Angie Lofthouse's Blog, page 4

Ooooh! Check this out.

I'm so excited that Karen E. Hoover has a new book coming out soon! Here's the fantastic cover and blurb for Newtimber: Fractured. I can't wait!




Introducing Newtimber: Fractured, an exciting YA urban fantasy novel by Karen E. Hoover, author of The Wolfchild Sagaand others.
There was absolutely no way a black dragon hovered outside of Newtimber. Sianna rubbed her eyes, but the dragon was still there, clutching a round object that looked like a spotted egg. And then the egg fell, hitting the ground like an atomic bomb, sending out waves of a slow-moving fog that distorted everything it touched.
The citizens of Newtimber change. The old man down the street stretches into a screaming tree. Sianna’s skateboarding friend, Matt, transforms into a giant green dragon. Pegasus. Sirens. Griffins. Vampires. Zombies. Creatures from the myths of every culture come to life through the people.
Even Sianna changes, her skin becoming stone hard, and she gains the ability to travel from the human realm into the dimension of the fae, using it to free her father from prison and enlist his aid in battling the evil bent on taking over the world.
One person to heal a family, a town, and save the world. It seems an impossible task, but with the help of her new friends, iRight?
Newtimber: Fractured will be released early summer 2014 by Trifecta Books. Visit www.trifectabooks.com for exciting updates about this great new series! 

Congratulations, Karen!

One Word Interview with Crystal Collier

Today we welcome Crystal Collier, author of Moonless, to the writing chair. Thanks for coming today, Crystal!

Zombie apocalypse! What fictional character do you most want by your side?
Thor

Oh, yeah. He'd be a good choice!
 
What trait do you share in common with your MC.
Facing my fears

An excellent quality to possess.
 
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Benjamin Franklin 

I'll bet he would be quite entertaining. Great choice!
 
You’re having your favorite author over for dinner. What are you serving?
Cheese soufflé

That sounds delicious.
 
You've been set down in the middle of your latest book. Weapon of choice?
Kiren’s pendant

A pendant, huh? Sounds intriguing.

Thanks so much for being with us, Crystal!

Crystal Collier is a former composer/writer for Black Diamond Productions. She can be found practicing her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, three littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog and Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.

MOONLESS: Jane Eyre meets Supernatural.

Alexia’s nightmares become reality: a dead baron, red-eyed wraiths, and forbidden love with a man hunted by these creatures. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a loveless marriage, or escape with her beloved and risk becoming one of the Soulless.

Add to Goodreads!

Bloodlust Cover Reveal!

Today is the cover reveal for Nicole Zoltack's latest, Bloodlust. (You can read her One Word Interview here.) Take it away Nicole!


Hi, everyone! Nicole Zoltack here and I'm so happy to share with you the cover for my upcoming release.


Isn't it just beautiful? And it's perfect for the story.

Here's the blurb for BLOODLUST, a NA epic fantasy romance.

In a world torn by prejudice and hatred, six races struggled for supremacy.
Desperation…
Barbarian-Princess Ivy is unwilling to allow her father to provoke the other races into war and forms an unlikely alliance with Lukor the goliath to save her people from utter destruction.
Betrayal…
Unbeknownst to her, Lukor blames the barbarians for murdering his sister and plans on sabotaging her goal.
Bloodlust…
Almost despite each other, they grow to respect each other on their journey to decode secret messages from the trolls. But nothing Ivy can do will prevent the war as her father is blinded by Bloodlust and incites it himself. Not even killing him and becoming Barbaroness can stop the tide. And when Bloodlust claims Ivy, forcing her to kill everyone in her path, she must make a choice to destroy even Lukor, who she may have started to fall for and him in return.
The cover is so fitting, am I right?

The story will be released on February 24th. Ack! So excited. I'd love for you to share this and I'd even kiss you if you add it on Goodreads.

What do you think about the cover? The blurb? Does it sound like something you'd like to read?

Bio:
Nicole Zoltack loves to write in many genres, especially fantasy romance. When she's not writing about knights, superheroes, or zombies, she loves to spend time with her loving husband and three energetic boys. She enjoys riding horses (pretending they're unicorns!) and going to the PA Renaissance Faire, dress in garb. She'll also read anything she can get her hands on. To learn more about Nicole and her writing, visit her blog.

