn't expect were the hidden depths, the dark and twisty places inside his head that not only explained why he became the one liner guy, but that he really had no other choice. Part nature, part nurture equaled a scary and difficult human being.
You see, the typical one liner guy, he's a one trick pony. Pop over, unleash a zinger, or two and then fade away. A true romance novel hero needs more depth, more color. There were times when writing Redeeming Characters when I worried I was ruining my zinger guy, after all, who can laugh in the face of constant suffering and not look like a total lunatic?
Worse yet, the one liner guys aren't typically fantasy material. They fit more comfortably in the role of the best friend's older brother, like Paul Rudd in Clueless. Sure, he gets the girl in the end, but he went overlooked for a good portion of that movie.
So how to create a real Alpha hero who could be snarky and loveable at once?
After years of struggling it hit me. And man, did I feel like a moron when the dust finally settled. It's not what he says, it's what he does. You know the schoolyard rhyme. Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me? Well, they do hurt, just in a different way. I had to make sure his actions spoke to the man, and made up for the words Drue wields like a weapon's expert.
So, that's the story of how I turned the sidekick into my leading man. Come check out Redeeming Characters available wherever ebooks are sold and in print now at Amazon.com. One random commenter, selected by my good hostess, will receive a Redeeming Characters keychain. Be sure to stop by www.jenniferlhart.com for a chance to win the blog tour prize.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
Hello all and a great big thank you to my hostess for having me here as part of my Redeeming Characters blog tour. One of my personal guilty pleasures is watching brainless comedies. You know the kind when you laugh at toilet humor and people falling off high places to land in a whole pile of icky glop? Yes I know, how sophomoric, but I love to laugh.Going hand in hand with that is the drive to make other people laugh too. I don't have the personality for a stand-up comedian—I actually don't like that much attention focused on my person. I'm more like the two old muppet characters snarking from the balcony.
In typical comedy, the one-liner character is invented for a single purpose, to say something pithy to ease the tension or sometimes to ratchet it up a few notches. After watching enough comedies though, I stop following the main storyline and my mind starts wondering what his story is, what makes a man so snarky and always ready to quip at another's misfortune?
Popular culture has never really delved into that guy, the side kick, the wingman. Sure you have your comedic heroes—John Cusack comes to mind— but the characters he's plays always have more depth right from first scene.
Unsatisfied at the offerings of snarky heroes, I made one up instead. From his very first line, "Did anything in the known universe suck as much as author day?" I knew this guy was exactly what I wanted, the kind I yearned to know more about. Absolutely nothing was sacred— anything in sight was fair game to Drue.
What I didn't expect were the hidden depths, the dark and twisty places inside his head that not only explained why he became the one liner guy, but that he really had no other choice. Part nature, part nurture equaled a scary and difficult human being.
You see, the typical one liner guy, he's a one trick pony. Pop over, unleash a zinger, or two and then fade away. A true romance novel hero needs more depth, more color. There were times when writing Redeeming Characters when I worried I was ruining my zinger guy, after all, who can laugh in the face of constant suffering and not look like a total lunatic?
Worse yet, the one liner guys aren't typically fantasy material. They fit more comfortably in the role of the best friend's older brother, like Paul Rudd in Clueless. Sure, he gets the girl in the end, but he went overlooked for a good portion of that movie.
So how to create a real Alpha hero who could be snarky and loveable at once?
After years of struggling it hit me. And man, did I feel like a moron when the dust finally settled. It's not what he says, it's what he does. You know the schoolyard rhyme. Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me? Well, they do hurt, just in a different way. I had to make sure his actions spoke to the man, and made up for the words Drue wields like a weapon's expert.
So, that's the story of how I turned the sidekick into my leading man. Come check out Redeeming Characters available wherever ebooks are sold and in print now at Amazon.com. One random commenter, selected by my good hostess, will receive a Redeeming Characters keychain. Be sure to stop by www.jenniferlhart.com for a chance to win the blog tour prize.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
November 26, 2010
The Best Time of Year to Query Agents
A special welcome to Jeff Rivera, author and entrepreneur. I've known Jeff for a few years and am happy to call him my friend and writing/publishing associate. Jeff has helped many authors find success, either by connecting them to fabulous publishers, agents or editors.
The Best Time of Year to Query Agentsby Jeff Rivera, founder of HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com
As any book publishing professional will tell you, now is the time when the industry goes on hiatus. But guess what? This is one of the best times of the year to pitch agents. Why? Because agents may slow down during the hiatus period but they cannot help but sneak a peek at their email.
