L.M. Preston's Blog, page 24
February 25, 2013
THE SECOND SIGN by Elizabeth Arroyo
So very excited to have author, Elizabeth Arroyo in the house! Can you give me a Woot!
We are here to celebrate her release, THE SECOND SIGN.
The Second SignBy Elizabeth Arroyo
The floorboards creaked under the Intruder as he walked up the aisle of the small church. Moving shadows crept along the walls, brought to life by the flickering candles that rimmed the nave. Looming carved pieces, depicting the last moments of the prophet vital to this particular religion’s history, hung between stained glass windows. The deity's name didn't matter, known as many different names in the world. What mattered was that people believed.
Belief was power.
The Intruder sauntered toward the altar, a hint of incense in the air. A stone baptismal fountain laid on the floor to his left, large enough to bathe a child or drown one depending on your intent. His eyes settled on the iconic figure crucified and displayed for all to see. He found a moment’s peace gazing up at the idolized portrayal of death. Crucifixion was a martyr's death, instilling fear in those that witnessed it. Fear begets conformity in all creatures. The Intruder looked down at his own palms, tracing his own scars with his thumb.
There were many ways to kill a man. But only one way to kill a soul.
Genuflecting, he crossed himself as was the customary fashion, and then slid into a pew and leaned forward, his head bowed in reverence. He no longer prayed, had forgotten how over the many centuries. Memories were blurred in his mind, unable to remember his true name. The reference of time held no meaning for him. Nothing mattered but peace of mind.
He lifted his head and gazed upon a statue of one of the Fallen. The Fallen's arm was raised high over his head as if to shield himself from an expected blow. A serpent coiled around his leg up his waist, its tail curled around his wrist holding him down to the base, his mouth open in a silent eternal scream.
The Intruder knew one day he would meet the same fate. But not yet. He had work to finish still. Peace was all he wanted.
He inhaled deeply. A door creaked and footsteps approached. The echoes pounded in his ears.“May I help you?” a man's voice asked.
The Intruder scowled. Peace was never afforded to the wicked.
Rafflecopter link:
Amazon B&N
Say Hi to my wonderful guest author, Elizabeth by supporting her and picking up a copy of her book and saying hello to her at her hangouts on the web!
Website: http://www.elizabetharroyo.com.
Blog: http://chandarawrites.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizabetharroyo.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EArroyo5
Watch the trailer at http://youtu.be/omcmt6q8PIw
The Blog Tour Feb. 4 Nancy S. Thomspon - http://nancysthompson.blogspot.com/Feb. 7 Mandy Baggot - http://www.mandybaggot.com/apps/blog/Feb. 7 Victoria Writes - http://victoria-writes.com/Feb. 7 Writes By Moonlight - http://writesbymoonlight.wordpress.com/Feb. 7 Christine Rains - Launch infoFeb. 8 Charity's Writing Journal - http://charitywrites.blogspot.com/ Feb. 11 We Do Write - http://we-do-write.blogspot.com/Feb. 13 The Other Side of the Story - http://blog.janicehardy.com/Feb. 13 Emily R. King - http://getbusywriting.blogspot.com/Feb. 14 Christine Rains - http://christinerains-writer.blogspot.com/Feb. 14 Theresa McClinton - http://theresamcclinton.com/blog/Feb. 15 Tara Tyler Talks - http://taratylertalks.blogspot.comFeb. 15 Leave it to Livia- http://leaveittolivia.blogspot.com/
Feb. 18 TheWriteGame - http://writegame.blogspot.com/Feb. 18 So, You're a Writer... - http://soyoureawriter.blogspot.com/Feb. 19 Literary Engineer - http://literaryengineer.areavoices.com/Feb. 20 Theresa Milstein - http://theresamilstein.blogspot.com/
Feb. 20 Froze8's Blog - http://froze8.blogspot.com/Feb. 21 It's All in my Head - http://amandafoody.blogspot.com/ - Post pendingFeb. 22 Charity Bradford - ARC reviewFeb. 24 mywithershins- http://mywithershins.wordpress.com/Feb. 25 LM Preston - http://lmpreston.blogspot.com/Feb. 25 mainewords - http://mainewords.blogspot.com/Feb. 26 Catherine Stine Idea City - http://catherinestine.blogspot.com/Feb. 27 From Sand to Glass - http://mwilloughby.blogspot.com/March 5 Beth's Blog - http://bethfred.blogspot.com/ - Post pendingMarch 11 Writing on the Sunny side of the Street - http://www.marilynalmodovar.com/ - Post pending
a Rafflecopter giveawayLM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
We are here to celebrate her release, THE SECOND SIGN.