One Word Interview with Annalisa Crawford

Today, we welcome Annalisa Crawford, author of Cat and the Dreamer, and That Sadie Thing, to the writing chair! Take it away, Annalisa

The house is on fire! Aside from your children, what would you grab first?
My fountain pen.

You are a wise woman.

You're performing on Broadway. What show are you in?
Evita.
 
(Imagine me singing) Don't cry for me Argentiiiiiina!

What's your dream romantic getaway spot?
Florence.

Oh, yes. Anywhere in Italy is good for me.
 
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Jane Austen

Fun! I want to come to.

We're holding a banquet in honor of your awesomeness. What are we serving for dessert?
Chocolate cheesecake!

Now, there's a type of cheesecake I can live with!

I live in Cornwall UK, with a good supply of beaches and moorland right on my doorstep. I live with my husband, two boys, a dog and a cat. Despite my location. I neither surf nor sail, and have never had any inclination to try. I much prefer walking along a deserted beach and listening to the waves crashing over rocks. For this reason, I really love the beach in the winter!
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Cat and the Dreamer:
As a teenager, Julia survived a suicide pact, while her best friend Rachel died. Julia’s only escape from her
guilt, and her mother’s over-protection, is her imagination. When Adam arrives in the office, Julia’s world takes a startling turn as she realises reality can be much more fun than fantasy. Finally she has someone who can help her make the most of her life. But can she allow herself to be truly happy?


That Sadie Thing:
That Sadie Thing and other stories is an intense and emotional journey through the relationships that define our lives: a couple breaking up on a rainy night; a woman finding comfort from eating lunch as her best friend lies in hospital; a runaway longing to go home; a teenager oppressed by her father, and many more. All of the characters in this collection are struggling to find their place in the world, attempting to find connections that matter with the people around them, however fleeting. This is a dark, unsettling yet memorable collection.

The Ransomed Returning online launch party!

Today we are celebrating the release of The Ransomed Returning all day long on the Defenders of the Covenant page on Facebook!

Roomies: A Defenders of the Covenant short story Pop over and join us! There are videos, quizzes, games, prizes, and fun stuff. And everyone who parties with me today can get a free Defenders of the Covenant short story!

There will be activities all day from 10am-8pm, so come on over and say hello!

Exciting News!

I am so pleased to announce the release of  The Ransomed Returning Book 2 in the Defenders of the Covenant Series!

After a lifetime of comfortable slavery, freedom isn't always easy to bear. Over a year after the emancipation of Earth, Peter Halstead—older brother of Derek, the hero of the emancipation—has been delivered from his long servitude to the invaders. But reminders of his bondage remain. Black cities still dot the globe, with the alien bureaucrats still in charge. Goods are still being shipped from Earth to the alien planet Nebkiriv, but worst of all, Zion wants to negotiate a trade agreement with the cursed invaders. Peter can see only one way to come to terms with the loss of his freedom and his youth for so many years. Revenge. When Zion is struck by a rogue invader attack vessel, Peter's resolve is further hardened and he seeks out others who want revenge as much as he does. Meanwhile, Hannah, Derek, McKenzie and the rest of the defenders of Zion scramble to find the source of the attack and unravel the conspiracy behind it before Earth becomes subject to its enemies once again.

You can get it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords!

To celebrate, I am holding an online launch party next Tuesday, Feb. 11, all day long! There will be fun, prizes, free books, and virtual cookies, so come join us!

Also, in celebration of the release of Book 2, Defenders of the Covenant is currently on sale for just $2.99 for your Kindle or Nook.

Hannah and her friends have been warned about the danger lurking outside of their secret refuge from the alien invaders who devastated the Earth years before. Their leaders have raised them in the Latter-day Saint faith, teaching them to trust God, but when McKenzie and her rebellious boyfriend, Jeremy, decide to run away, Hannah and Derek follow, determined to bring their friends home. Once outside, the four teens soon realize they cannot return to the refuge without endangering everyone there. Captured, enslaved, and separated, Hannah, Derek, and McKenzie each learn the unique role they must play in liberating the Earth. The friends must battle with android soldiers and attack vessels, and face their own inner struggles to overcome the invaders. After all, not even an alien invasion can stop the work of God.