I know because I deal with literally hundreds of literary agencies every year.
They're constantly searching for the next hot thing to represent. And if it's sent to them now, they will have enough time to spit polish it before the industry starts back up again in January.
What's so special about January? Editors come back from the holidays with a fresh new perspective. They're also loaded up with their expense accounts all over again so they'll be ready to rock n' roll when they use those accounts to lunch with your new agent.
Expense accounts are often on a "use it or lose it" basis. If the editor didn't use all their "lunch money" last year they'll receive an even less amount this year. It's also around the time when editors and editorial directors have set or about to set their editorial schedules. So, what better time to submit to agents!
If you have something solid and ready, get your query letter together. And it better be good because you only have one shot with these agents. What are agents looking for right now more than ever?
1) Middle grade - If you've written the next Diary of a Wimpy Kid, especially a funny book for boys now's the time to pitch it.
2) Young Adult fiction - Hot, Hot, Hot! If you have a YA book, nothing's hotter in the industry. It's the one genre that has not dipped in sales tremendously. In fact, agencies are adding more agents to their rosters, specifically looking for this genre. More agents means more opportunities for you.
3) Graphic novels - If you're an author who has had a difficult time selling your novel, think about adapting it as a graphic novel. The great thing is, you don't have to be able to draw. Simply align yourself with a great artist. Create a 5-page sample of your work, a detailed summary and presto! That's all you need. 100% of the clients we've done this for have gotten agents.
4) Celebrity Memoirs - If you've got connections to celebrities, even D-List Reality TV star celebrities, this is a sure bet. Submit a solid book proposal "co-written" or ghost written by you and your hot celebrity and two things will happen: 1) The sun will rise tomorrow 2) An agent will request to read your proposal.
5) High Platform Nonfiction - If you have a huge opt-in mailing list, are the president of a large charity or organization, own your own PR firm, or have strong media connections, now's the time to write a book. Remember, if it's a nonfiction book, you only need write a book proposal, not the entire manuscript. With a strong platform, you'll have agents chasing after you instead of the other way around. 100% of the clients we created book proposals for have landed agents and damn good ones within a week or two.
Remember, you only have one shot with these agents. So, make sure your query letter is as solid as possible. If you need help writing a winning query letter, contact: cheryl@gumbowriters.com and we'll help you. 100% of the query letters we've ghost written have received at least 10 top agents that have requested to read their manuscripts or proposals.
~Jeff Rivera, www.HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com and www.GumboWriters.com
A special note from bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif:
A few years ago I used Jeff's query service. I was stunned by the response, especially after years of "following the rules" on how to write a query letter. Jeff breaks those antiquated rules and delivers a query that really grabs agents' attention. I had dozens of requests for partial and full manuscripts, and after a couple of weeks I signed with a reputable agency. My agent has been so supportive and a real cheerleader in everything I do. I highly recommend Jeff's query service.Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
The Best Time of Year to Query Agentsby Jeff Rivera, founder of HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com
As any book publishing professional will tell you, now is the time when the industry goes on hiatus. But guess what? This is one of the best times of the year to pitch agents. Why? Because agents may slow down during the hiatus period but they cannot help but sneak a peek at their email.
I know because I deal with literally hundreds of literary agencies every year.
They're constantly searching for the next hot thing to represent. And if it's sent to them now, they will have enough time to spit polish it before the industry starts back up again in January.
What's so special about January? Editors come back from the holidays with a fresh new perspective. They're also loaded up with their expense accounts all over again so they'll be ready to rock n' roll when they use those accounts to lunch with your new agent.
Expense accounts are often on a "use it or lose it" basis. If the editor didn't use all their "lunch money" last year they'll receive an even less amount this year. It's also around the time when editors and editorial directors have set or about to set their editorial schedules. So, what better time to submit to agents!
If you have something solid and ready, get your query letter together. And it better be good because you only have one shot with these agents. What are agents looking for right now more than ever?
1) Middle grade - If you've written the next Diary of a Wimpy Kid, especially a funny book for boys now's the time to pitch it.
2) Young Adult fiction - Hot, Hot, Hot! If you have a YA book, nothing's hotter in the industry. It's the one genre that has not dipped in sales tremendously. In fact, agencies are adding more agents to their rosters, specifically looking for this genre. More agents means more opportunities for you.