The Second SignBy Elizabeth Arroyo
The floorboards creaked under the Intruder as he walked up the aisle of the small church. Moving shadows crept along the walls, brought to life by the flickering candles that rimmed the nave. Looming carved pieces, depicting the last moments of the prophet vital to this particular religion’s history, hung between stained glass windows. The deity's name didn't matter, known as many different names in the world. What mattered was that people believed.
Belief was power.
The Intruder sauntered toward the altar, a hint of incense in the air. A stone baptismal fountain laid on the floor to his left, large enough to bathe a child or drown one depending on your intent. His eyes settled on the iconic figure crucified and displayed for all to see. He found a moment’s peace gazing up at the idolized portrayal of death. Crucifixion was a martyr's death, instilling fear in those that witnessed it. Fear begets conformity in all creatures. The Intruder looked down at his own palms, tracing his own scars with his thumb.
There were many ways to kill a man. But only one way to kill a soul.
Genuflecting, he crossed himself as was the customary fashion, and then slid into a pew and leaned forward, his head bowed in reverence. He no longer prayed, had forgotten how over the many centuries. Memories were blurred in his mind, unable to remember his true name. The reference of time held no meaning for him. Nothing mattered but peace of mind.
He lifted his head and gazed upon a statue of one of the Fallen. The Fallen's arm was raised high over his head as if to shield himself from an expected blow. A serpent coiled around his leg up his waist, its tail curled around his wrist holding him down to the base, his mouth open in a silent eternal scream.
The Intruder knew one day he would meet the same fate. But not yet. He had work to finish still. Peace was all he wanted.
He inhaled deeply. A door creaked and footsteps approached. The echoes pounded in his ears.“May I help you?” a man's voice asked.
The Intruder scowled. Peace was never afforded to the wicked.
Rafflecopter link:
Amazon B&N
Say Hi to my wonderful guest author, Elizabeth by supporting her and picking up a copy of her book and saying hello to her at her hangouts on the web!
Website: http://www.elizabetharroyo.com.
Blog: http://chandarawrites.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizabetharroyo.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EArroyo5
Watch the trailer at http://youtu.be/omcmt6q8PIw
The Blog Tour Feb. 4 Nancy S. Thomspon - http://nancysthompson.blogspot.com/Feb. 7 Mandy Baggot - http://www.mandybaggot.com/apps/blog/Feb. 7 Victoria Writes - http://victoria-writes.com/Feb. 7 Writes By Moonlight - http://writesbymoonlight.wordpress.com/Feb. 7 Christine Rains - Launch infoFeb. 8 Charity's Writing Journal - http://charitywrites.blogspot.com/ Feb. 11 We Do Write - http://we-do-write.blogspot.com/Feb. 13 The Other Side of the Story - http://blog.janicehardy.com/Feb. 13 Emily R. King - http://getbusywriting.blogspot.com/Feb. 14 Christine Rains - http://christinerains-writer.blogspot.com/Feb. 14 Theresa McClinton - http://theresamcclinton.com/blog/Feb. 15 Tara Tyler Talks - http://taratylertalks.blogspot.comFeb. 15 Leave it to Livia- http://leaveittolivia.blogspot.com/
Feb. 18 TheWriteGame - http://writegame.blogspot.com/Feb. 18 So, You're a Writer... - http://soyoureawriter.blogspot.com/Feb. 19 Literary Engineer - http://literaryengineer.areavoices.com/Feb. 20 Theresa Milstein - http://theresamilstein.blogspot.com/
Feb. 20 Froze8's Blog - http://froze8.blogspot.com/Feb. 21 It's All in my Head - http://amandafoody.blogspot.com/ - Post pendingFeb. 22 Charity Bradford - ARC reviewFeb. 24 mywithershins- http://mywithershins.wordpress.com/Feb. 25 LM Preston - http://lmpreston.blogspot.com/Feb. 25 mainewords - http://mainewords.blogspot.com/Feb. 26 Catherine Stine Idea City - http://catherinestine.blogspot.com/Feb. 27 From Sand to Glass - http://mwilloughby.blogspot.com/March 5 Beth's Blog - http://bethfred.blogspot.com/ - Post pendingMarch 11 Writing on the Sunny side of the Street - http://www.marilynalmodovar.com/ - Post pending
a Rafflecopter giveawayLM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
February 22, 2013
T. R. Graves, Author of Warrior and Secrets Series
T. R. Graves, Author of Warrior and Secrets Series
T. R. Graves lives along the Texas coast with her husband. Together, they raise T. R.'s beta-reading daughter and their football-loving son. Besides being blessed with a supportive family, she counts her career as a registered nurse in not-for-profit hospitals high on her list of fulfilling accomplishments.
