L.M. Preston's Blog, page 21
May 16, 2013
Emma Michaels Spotlight Author for Purgatory Reign FB Party!
Introducing Emma Michaels! Spotlight author for Facebook Party this Saturday, May 18th, 2013
When I Am Not Writing My journey to publication was a bit odd. I have gone from blogger to cover artist and now published author and still enjoy all three! Normally when I am not writing I am working on cover art or reading. I can’t help but continue to read books veraciously because I am so passionate about them and love to know what is going on in my genre. My cover art tends to take up the majority of my time but when I have time away from all things literary I turn to things like bike riding, finding adventures wherever I can and eating chocolate… because seriously… it’s chocolate. It should count as either a hobby or an entire food group.
Getting to work as a cover artist has really been a blessing. Not only to I get to meet amazing authors and publishers but I get to do what I love and then see it go out into the world! If you would like to know more feel free to stop by my website or portfolio at www.EmmaMichaels.com Here are a few examples of my work and thank you so much LM for including me in the tour and featuring me on your blog!
Purchase:
AmazonB&N
Party Host Schedule – Saturday, May 18th, 2013
3pm-4pm (EST) Kymberlee Burks-Miller
4pm-5:30pm (EST) Emma Michaels
5:30pm-6pm (EST) LM Preston
6pm-7pm (EST) Linda Foster
7pm-8pm (EST) Doug Solter
8pm-9pm (EST) KaSonndra Leigh
9pm-10pm (EST) LM Preston Party Close OutTWITTER PARTY: Friday, 5/17 at 7pm-9pm EST, use the hashtag #PurgatoryReign and @LM_Preston prizes include $5 Amazon Gift cards for 2 winners & books, swag prizes
FACEBOOK PARTY: Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/371743026256005/Starring 5 other authors and blog hosts, tons of prizes and fun.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
May 15, 2013
Debt Collector - Fallen by Susan Kaye Quinn - Cover Reveal!
It's here! Series # 6!!!
Fallen by Susan Kaye Quinn
Series: Debt Collector, #6
Publication date: May 15th 2013
Genre: NA Future-Noir
Synopsis:Lirium’s hopes for escape from Kolek’s mob are threatened when Valac seems to be coming unhinged.
Book 1 synopsis:
What's your life worth on the open market?
A debt collector can tell you precisely.
Lirium plays the part of the grim reaper well, with his dark trenchcoat, jackboots, and the black marks on his soul that every debt collector carries. He's just in it for his cut, the ten percent of the life energy he collects before he transfers it on to the high potentials, the people who will make the world a better place with their brains, their work, and their lives. That hit of life energy, a bottle of vodka, and a visit from one of Madam Anastazja's sex workers keep him alive, stable, and mostly sane... until he collects again. But when his recovery ritual is disrupted by a sex worker who isn't what she seems, he has to choose between doing an illegal hit for a girl whose story has more holes than his soul or facing the bottle alone--a dark pit he's not sure he'll be able to climb out of again.
The first three episodes of the Debt Collector serial are collectively the length of a short novel, or 152 pages. These are the first three of nine episodes in the first season of The Debt Collector serial. This dark and gritty future-noir is about a world where your life-worth is tabulated on the open market and going into debt risks a lot more than your credit rating. Episode 4, Broken, releases 4/17/13. For more about the Debt Collector serial, see DebtCollectorSeries.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/series/100549-debt-collector----
AUTHOR BIOSusan Kaye Quinn grew up in California, where she wrote snippets of stories and passed them to her friends during class. Her teachers pretended not to notice and only confiscated her stories a couple times.
Susan left writing behind to pursue a bunch of engineering degrees, but she was drawn back to writing by an irresistible urge to share her stories with her niece, her kids, and all the wonderful friends she’s met along the way.
She doesn’t have to sneak her notes anymore, which is too bad.
Susan writes from the Chicago suburbs with her three boys, two cats, and one husband. Which, it turns out, is exactly as a much as she can handle.
Author Links:Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
Thanks so much for participating!
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
Fallen by Susan Kaye Quinn
Series: Debt Collector, #6
Publication date: May 15th 2013
Genre: NA Future-Noir
Synopsis:Lirium’s hopes for escape from Kolek’s mob are threatened when Valac seems to be coming unhinged.
Book 1 synopsis:
What's your life worth on the open market?
A debt collector can tell you precisely.
Lirium plays the part of the grim reaper well, with his dark trenchcoat, jackboots, and the black marks on his soul that every debt collector carries. He's just in it for his cut, the ten percent of the life energy he collects before he transfers it on to the high potentials, the people who will make the world a better place with their brains, their work, and their lives. That hit of life energy, a bottle of vodka, and a visit from one of Madam Anastazja's sex workers keep him alive, stable, and mostly sane... until he collects again. But when his recovery ritual is disrupted by a sex worker who isn't what she seems, he has to choose between doing an illegal hit for a girl whose story has more holes than his soul or facing the bottle alone--a dark pit he's not sure he'll be able to climb out of again.