3) Graphic novels - If you're an author who has had a difficult time selling your novel, think about adapting it as a graphic novel. The great thing is, you don't have to be able to draw. Simply align yourself with a great artist. Create a 5-page sample of your work, a detailed summary and presto! That's all you need. 100% of the clients we've done this for have gotten agents.
4) Celebrity Memoirs - If you've got connections to celebrities, even D-List Reality TV star celebrities, this is a sure bet. Submit a solid book proposal "co-written" or ghost written by you and your hot celebrity and two things will happen: 1) The sun will rise tomorrow 2) An agent will request to read your proposal.
5) High Platform Nonfiction - If you have a huge opt-in mailing list, are the president of a large charity or organization, own your own PR firm, or have strong media connections, now's the time to write a book. Remember, if it's a nonfiction book, you only need write a book proposal, not the entire manuscript. With a strong platform, you'll have agents chasing after you instead of the other way around. 100% of the clients we created book proposals for have landed agents and damn good ones within a week or two.
Remember, you only have one shot with these agents. So, make sure your query letter is as solid as possible. If you need help writing a winning query letter, contact: cheryl@gumbowriters.com and we'll help you. 100% of the query letters we've ghost written have received at least 10 top agents that have requested to read their manuscripts or proposals.
~Jeff Rivera, www.HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com and www.GumboWriters.com
A special note from bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif:
A few years ago I used Jeff's query service. I was stunned by the response, especially after years of "following the rules" on how to write a query letter. Jeff breaks those antiquated rules and delivers a query that really grabs agents' attention. I had dozens of requests for partial and full manuscripts, and after a couple of weeks I signed with a reputable agency. My agent has been so supportive and a real cheerleader in everything I do. I highly recommend Jeff's query service.Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
October 30, 2010
Kobo ereader winner announced
The grand prize for my Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour is a Kobo ereader, generously donated by Kobo Books. (Thank you, Kobo!!!)Everyone who left a comment on any of my tour blog posts, along with their email address was given a poi nt per blog comment. Those who purchased Lancelot's Lady during the special promotion time received an extra 25 points. The points were then converted into entries and all were placed in a box and shuffled.
Today, the winner was drawn.
And the winner is...
SARAH COULSEY!
Congratulations, Sarah.Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
October 28, 2010
Guest author Sandra Cox talks about sundials and time travel
A special welcome to guest blogger Sandra Cox, author of Sundial, a time travel romance. Sandra is sharing her thoughts on time travel and sundials. Take it away, Sandra...Today they are ornamental and grace our gardens. But down through the ages the sundial has been a functional measurement of time. In fact, it was the first instrument developed to tell time. It was developed in BC and told time by the use of an object, commonly called a gnomon that threw a shadow from one side to the other as the object followed the sun.
Since my lead female character is a garden painter, the sundial seemed the perfect means of transporting her back in time.
If you are writing, have written or thinking about writing a time travel what transport device appeals to you?
Thanks for joining me today. And a big thanks to Cheryl for having me.
(You are very welcome, Sandra! :-)
Now here's an excerpt from the Sundial:(Sarah is in a garden with her niece Meghan and cat Monet when she first discovers the sundial.)Sarah blinked then squinted. For the first time, she saw that Monet was seated beside an old sundial. "Meghan, come here. You've got to see this," she called out excitedly, her headache forgotten. She heard an exaggerated sigh."You said not to come.""I've found an old sundial. Or rather Monet has.""A real one?" The rustling began again, as Meghan started pushing her way through."Appears so," Sarah squatted down to study it. "Looks to be a hundred years old. I bet it's valuable. You should see the intricate detail. This will make a great piece to paint!" As Sarah studied it, she noticed the words. "There's writing on it." She read aloud, "Fate cannot be...drat, moss has grown over the rest of the words."A wave of superstitious terror washed over Meghan. Suddenly, the pieces all fell into place. And as the old woman had prophesied, she believed. "Sarah, don't. Get out of there now. Please, Sarah, please," she cried, her teeth chattering."What's wrong with you?" Sarah asked irritably still studying the sundial. "There's actually heat radiating from it. Surprising, it's not that warm out.""Sarah, please," Meghan pleaded. "Don't you remember what the old lady said?" She fought her way through the overgrowth, not feeling the scratches a thorny branch left on her face or the warm blood trickling down her cheek. But it was as if the thicket conspired to keep her out. Tears streamed down Meghan's face as she pushed at the bracken separating herself and her aunt.She broke through just as Sarah reached down to brush the moss from the sundial."No, Sarah, no," she screamed. Later her mind would play the scene over again in slow motion: Sarah's hand reaching out; Monet jumping playfully at her fingers, bringing them both in touch with the sundial; the boom; the jagged streak of white; and then nothing. They were gone, leaving Meghan alone in the clearing with the sundial.