Social Media Sites:BlogTwitterFacebookPinterestGoodreadsAmazon Author Page Spotlight Interview Questions:
What is your all-time favorite book and why?
I have a - very eclectic - three-way tie that includes The Mortal Instruments Series, The Tiger Saga, and the Fifty Shades Trilogy.
All three of these series have strong female leading characters, and they are written by authors who are amazing enough to write romance into the story in a way where it actually becomes tangible for the reader. I can't help but love stories that make me fall in love with the characters or admire the authors who are talented enough to just that.
Is there an author you could be compared to or popular fictional characters your book's characters could relate to and why?
My beta-reader claims I could be compared to Colleen Houck (separated at birthwere his exact words). Our similarities may be the reason I love her and her books so much. He believes we both have the ability to turn situations that could easily be unrealistic into scenes that seem absolutely real.
Can you give us your favorite quote from one of your books and explain it?
In Grave Bound (Secrets) , Levi Bryson journals. His writing is not traditional, perfect, or by-the-book, but it sweetly shows Emily how he feels about her. Something about it is charming. Below, I've included one of his many doodles:
Facets
Her words... sweeter than any book written, poem recited, or song recorded.
Her intentions... pure as the driven snow; a wholesome schoolgirl, and a naive child.
Her beauty... perfect as an emerald's cut; stunning as a ruby's color; and timeless as a diamond's clarity.
Her essence... struck me with the force of a bolt of lightning, the power of a sledgehammer, and the command of the chosen one.
Her love... engulfed my life the way the dawn's rays swallow the darkness, the tsunami's waves ravage the coast, and the tornado's funnel plows its way through a forest.
- Levi Ian Bryson
What types of things/people/music inspires you and makes you want to keep writing?
Books inspire me. Not just any book. It has to have strong characters, a mission filled with action and romance, and unfathomable consequences attached to failure.
Music inspires me. There is nothing fad-like about the artists I appreciate most. The music I listen to is embedded with so much emotion that it is palpable all the way through the song(s): Kings of Leon, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Alanis Morissette, Adele, Diana Birch, Audra Mae & The Forest Rangers, Black Eyed Peas, Eminem,....
People inspire me: My nineteen-year-old daughter worked hard through high school, graduated with both a high school degree and an associate's degree, and she's now trying to get into medical school. She did all of this while working and saving almost every penny of her money so she'd have a nest egg when she went away to school. That is inspiring. My eight-year-old son practices (baseball & football) four to six days a week (depending on the time of year) and turns all of that training into winning championships. He does this while maintaining A's & B's on his report card and without the first complaint. I can't help but be inspired by their dedication and commitment and work ethics.
Describe your typical writing day or week.
Monday thru Friday, I'm up at 5:30, writing/reading/socializing from 6:30 - 7:30, commuting from 7:30-8:30 (or 8:45), working from 8:30-5:30 (or 6:30 or 7:30), commuting from 5:30-6:45, supper/homework/miscellaneous from 7:00-8:30, and writing from 8:30-10:00.
On Saturday/Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., I have family, errands, reading, writing, socializing, etc.
I put in the hours I do because I'm fortunate enough to have two jobs that I'm passionate about. First, I work within a hospital system where the patients (not their ability to pay) are our priority. The nurse in me... the humanitarian in me is thankful there are still healthcare systems where curing illnesses and saving lives are the focus. Second, I'm an author. If I'm not writing, I'm planning and plotting in my mind. My goal with each new book I write is to create a great story that is thrilling, suspenseful, and romantic enough to take the reader away from their own problems/lives for a few hours. Nothing more. Nothing less.
One thing is for sure. I'd never be able to do all of this if it weren't for my husband. He does everything around our house I can't do, and he never says a word. He's supports me, loves me, and cares for me. I absolutely adore him.
Is there a food or drink do you have to have when you're writing?
Diet Dr. Pepper (preferably) or Diet Mountain Dew. I work, write, and drive so many hours a week that caffeine is a basic necessity.
Can you tell us what you're working on right now (& possibly provide an excerpt & cover)?
I'm working on my first adult contemporary, Grave Bound (Secrets)(tentative release date of 3/1/13). At the same time, I'm writing book four of my original young adult paranormal series Dark Angels of the Cross (Warrior, #4).