The first three episodes of the Debt Collector serial are collectively the length of a short novel, or 152 pages. These are the first three of nine episodes in the first season of The Debt Collector serial. This dark and gritty future-noir is about a world where your life-worth is tabulated on the open market and going into debt risks a lot more than your credit rating. Episode 4, Broken, releases 4/17/13. For more about the Debt Collector serial, see DebtCollectorSeries.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/series/100549-debt-collector----
AUTHOR BIOSusan Kaye Quinn grew up in California, where she wrote snippets of stories and passed them to her friends during class. Her teachers pretended not to notice and only confiscated her stories a couple times.
Susan left writing behind to pursue a bunch of engineering degrees, but she was drawn back to writing by an irresistible urge to share her stories with her niece, her kids, and all the wonderful friends she’s met along the way.
She doesn’t have to sneak her notes anymore, which is too bad.
Susan writes from the Chicago suburbs with her three boys, two cats, and one husband. Which, it turns out, is exactly as a much as she can handle.
Author Links:Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
Thanks so much for participating!
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
May 14, 2013
Skid by Doug Solter-Spotlight Host in Purgatory Reign FB Party!
Hello, Everyone! My name is Doug Solter and I'm an indie author who loves writing young adult fiction. I enjoy the genre because of the quick pacing, the fresh point of view, and the flexibility and challenges of writing it. My favorite categories of the genre are contemporary, science fiction, paranormal, and action. My first novel, Skid, is a young adult novel that some could label a “racing” novel. But I've heard from many readers who love the book despite their lack of interest in auto racing. I take great pride in that because one of my goals for the novel was for readers to embrace the teen character and her struggle. Racing was only meant to be the setting for Samantha's tale, not the wall a reader must climb over to appreciate her story. I wanted readers to fall in love with the magic of a girl who had a dream and the will to pursue it.
So today I wanted to give some of you a little insight into Samantha Sutton, the main character of Skid.
1. Samantha is a passionate yet stubborn teen girl with a temper she always struggles to control.2. Her mother hates the fact her daughter races cars. She wants Samantha to go to Junior College since it's much safer.3. Samantha is the middle sister and the only daughter who shared her father's love for racing. He died in a car crash. Samantha vows to make those racing dreams they both shared come true.4. The girl doesn't think about death. It's bad luck to think like that when you're racing a car over 200 miles per hour. Fear can freeze you up and make you lose your edge. And your nerve.5. Her parent's farm is near a small town in Oklahoma. When she travels to Europe to race in Formula 1, Samantha has to adjust to a new world with new pressures, new expectations, and new problems.6. Samantha hides a secret that could rip her family apart. A family that means everything to her.7. Boys and Tomboys can be a tricky mix. When Samantha befriends the nephew of the racing team's owner, she struggles with trying to hold on to a friend who wants to be so much more.8. Samantha loves Amsterdam. The canal boat rides are her favorite. Especially when you can share it with the right boy.9. Samantha hates it when it rains. Especially when she has to race a car in it.10. She meets her all-time racing hero and must race against him. Samantha finds that heroes can sometimes be the greatest enemies.
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading. Please feel free to say hello on Twitter, visit my website, or shoot me an email. I would love to hear from you!
If you'd like to give Skida spin, you can purchase the ebook on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, ITunes, and Smashwords. Or if you prefer, you can buy the paperback on Indiebound, Barnes and Noble, or Amazon.
More about Skid:
Samantha's racing dreams come true when a struggling Formula 1 team takes a long-shot on a 17-year-old girl racer from Oklahoma who shows unusual promise behind the wheel. But staying on top of the leader board will take every ounce of determination and fire Samantha has to fight for her job and for the world championship. Even if that means confronting the only fear that will keep Samantha from becoming the race car driver she is destined to be.
More about the author:
Growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Doug went to college at nearby Oklahoma State where he earned a B.A. in Radio/TV/Film production. Doug started writing screenplays in 1998 and became a 2001 semi-finalist in The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences’ Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting for his fifth screenplay, Father Figure. His tenth script, Rail Fan, became a quarter-finalist in 2009. Soon after, Doug made the switch to writing young adult novels. Skid, a young adult novel set in the world of Formula 1 racing, is his first.