Blurb: As Sarah Miles is driving down Eighteenth Street a stranger materializes in front of her car. She throws on her brakes, braces for impact and..drives straight through him. For a brief moment his voice filled with quiet despair echoes in her head. "Saura." Then he is gone. Later that day, Sarah discovers the Sundial ad her incredible journey through time begins.
Contest:
For a chance to win an autographed copy of SUNDIAL, a 'seeing' pendant and a Starbucks gift certificate just leave a comment mentioning Cheryl and SUNDIAL at www.sandracox.blogspot.com. The contest runs from October 15 – November 14 at 5:00 p.m.
SUNDIAL blog tour hostesses are invited to enter.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
October 24, 2010
Lancelot's Lady review: "I absolutely loved it."
"Lancelot's Lady is a compelling and emotional tale of two people destined for one another. The suspense builds and builds until the stunning and shocking conclusion is revealed. D'Angelo pens a wonderful story of two passionate souls searching for someone to complete them. The sparks fly and the attraction sizzles between Jonathon and Rhianna, and the pages just fly by as this reader found herself captivated with their story. I absolutely loved it!!"--Wendy, reviewer & blogger
Read the full review.
Lancelot's Lady is available at Amazon, Kobo Books, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and more.Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
October 22, 2010
Lancelot's Lady review: "Kept me glued to the page."
"I loved this story. The characters were compelling...intriguing and kept me glued to the page. Lancelot's Lady is first and foremost a romance, but the mystery undertones definitely keep you interested and wanting to read more...I simply adore when there is a kid in the story, specially such a lovable one… Adorable!"--Larissa Benoliel, reviewer & blogger
Read the full review.
Lancelot's Lady is available at Amazon, Kobo Books, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and more.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
October 21, 2010
Whale Song - a novel about a teen who survives bullying, racism and tragedy
Here is the new book trailer for my bestselling novel WHALE SONG, an inspiring novel about family, love, deception, tragedy, forgiveness and hope that will change the way you view life...and death.
"Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart...a beautiful, haunting novel." --New York Times bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls and What Matters Most
"Moving...sweet and sad." --Booklist
"A wonderfully well-written novel...would make a wonderful movie." --Writer's Digest
An enhanced paperback edition with bonus content is now available at: https://www.createspace.com/3486110
You can also order the ebook edition at Kobo Books, Kindle Store & SmashwordsCheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
Thirteen years ago, Sarah Richardson's life was shattered after the tragic death of her mother. The shocking event left a grief-stricken teen-aged Sarah with partial amnesia.
Some things are easier to forget.
But now a familiar voice from her childhood sends Sarah, a talented mid-twenties ad exec, back to her past. A past that she had thought was long buried.
Some things are meant to be buried.
Torn by nightmares and visions of a yellow-eyed wolf and aided by creatures of the Earth and killer whales that call to her in the night, Sarah must face her fears and recover her memories―even if it destroys her.
Some things are meant to be remembered―at all cost.
"Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart...a beautiful, haunting novel." --New York Times bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls and What Matters Most
"Moving...sweet and sad." --Booklist
"A wonderfully well-written novel...would make a wonderful movie." --Writer's Digest
An enhanced paperback edition with bonus content is now available at: https://www.createspace.com/3486110
You can also order the ebook edition at Kobo Books, Kindle Store & SmashwordsCheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
October 20, 2010
Lancelot's Lady review: "If you're a romance reader, you won't want to miss this one."
"This author is a genius with lyrical description. I felt as though I saw and touched everything Rhianna did. Her characters are vivid, memorable, and likeable. The plot is fast moving which is good because there are so many secrets to uncover! They are woven throughout the plot and keep you guessing from start to finish. I thought I had it figured out, but I was wrong. If you're a romance reader, you won't want to miss this one."--Elaine Cantrell, author
Read the full review.
Lancelot's Lady is available at Amazon, Kobo Books, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and more.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com