Grave Bound (Secrets)Some Secrets follow you to the grave. Others send you there.
Emily Riddle has lived her entire life inside a patriarchal commune led by her father. There are many rules, but the most important one,'keep it in the commune', is the most difficult for her to follow... especially since the only people willing to champion her cause live on the outside.When Emily learns her father has promised her to Lorenzo, a perverted man who has plans for her that extend well beyond marriage and kids, she rebels. Regardless of the consequences, she refuses to marry someone who'd rather beat her than caress her.A day of hooky that starts out as a tiny act of defiance - sneaking out of the commune for a swim - turns into a day filled with hope. After spending time with Levi, a man camping near the lake, she finds what true romance looks like and catches a glimpse into a future that's filled with love and admiration rather than hate and submission.That tiny peek is enough to change the course of Emily's existence and makes it nearly impossible for her to go back to the commune and pretend she'll ever be able to tolerate the life chosen for her instead of the life she longs for. One that includes Levi.Fighting to escape the commune, its leaders, and her fiancé proves to be more dangerous than Emily expected. The secrets she knows, as the leader's daughter, will either follow her to the grave or send her - and Levi - there.
T. R. Graves's YA Books:Warriors of the Cross (Warrior #1)
Allison La Crosse, beginning a challenging family medicine residency, leaves the protection of her family. With the transfer, her worst nightmares come true. Her closely guarded mystical talents – those which seldom appeared before the move – unleash themselves from her confinement and reveal their presence with very little provocation.
Allison’s most terrifying power is her compulsion to cure the dying with her touch. Given her career, this gift would be valuable if she were not drawn like a magnet to the ailing person's every symptom. Some of which are fatal.
At the hospital and surrounded by life-and-death emergencies, Allison’s inability to manage her impulse turns deadly. When it does, her mentor, Brody, rescues her from her own demise. His resuscitation ignites an exciting and tempestuous bond between them.
Desperate for a cure, they join forces and embark upon a journey to uncover the origins of Allison’s lethal curse. In the midst of their adventure, Allison exposes a secret pursued by many…known by few. Guardians of the Cross (Warrior #2)
Allison La Crosse discovers she has several powers, including a spiritual gift to heal the dying with her touch. With the newfound awareness, she uncovers mind-boggling truths about a world, which has been hidden her whole life, thanks to her mother’s selfless actions.
The most important revelation pertains to her ordained place within The Disciples of the Cross as one of their Warriors. This position moves her even closer to her mentor, Brody Kennedy, who ends up being the only other Warrior.
Just as suddenly, it catapults her into the middle of a war between The Sect and The Disciples. Allison’s appointment to Warrior—alongside Brody—exacerbates the leader of The Sect’s malicious hunt for her.
As a result, everything about her existence is altered. With the modification of her life, she prepares to do anything necessary to save everyone loved by her… including Brody and Clark. Enemies of the Cross (Warrior #3)
Allison La Crosse's picture perfect world quickly becomes more of a nightmare than the fairytale she'd been expecting when she married Brody.
With enemies leading and destiny in control, she embarks upon a journey of the soul where she unearths an underwater realm that is beyond believable...beyond fantastical...beyond comprehension.
Deep within this undiscovered world, Allison is forced to battle a new breed of adversaries. Ones willing to do whatever necessary to capture her -- dead or alive. While fighting for her life, she joins forces with an exceptional team of protectors. Because they are unconditionally loyal, she sees firsthand that they are prepared to sacrifice their lives in order to guard her existence and defend the purity of their world.
Love, friendships, and unforgivable actions have Allison wondering if going home will ever be an option even if home is the only place where she can have a life with Brody.
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
T. R. Graves lives along the Texas coast with her husband. Together, they raise T. R.'s beta-reading daughter and their football-loving son. Besides being blessed with a supportive family, she counts her career as a registered nurse in not-for-profit hospitals high on her list of fulfilling accomplishments.
Social Media Sites:BlogTwitterFacebookPinterestGoodreadsAmazon Author Page Spotlight Interview Questions: What is your all-time favorite book and why?
I have a - very eclectic - three-way tie that includes The Mortal Instruments Series, The Tiger Saga, and the Fifty Shades Trilogy.
All three of these series have strong female leading characters, and they are written by authors who are amazing enough to write romance into the story in a way where it actually becomes tangible for the reader. I can't help but love stories that make me fall in love with the characters or admire the authors who are talented enough to just that.
Is there an author you could be compared to or popular fictional characters your book's characters could relate to and why?