Party Host Schedule – Saturday, May 18th, 2013
3pm-4pm (EST) Kymberlee Burks-Miller
4pm-5:30pm (EST) Emma Michaels
5:30pm-6pm (EST) LM Preston
6pm-7pm (EST) Linda Foster
7pm-8pm (EST) Doug Solter
8pm-9pm (EST) KaSonndra Leigh
9pm-10pm (EST) LM Preston Party Close OutTWITTER PARTY: Friday, 5/17 at 7pm-9pm EST, use the hashtag #PurgatoryReign and @LM_Preston prizes include $5 Amazon Gift cards for 2 winners & books, swag prizes
FACEBOOK PARTY: Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/371743026256005/Starring 5 other authors and blog hosts, tons of prizes and fun.
a Rafflecopter giveawayLM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
May 13, 2013
Author Linda Foster of Soul Bound!
Introducing ..... author Linda Foster!!! An esteemed hostess with the mostest!
Linda's Featured Story is inside: Click here to purchase for $0.99
My name is Linda Foster. I was born and raised in Colorado, where I still live with my (very patient) husband and four (very spoiled) ferrets. I became an avid reading enthusiast the moment I picked up my first book, and have grown steadily worse with time. By the time I was 15 years old, my library had become too big for my shelves, and I was forced to donate all of my books to the local school, just to make room for new ones. I started writing short novellas for my friends in middle school, and expanded into full-length novels several years later.
Soul Bound is my first published novel.Though I had my short story Condemned, which is based on the characters in my book, published in the Dark Heart Anthology January 2012. So if January seems like a lifetime away, like it does for me, you can pick up a copy of my short story. You will get to hear Ash’s back story and get a little taste for my writing while you wait for the book. And all proceeds go to charity! Just click on the link below!
Book Proceeds to Charity!
Now for a little preview of my book… Soul Bound is set for publication January 2014. Ash was just another high school student, intent on living life to the fullest. Until he sold his soul to a demon to save his sister’s life, and fell in love with a fallen angel.
Kali, on the other hand, had never considered herself normal. She was, after all, one of the original fallen angels – cast from Heaven in the days before mankind, and cursed to serve a dark master as repentance. She’s spent thousands of years battling that fate, and trying to regain her soul.
Now the two find themselves bound together by a promise that can’t be broken, tied by a blood vow stronger than life itself. Kali has unwittingly gained Ash’s soul, and cannot be rid of it by any means available to her. Ash, on the other hand, cannot escape with his life – or soul – intact.
But there are darker fates than being tied to a demon. Like being at the top of the Master of Dark’s kill list. Kali has spent centuries unwillingly serving him, and dreaming of a way out. Now she’s found it. It will take an alliance of the fallen angels, and answers to some ancient questions, but the end will mean redemption. Freedom. The chance to go back home.
If they succeed, they become angels once again, and return to light. If they fail, the entire world fails with them.
Unfortunately, things are rarely that simple. When Ash gets involved – in the worst ways possible – Kali must defend the blood vow, and finds her path littered with demons, sacred artifacts, confusion … and a love she never saw coming.
You can find more information on my website - http://linda-foster.com/ And you can follow me onFacebook https://www.facebook.com/TheRealmOfTh...
Or Twitter @lkfoster86
Join Linda and the other amazing authors at my Purgatory Reign Release party this Saturday, May, 18th!
Prize list:- itunes gift cards- free books of course - Swag galore from multiple authorsand so much more
Party Host Schedule – Saturday, May 18th, 2013
3pm-4pm (EST) Kymberlee Burks-Miller
4pm-5:30pm (EST) Emma Michaels
5:30pm-6pm (EST) LM Preston
6pm-7pm (EST) Linda Foster
7pm-8pm (EST) Doug Solter
8pm-9pm (EST) KaSonndra Leigh
9pm-10pm (EST) LM Preston Party Close OutTWITTER PARTY: Friday, 5/17 at 7pm-9pm EST, use the hashtag #PurgatoryReign and @LM_Preston prizes include $5 Amazon Gift cards for 2 winners & books, swag prizes
FACEBOOK PARTY: Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/371743026256005/Starring 5 other authors and blog hosts, tons of prizes and fun.
About Purgatory Reign by LM PrestonGenre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance, Action Adventure
Book Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atvKA9E4bPI&feature=youtu.be
Read sample: http://www.freado.com/book/13273/purgatory-reign
Brief description of Purgatory Reign
Seventeen-year-old Peter Saints’ life stinks. But things are about to get much worst. First, his parents are murdered in front of him. Then another victim dies in his arms.
Visions plague Peter with warnings that something wants him for a sinister cause. It desires the one thing that Peter refuses to give – his blood. Peter carries within him the one gift or curse that could unlock a secret to destroy the human race.
On the run with Angel, a girl disguised as a scruffy kid, Peter starts to unravel the mystery. It’s the one treasure the heavens sought to hide from the world. Unfortunately, when Peter finds the answer he hopes that will save them, he opens the door to a great evil that happens to be salivating to meet him.