One Word Interview with Nicole Zoltak

Today we welcome fantasy author Nicole Zoltak, author Black Hellebore to the writing chair. Take it away, Nicole!

Stranded on a desert island! What's your must-have item?
 A fully loaded kindle that has a never ending battery 

A wise decision. Books are necessary for survival for sure.

You've been plunked down in a fairy tale. What character are you?
Snow - but only if she's the Snow in Once Upon a Time.

Yes, she's much better than the Disney version, isn't she?

You are having your characters over for dinner. What are you serving?
Chicken with pesto and wine and something chocolaty for dessert

Your characters must love you! Yum.

What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Joan of Arc

This is always the question I look forward to most. So many interesting people to choose from. I would love to meet Joan of Arc too!

If you could time travel to any period in history, where would you go? 
Late Middle Ages / early Renaissance 

A fascinating time.

Thank you so much for being with us, Nicole!

Nicole Zoltack writes speculative stories for all ages. When she's not writing about knights or superheroes, she loves to spend time with her loving husband and three energetic young boys. She loves riding horses (pretending they're unicorns, of course!) and going to the PA Renaissance Faire, dress in garb. She'll also read anything she can get her hands on. Her favorite current TV show is The Walking Dead. To learn more about Nicole and her works, visit www.NicoleZoltack.com or http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com



Black Hellebore: 

Once a year for the past decade, Nicholas Adams returns to Falledge and leaves a black hellebore on his

His girlfriend's twin, Julianna Paige, is Falledge's deputy, struggling to solve several murders. Nicholas, and his alter ego the Black Hellebore, helps her, even as she helps him move on and even start to love again.

Unfortunately, Nicholas wasn't the only one changed in the laboratory explosion, and now there's a supervillain bent on destroying Falledge, and killing the Black Hellebore. But falling in love might prove more dangerous than any supervillain.

girlfriend's grave. While departing Falledge, he chases after a man sneaking into the laboratory and dies for his trouble. A witch brings him back to life, but Nicholas soon realizes he's not the same man. Turns out, magic combined with a black hellebore in his pocket changed him into a kind of a super man.
Black Hellebore, first in a new superhero romance trilogy The Heroes of Falledge.
eBook release: October 2013
print release: January 2014
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN 10: 1-61252-363-3
ISBN 13: 978-1-61252-363-7

One Word Interview with Randy Lindsay

Today, we welcome Randy Lindsay, author of the LDS speculative novel, The Gathering. Welcome, Randy!

You've been set down in the middle of your latest book. Weapon of choice?
Faith

Amazing answer! I had never thought of faith as a weapon before, but yes.

What one trait do you have in common with your main character?
Doubt

I think all our characters reflect the deepest parts of ourselves.
 
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
William Shakespeare

Love it! Can I come too?
 
We are holding a banquet in honor of your awesomeness. What are we serving for dessert?
Ice Cream

A man after my own heart.
 
What fictional world would you most like to live in?
Narnia

See? There you go again. Just what I would have chosen. :)

Thanks so much, Randy!

Randy Lindsay is a native of Arizona. From an early age, his mind traveled in new and unusual directions. His preoccupation with "what if" eventually led him to write speculative fiction. According to his wife, "everything is a story to Randy." And it is. The Gathering is his first novel, but he has been published in a variety of science-fiction and fantasy anthologies. He lives in Mesa with his wife and five of his nine children. If you want to find out more you can check out his website at RandyLindsay.net.

Robert Williams didn't expect an early honorable release from his mission, but upon his return home, he sees the reason for the surprise decision. Unemployment, rampant violence, and frequent food shortages have put the United States on the brink of another civil war. As the threads of society unravel, the Williams family must adapt to drastic changes as the long-foretold gathering begins to take place.

One Word Interview with C. Michelle Jeffries

Today, I am pleased to welcome my good friend C. Michelle Jeffries, author of the futuristic suspense thriller, Emergence, to the writing chair. Take it away, Michelle!

Zombie apocalypse! What fictional character do you most want by your side?
Acheron Parthenopaeus from Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunters
 
Excellent! Sounds like a good guy to have your back.
 
You've been plunked down in the middle of your latest book. Weapon of choice?
British .338 sniper rifle
 
Efficient, accurate, and deadly!
 