By LM Preston,(www.lmpreston.com)
Order Below:
Amazon Barnes & Noble
Indie Bound
Books A Million
Kobo Smashwords
RaffleCopter Prize Pack: Paperback or Ebook copy of Purgatory Reign, $20 Amazon Gift Card, T-shirt, a prize from all participating authors
a Rafflecopter giveaway LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
Linda's Featured Story is inside: Click here to purchase for $0.99
My name is Linda Foster. I was born and raised in Colorado, where I still live with my (very patient) husband and four (very spoiled) ferrets. I became an avid reading enthusiast the moment I picked up my first book, and have grown steadily worse with time. By the time I was 15 years old, my library had become too big for my shelves, and I was forced to donate all of my books to the local school, just to make room for new ones. I started writing short novellas for my friends in middle school, and expanded into full-length novels several years later.
Soul Bound is my first published novel.Though I had my short story Condemned, which is based on the characters in my book, published in the Dark Heart Anthology January 2012. So if January seems like a lifetime away, like it does for me, you can pick up a copy of my short story. You will get to hear Ash’s back story and get a little taste for my writing while you wait for the book. And all proceeds go to charity! Just click on the link below!
Book Proceeds to Charity!
Now for a little preview of my book… Soul Bound is set for publication January 2014. Ash was just another high school student, intent on living life to the fullest. Until he sold his soul to a demon to save his sister’s life, and fell in love with a fallen angel.
Kali, on the other hand, had never considered herself normal. She was, after all, one of the original fallen angels – cast from Heaven in the days before mankind, and cursed to serve a dark master as repentance. She’s spent thousands of years battling that fate, and trying to regain her soul.
Now the two find themselves bound together by a promise that can’t be broken, tied by a blood vow stronger than life itself. Kali has unwittingly gained Ash’s soul, and cannot be rid of it by any means available to her. Ash, on the other hand, cannot escape with his life – or soul – intact.
But there are darker fates than being tied to a demon. Like being at the top of the Master of Dark’s kill list. Kali has spent centuries unwillingly serving him, and dreaming of a way out. Now she’s found it. It will take an alliance of the fallen angels, and answers to some ancient questions, but the end will mean redemption. Freedom. The chance to go back home.
If they succeed, they become angels once again, and return to light. If they fail, the entire world fails with them.
Unfortunately, things are rarely that simple. When Ash gets involved – in the worst ways possible – Kali must defend the blood vow, and finds her path littered with demons, sacred artifacts, confusion … and a love she never saw coming.
You can find more information on my website - http://linda-foster.com/ And you can follow me onFacebook https://www.facebook.com/TheRealmOfTh...
Or Twitter @lkfoster86
Join Linda and the other amazing authors at my Purgatory Reign Release party this Saturday, May, 18th!
Prize list:- itunes gift cards- free books of course - Swag galore from multiple authorsand so much more
Party Host Schedule – Saturday, May 18th, 2013
3pm-4pm (EST) Kymberlee Burks-Miller
4pm-5:30pm (EST) Emma Michaels
5:30pm-6pm (EST) LM Preston
6pm-7pm (EST) Linda Foster
7pm-8pm (EST) Doug Solter
8pm-9pm (EST) KaSonndra Leigh
9pm-10pm (EST) LM Preston Party Close OutTWITTER PARTY: Friday, 5/17 at 7pm-9pm EST, use the hashtag #PurgatoryReign and @LM_Preston prizes include $5 Amazon Gift cards for 2 winners & books, swag prizes
FACEBOOK PARTY: Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/371743026256005/Starring 5 other authors and blog hosts, tons of prizes and fun.
About Purgatory Reign by LM PrestonGenre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance, Action Adventure
Book Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atvKA9E4bPI&feature=youtu.be
Read sample: http://www.freado.com/book/13273/purgatory-reign
Brief description of Purgatory Reign
Seventeen-year-old Peter Saints’ life stinks. But things are about to get much worst. First, his parents are murdered in front of him. Then another victim dies in his arms.
Visions plague Peter with warnings that something wants him for a sinister cause. It desires the one thing that Peter refuses to give – his blood. Peter carries within him the one gift or curse that could unlock a secret to destroy the human race.
On the run with Angel, a girl disguised as a scruffy kid, Peter starts to unravel the mystery. It’s the one treasure the heavens sought to hide from the world. Unfortunately, when Peter finds the answer he hopes that will save them, he opens the door to a great evil that happens to be salivating to meet him.
By LM Preston,(www.lmpreston.com)
Order Below:
Amazon Barnes & Noble
Indie Bound
Books A Million
Kobo Smashwords
RaffleCopter Prize Pack: Paperback or Ebook copy of Purgatory Reign, $20 Amazon Gift Card, T-shirt, a prize from all participating authors
a Rafflecopter giveaway LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
Purgatory Reign Facebook Release Party! May 18th, Be there Or Be Square!
There’s a Party Going On – Saturday May 18th, 2013 on Facebook!
Did you hear? There’s a PARTY going on! Twitter this Friday, May 17th at 7pm-9pm EST just use the hashtag #PurgatoryReign
AND...are you listening … AND … A Facebook release party PURGATORY REIGN a facebook Release Party!
6 hour Party with Spotlight Authors, trivia games, food, itunes gift cards, list of freebie party favors, interactive chatting, singing, dancing, nonstop games, music, prizes and free stuff!! Author segments each hour that are themed and more giveaways!!!
PURGATORY REIGN, Something Evil This Way Comes…unfortunately for it, Peter Saints awaits…
Prize list:- itunes gift cards- free books of course - Swag galore from multiple authorsand so much more
Party Host Schedule – Saturday, May 18th, 2013
3pm-4pm (EST) Kymberlee Burks-Miller
4pm-5:30pm (EST) Emma Michaels
5:30pm-6pm (EST) LM Preston
6pm-7pm (EST) Linda Foster
7pm-8pm (EST) Doug Solter
8pm-9pm (EST) KaSonndra Leigh
9pm-10pm (EST) LM Preston Party Close OutTWITTER PARTY: Friday, 5/17 at 7pm-9pm EST, use the hashtag #PurgatoryReign and @LM_Preston prizes include $5 Amazon Gift cards for 2 winners & books, swag prizes
FACEBOOK PARTY: Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/371743026256005/Starring 5 other authors and blog hosts, tons of prizes and fun.
About Purgatory Reign by LM PrestonGenre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance, Action Adventure
Book Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atvKA9E4bPI&feature=youtu.be
Read sample: http://www.freado.com/book/13273/purgatory-reign
Brief description of Purgatory Reign
Seventeen-year-old Peter Saints’ life stinks. But things are about to get much worst. First, his parents are murdered in front of him. Then another victim dies in his arms.
Visions plague Peter with warnings that something wants him for a sinister cause. It desires the one thing that Peter refuses to give – his blood. Peter carries within him the one gift or curse that could unlock a secret to destroy the human race.
On the run with Angel, a girl disguised as a scruffy kid, Peter starts to unravel the mystery. It’s the one treasure the heavens sought to hide from the world. Unfortunately, when Peter finds the answer he hopes that will save them, he opens the door to a great evil that happens to be salivating to meet him.
Blog Post:The Meanest Character You ever wrote
Introducing Gavin Steele , he's the #1 villain in my 2013 new series PURGATORY REIGN
He's the most evil, conniving, slightly deranged character I've ever created. And he scares me. I'm going to share just a taste of what happens when he comes on the scene.
Note: this isn't the final edited excerpt from Purgatory Reign
Gavin knew from experience he’d only have a short time to get his answer before the greedy one would consume the spirit in which it hid and demand the price. “The name of the one who can stop me, the one I should remove from the equation,” he demanded from the psychic.
She hissed, and her white pupils turned on him. “Peter. Peter Saints.”
Her body jerked from side to side in an attempt to fight her way free of an invisible force, but it was too late, the price would be paid. For one moment, shock and fear laced her expression before she slumped to the floor, permanently silenced. He slipped his hands into his pocket, pulling out rubber gloves and a knife that he calmly unfolded. For a brief moment he stared in space while in thought.
“Peter. Peter Saints.” the sound of the name left a foul taste on his tongue.
Shrugging off his jacket, he grinned. Messes, he hated to leave messes. And tonight, like all the other nights, he’d clean it up.
By LM Preston,(www.lmpreston.com)
Order Below:
Amazon Barnes & Noble
Indie Bound
Books A Million
Kobo Smashwords
RaffleCopter Prize Pack: Paperback or Ebook copy of Purgatory Reign, $20 Amazon Gift Card, T-shirt, a prize from all participating authors
a Rafflecopter giveaway LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
May 10, 2013
Springtime Book Giveaway!
GUESS WHAT?!
Elle Casey's Springtime Book Giveaway ~
Is happening NOW! Yep, from Today til May 15th! Be there or be square to get your reading stash before the Summer starts!
Brace yourself, We have 190 titles and 1,554 copies to give away!!
Sign up here: http://ellecasey.com/promotions/elle-caseys-springtime-indie-book-giveaway/LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
May 8, 2013
Artemis Rising by Cheri Lasota
New Cover Revealed!!!