You are having your characters over for dinner. What are you serving?
Chinese
 
Takeout, I hope. Gives you more time to visit!
 
You've been transported into a fairy tale. What character are you?
The Snow Queen
 
Brrrrrr. I think I'd prefer a warmer character, personally. :)
 
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
George Washington

I am always so interested to see what historical figures people choose. What a great lunch that would be! I wonder what he'd think of America today.

Thanks so much for being with us, Michelle!


C. Michelle Jefferies practically grew up in a library. The oldest daughter of four, she spent hours devouring books with her mother. When she was ten, she realized that she wanted to write stories like the science fiction books she loved to read. In high school, she met another writer that inspired her to write a novel instead of just short stories. She finished that 189 page handwritten novel the summer of her junior year.

A mother of seven, she put her writing on the back burner while she focused on raising her young children, and volunteering as a breastfeeding counselor in her community. When her children were old enough for her to spend a few hours on the computer, without them burning the house down, she returned to writing and hasn't stopped since. Often writing or editing with a baby in her arms or under her feet.

Married to the guy her high school boyfriend introduced her to; she claims the last 20 + years as her education and mission experience. With a love for natural mothering, and a passion for secret agents and all things Asian she writes about bad boys turned good and fantasy of the urban type. All while beating herself up three times a week in Karate class as she works toward her black belt in Tang Soo Do.

Buy Emergence on Amazon!

A Hitman with a Conscience.

Assassin Antony Danic has never killed an innocent man. At least the corporation he works for has never given him a reason to think otherwise until now. Reeling from a series of demanding assignments, Antony is desperate for some downtime. As he sits on a beach in Tahiti watching his wife play in the ocean, a messenger from his employer delivers a death threat. Suddenly, the hunter has become the hunted. While Antony struggles to find a way out of his till death do us part contract, he's faced with the decision of a lifetime: kill another man who may be innocent, or do what's right even if it puts his family in jeopardy.

One Word Interview with Fay Klingler

Today we have our first non-fiction writer in the writing chair. Welcome, Fay Klingler, author of numerous inspirational non-fiction books, including A Woman's Power, The LDS Grandparents' Idea Book, and Shattered: Six Steps from Betrayal to Recovery. She also has two new books coming out this March! We Are Strong! Mothers and Daughters Stand Together, and I Am Strong! I Am Smart! 

Stranded on a desert island! What's your must-have item?
A water purifier. (Of course that comes with a shaded oasis complete with an active spring in the middle! Oh, yes, and could there be a side pocket on that purifier that produces life-sustaining puree?)

A very practical answer! Especially the shady oasis part. 

If you could travel back in time, what ere would you visit?
You know, when I was younger, I thought I’d make a great pioneer during the 1800s or early 1900s. But lately, when my stomach is empty, I’ve wondered how some of my ancestors managed on little food and very scanty money. What era of the past to visit? No doubt one of the most wonderful times to visit would be the 1970s–1980s when my babies were young and active.

What a sweet answer. That sounds nice.
 
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Abraham Lincoln. I have several questions for him and would look forward to a frank conversation.

Ooooh. Wouldn't that be great?
 
You're performing on Broadway. What show are you in?
Mary Poppins. I can really relate with her character role . . .

Yes, I can see that in you. :)
 
What one character trait do you feel serves you best?
Organization and leadership. Oops! You said one character trait. Hmmmm. How about the trait of organizationaleadership?

An excellent trait to have! However you spell it.

Thanks so much for being with us today Fay!


Fay A. Klingler, author and illustrator, is an award-winning creative and technical writer, as well as a sought-after motivational speaker for women’s groups and radio and television audiences. Her expertise includes successful patterns for life, betrayal recovery, and effective grandparenting. Her newest publications to be released in March 2014 are I Am Strong! I Am Smart! and We Are Strong! Mothers and Daughters Stand Together. Fay’s previous publications include: A Woman’s Power: Threads that Bind Us to God; Shattered: Six Steps from Betrayal to Recovery; Daughters of God, You Have What It Takes; The LDS Grandparents’ Idea Book; My Magnificent Mountain; The Complete Guide to Woman’s Time; Our New Baby; and A Mother’s Journal.


Fay loves to hear from her readers. You can send her an email at fay@klingler.com, contact her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FayKlingler, or visit her website at www.fayklingler.com.