Previous Cover
The Artemis Rising e-book is now live under the Ever-Sea Press imprint!My contract is up with my awesome e-publisher, Spirehouse Books, and it's time for me to make my way into the publishing world as a free-born indie author! My time with Spirehouse Books has been a one-of-a-kind experience. We launched Artemis Rising in September 2011 and focused on a new thing called e-book cards. They exploded into a new venture for Lucas Beechinor, Spirehouse Books publisher. His GreenersideDigital.com caters to other authors who want to try out ebook cards for themselves. It's been a grand adventure, and I'm so grateful I got to be a part of it. We've seen a lot of changes in the publishing industry--readers and authors alike. Some changes have been awe-inspiring--indie authors making the New York Times Bestseller list and tools like Jutoh and Draft2Digital that are making it easier than ever to publish. And some changes have been disastrous--traditional publishers gobbling up vanity presses to make a buck, the loss of likes, tags, and author reviews on Amazon, and traditional publishers and agents giving authors incredibly poor contract terms. Here's hoping the future remains bright with possibilities. One thing's certain, the changes will keep coming. It's best we try to keep up, so we don't get left behind! If you haven't picked up your copy of Artemis Rising yet, you can find it at the sites below. Feel free to watch the book trailer or read the description below to learn more about this love story based on mythology.
Artemis Rising EbookAmazon | Barnes & Noble| Kobo | iTunes | XinXiiArtemis Rising PaperbackAmazon | Barnes & Noble| Buy.com | Book DepositoryThe StoryIt is 1898 in the Azores, nine forgotten islands of magic, mystery and mythology. Since birth, Azorean Eva Maré has been fated to take on the name and tragic life of Arethusa, a Greek nymph who is turned to water after the river god Alpheus falls in love with her.But when she accepts her new name she learns at once that the river god she is to give herself to is none other than Diogo, the son of a rich ship owner, and his obsession for Eva is frightening. When Eva is rescued by Tristan, an Azorean orphan, she finds herself drawn to him despite the overwhelming obstacles between them. But Tristan has a destiny of his own, one that leads him toward another girl, another life, and another tragic end. Will Eva reach Tristan before he loses his life to a cruel twist of fate? Will Tristan save Eva from a fate worse than death at the hand of Diogo? Destined to be with Diogo yet hoping against hope that she will win Tristan's love, Eva must somehow choose between them, or fate will choose for her.
Cheri Lasota has written poetry and fiction for sixteen years, edited fiction for nine years and recently jumped headlong into design work for enhanced ebooks. She has a great love for all things techy / geeky, so she finds herself pushing the boundaries of ebook marketing and design at every turn. Her passion for fiction and helping other novelists achieve their goals is without limits. Her bestselling debut novel, Artemis Rising, is a 2012 finalist in the Next Generation Indie Books Awards and a 2013 finalist in the Cygnus Awards. She is currently finishing up her second YA novel, Echoes in the Glass, set on the Oregon Coast. Learn more about Cheri here: Come to Cheri's home on the Web: www.CheriLasota.comJoin the Conversation on Cheri's Blog: www.cherilasota.com/writers-portal/blog/Join Cheri's Fan Page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CheriLasotaFollow Cheri on Twitter: LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
Previous Cover
The Artemis Rising e-book is now live under the Ever-Sea Press imprint!My contract is up with my awesome e-publisher, Spirehouse Books, and it's time for me to make my way into the publishing world as a free-born indie author! My time with Spirehouse Books has been a one-of-a-kind experience. We launched Artemis Rising in September 2011 and focused on a new thing called e-book cards. They exploded into a new venture for Lucas Beechinor, Spirehouse Books publisher. His GreenersideDigital.com caters to other authors who want to try out ebook cards for themselves. It's been a grand adventure, and I'm so grateful I got to be a part of it. We've seen a lot of changes in the publishing industry--readers and authors alike. Some changes have been awe-inspiring--indie authors making the New York Times Bestseller list and tools like Jutoh and Draft2Digital that are making it easier than ever to publish. And some changes have been disastrous--traditional publishers gobbling up vanity presses to make a buck, the loss of likes, tags, and author reviews on Amazon, and traditional publishers and agents giving authors incredibly poor contract terms. Here's hoping the future remains bright with possibilities. One thing's certain, the changes will keep coming. It's best we try to keep up, so we don't get left behind! If you haven't picked up your copy of Artemis Rising yet, you can find it at the sites below. Feel free to watch the book trailer or read the description below to learn more about this love story based on mythology. Artemis Rising EbookAmazon | Barnes & Noble| Kobo | iTunes | XinXiiArtemis Rising PaperbackAmazon | Barnes & Noble| Buy.com | Book DepositoryThe StoryIt is 1898 in the Azores, nine forgotten islands of magic, mystery and mythology. Since birth, Azorean Eva Maré has been fated to take on the name and tragic life of Arethusa, a Greek nymph who is turned to water after the river god Alpheus falls in love with her.But when she accepts her new name she learns at once that the river god she is to give herself to is none other than Diogo, the son of a rich ship owner, and his obsession for Eva is frightening. When Eva is rescued by Tristan, an Azorean orphan, she finds herself drawn to him despite the overwhelming obstacles between them. But Tristan has a destiny of his own, one that leads him toward another girl, another life, and another tragic end. Will Eva reach Tristan before he loses his life to a cruel twist of fate? Will Tristan save Eva from a fate worse than death at the hand of Diogo? Destined to be with Diogo yet hoping against hope that she will win Tristan's love, Eva must somehow choose between them, or fate will choose for her.
Cheri Lasota has written poetry and fiction for sixteen years, edited fiction for nine years and recently jumped headlong into design work for enhanced ebooks. She has a great love for all things techy / geeky, so she finds herself pushing the boundaries of ebook marketing and design at every turn. Her passion for fiction and helping other novelists achieve their goals is without limits. Her bestselling debut novel, Artemis Rising, is a 2012 finalist in the Next Generation Indie Books Awards and a 2013 finalist in the Cygnus Awards. She is currently finishing up her second YA novel, Echoes in the Glass, set on the Oregon Coast. Learn more about Cheri here: Come to Cheri's home on the Web: www.CheriLasota.comJoin the Conversation on Cheri's Blog: www.cherilasota.com/writers-portal/blog/Join Cheri's Fan Page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CheriLasotaFollow Cheri on Twitter: LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
May 6, 2013
Iron Man 3 - Movie Review
Blurb:
When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution. Director: Writers: (screenplay), (screenplay), 4 more credits » Stars:, , My Review: Let me just say it had a full dosage of action, and I loved seeing Robert D. again. However, the story line was just okay. It wasn't horrible but it was somewhat predictable. It starts off with his fun days, a bit of a flashback.Then a double crossed caused by his his typical arrogant Tony Stark ways which we should hate, but accept because...hey well it's Robert D. playing him and we totally love the guy. The movie kept my interest and my family absolutely loved it! Oh, and don't leave the movie theater too early you'll miss Tony's confessions to Dr. Banner (from The Hulk). We gave this movie a whooping, 3.75 stars out of 5 stars. We would purchase it on video to watch over and over again just for the action and adrenaline rush of it. LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
May 1, 2013
Security In Schools - Inner City vs Suburbs
If you didn't know, schools in the inner city have METAL DETECTORS. Yep, you heard me, metal detectors.
Not all of them, but many of the high schools in Washington DC do. It was a shock to my son who goes to school in a quiet suburban neighborhood who visited is cousin's school in DC for a teen conference on cellphone use.
He witnessed the kids, playing basketball and football on a concrete slab on an enclosed playground surrounded by brick walls.
For me, growing up in the city, it wasn't a shock or a surprise.
INNER CITY SCHOOL SECURITY
You see, having these protective measures in inner city schools seem viable. Does it keep weapons out of the school?
Yes, most of the time. But the crime? It's still there. To combat that, most of these schools also have ARMED security.
SUBURBAN SCHOOL SECURITY
Now my kid's schools have more of a subtle approach to security. It's there in the form of Security Guards with concealed weapons. But there aren't as many guards and there are NO METAL DETECTORS.
Why not? With all the recent publicized school shootings being in the suburban neighborhoods, why aren't they putting metal detectors and visibly armed security guards in the schools?
SHOULD ALL SCHOOLS have metal detectors, visible armed security guards and stepped up security?
As a parent I say yes, but the thought of sending my kid to school with the message that they are in danger, and they can't be trusted is a feeling I'm not willing to combat. For now my kids don't understand that level of security in schools as a normal instance, and I hope they never will have to.
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
April 29, 2013
DEBT COLLECTOR (Serial Novel) by Susan Kaye Quinn
Guess what I'm sharing with you all?
A HOT HOT HOT new Serial Series named the DEBT COLLECTOR by Susan Kaye Quinn!
Simply Yummy!
Here's a Tasty Tease Excerpt for you!
GUESS WHAT!!!!! I can give 1 copy away to a commenter who follows Susan's Newsletter - CLICK HERE:
Excerpt from Delirium (Debt Collector 1) by Susan Kaye Quinn:
The shakes have mostly settled out, but I still take care not to spill as I fill all three shot glasses with pure Polish wódka, neat. The bottle wasn’t expensive, but it’s a step up from the stuff at the local liquor stop, which is only one shade away from rubbing alcohol and almost as deadly. Moe, Larry, and Curly stare at me from the glasses, their faces fixed forever in an approving smirk, a disgusted frown, and a wide-eyed dumbfounded look of shock, respectively. All three are apt reactions to my life, my profession, and the ritual the four of us are engaging in once again.
“Hello boys.” I salute them. “Made it home without losing my breakfast.” They’re still judging me with their looks, so I pick up Larry’s shot, throw it back, and slam it down, his look of frozen disgust turned away. The vodka burns, and I cough even though I expect it. The ten percent still buzzes inside me, and I know the life force is kicking against the alcoholic onslaught carving a liquid path of happy through my system.I’ve already placed my order with Madam Anastazja for one of her high-end sex workers who cater to collectors. No familiar faces, I added online this time. It’s easier to get lost in a girl when I don’t know her face, yet. Lost is where I need to be right now, and I have just the recipe to get there. Wait till the nausea passes. Get a hot shower and a change of clothes. Stow my trenchcoat in the closet by the door until I need to dress the part of Death again. Do three shots with the boys to get me started, then spend an hour of tangled limbs and ecstasy in the sheets with the girl. Finally, split the rest of the bottle until we’re both so stupid drunk we don’t remember any of it.
It’s my routine, it makes me forget the spook and the fresh black mark on my soul, and I don’t mess with it. The next day, I’m back to normal, on the sort of even-keel that gets me through the day and the night and the day after that. Until I collect again.
Plus it saves me from drinking the entire bottle alone.
Goodreads
Purchase:Amazon: Barnes & Noble:
AUTHOR BIO
Susan Kaye Quinn grew up in California, where she wrote snippets of stories and passed them to her friends during class. Her teachers pretended not to notice and only confiscated her stories a couple times.
Susan left writing behind to pursue a bunch of engineering degrees, but she was drawn back to writing by an irresistible urge to share her stories with her niece, her kids, and all the wonderful friends she’s met along the way.
She doesn’t have to sneak her notes anymore, which is too bad.
Susan writes from the Chicago suburbs with her three boys, two cats, and one husband. Which, it turns out, is exactly as a much as she can handle.Author Links:Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
PLAY FOR GRAND PRIZE
a Rafflecopter giveawayLM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
A HOT HOT HOT new Serial Series named the DEBT COLLECTOR by Susan Kaye Quinn!
Simply Yummy!
Here's a Tasty Tease Excerpt for you!
GUESS WHAT!!!!! I can give 1 copy away to a commenter who follows Susan's Newsletter - CLICK HERE:
Excerpt from Delirium (Debt Collector 1) by Susan Kaye Quinn:
The shakes have mostly settled out, but I still take care not to spill as I fill all three shot glasses with pure Polish wódka, neat. The bottle wasn’t expensive, but it’s a step up from the stuff at the local liquor stop, which is only one shade away from rubbing alcohol and almost as deadly. Moe, Larry, and Curly stare at me from the glasses, their faces fixed forever in an approving smirk, a disgusted frown, and a wide-eyed dumbfounded look of shock, respectively. All three are apt reactions to my life, my profession, and the ritual the four of us are engaging in once again.
“Hello boys.” I salute them. “Made it home without losing my breakfast.” They’re still judging me with their looks, so I pick up Larry’s shot, throw it back, and slam it down, his look of frozen disgust turned away. The vodka burns, and I cough even though I expect it. The ten percent still buzzes inside me, and I know the life force is kicking against the alcoholic onslaught carving a liquid path of happy through my system.I’ve already placed my order with Madam Anastazja for one of her high-end sex workers who cater to collectors. No familiar faces, I added online this time. It’s easier to get lost in a girl when I don’t know her face, yet. Lost is where I need to be right now, and I have just the recipe to get there. Wait till the nausea passes. Get a hot shower and a change of clothes. Stow my trenchcoat in the closet by the door until I need to dress the part of Death again. Do three shots with the boys to get me started, then spend an hour of tangled limbs and ecstasy in the sheets with the girl. Finally, split the rest of the bottle until we’re both so stupid drunk we don’t remember any of it.
It’s my routine, it makes me forget the spook and the fresh black mark on my soul, and I don’t mess with it. The next day, I’m back to normal, on the sort of even-keel that gets me through the day and the night and the day after that. Until I collect again.
Plus it saves me from drinking the entire bottle alone.
Goodreads
Purchase:Amazon: Barnes & Noble:
AUTHOR BIOSusan Kaye Quinn grew up in California, where she wrote snippets of stories and passed them to her friends during class. Her teachers pretended not to notice and only confiscated her stories a couple times.
Susan left writing behind to pursue a bunch of engineering degrees, but she was drawn back to writing by an irresistible urge to share her stories with her niece, her kids, and all the wonderful friends she’s met along the way.
She doesn’t have to sneak her notes anymore, which is too bad.
Susan writes from the Chicago suburbs with her three boys, two cats, and one husband. Which, it turns out, is exactly as a much as she can handle.Author Links:Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
PLAY FOR GRAND PRIZE
a Rafflecopter giveawayLM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