My beta-reader claims I could be compared to Colleen Houck (separated at birthwere his exact words). Our similarities may be the reason I love her and her books so much. He believes we both have the ability to turn situations that could easily be unrealistic into scenes that seem absolutely real.
Can you give us your favorite quote from one of your books and explain it?
In Grave Bound (Secrets) , Levi Bryson journals. His writing is not traditional, perfect, or by-the-book, but it sweetly shows Emily how he feels about her. Something about it is charming. Below, I've included one of his many doodles:
Facets
Her words... sweeter than any book written, poem recited, or song recorded.
Her intentions... pure as the driven snow; a wholesome schoolgirl, and a naive child.
Her beauty... perfect as an emerald's cut; stunning as a ruby's color; and timeless as a diamond's clarity.
Her essence... struck me with the force of a bolt of lightning, the power of a sledgehammer, and the command of the chosen one.
Her love... engulfed my life the way the dawn's rays swallow the darkness, the tsunami's waves ravage the coast, and the tornado's funnel plows its way through a forest.
- Levi Ian Bryson
What types of things/people/music inspires you and makes you want to keep writing?
Books inspire me. Not just any book. It has to have strong characters, a mission filled with action and romance, and unfathomable consequences attached to failure.
Music inspires me. There is nothing fad-like about the artists I appreciate most. The music I listen to is embedded with so much emotion that it is palpable all the way through the song(s): Kings of Leon, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Alanis Morissette, Adele, Diana Birch, Audra Mae & The Forest Rangers, Black Eyed Peas, Eminem,....
People inspire me: My nineteen-year-old daughter worked hard through high school, graduated with both a high school degree and an associate's degree, and she's now trying to get into medical school. She did all of this while working and saving almost every penny of her money so she'd have a nest egg when she went away to school. That is inspiring. My eight-year-old son practices (baseball & football) four to six days a week (depending on the time of year) and turns all of that training into winning championships. He does this while maintaining A's & B's on his report card and without the first complaint. I can't help but be inspired by their dedication and commitment and work ethics.
Describe your typical writing day or week.
Monday thru Friday, I'm up at 5:30, writing/reading/socializing from 6:30 - 7:30, commuting from 7:30-8:30 (or 8:45), working from 8:30-5:30 (or 6:30 or 7:30), commuting from 5:30-6:45, supper/homework/miscellaneous from 7:00-8:30, and writing from 8:30-10:00.
On Saturday/Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., I have family, errands, reading, writing, socializing, etc.
I put in the hours I do because I'm fortunate enough to have two jobs that I'm passionate about. First, I work within a hospital system where the patients (not their ability to pay) are our priority. The nurse in me... the humanitarian in me is thankful there are still healthcare systems where curing illnesses and saving lives are the focus. Second, I'm an author. If I'm not writing, I'm planning and plotting in my mind. My goal with each new book I write is to create a great story that is thrilling, suspenseful, and romantic enough to take the reader away from their own problems/lives for a few hours. Nothing more. Nothing less.
One thing is for sure. I'd never be able to do all of this if it weren't for my husband. He does everything around our house I can't do, and he never says a word. He's supports me, loves me, and cares for me. I absolutely adore him.
Is there a food or drink do you have to have when you're writing?
Diet Dr. Pepper (preferably) or Diet Mountain Dew. I work, write, and drive so many hours a week that caffeine is a basic necessity.
Can you tell us what you're working on right now (& possibly provide an excerpt & cover)?
I'm working on my first adult contemporary, Grave Bound (Secrets)(tentative release date of 3/1/13). At the same time, I'm writing book four of my original young adult paranormal series Dark Angels of the Cross (Warrior, #4).
Grave Bound (Secrets)Some Secrets follow you to the grave. Others send you there.
Emily Riddle has lived her entire life inside a patriarchal commune led by her father. There are many rules, but the most important one,'keep it in the commune', is the most difficult for her to follow... especially since the only people willing to champion her cause live on the outside.When Emily learns her father has promised her to Lorenzo, a perverted man who has plans for her that extend well beyond marriage and kids, she rebels. Regardless of the consequences, she refuses to marry someone who'd rather beat her than caress her.A day of hooky that starts out as a tiny act of defiance - sneaking out of the commune for a swim - turns into a day filled with hope. After spending time with Levi, a man camping near the lake, she finds what true romance looks like and catches a glimpse into a future that's filled with love and admiration rather than hate and submission.That tiny peek is enough to change the course of Emily's existence and makes it nearly impossible for her to go back to the commune and pretend she'll ever be able to tolerate the life chosen for her instead of the life she longs for. One that includes Levi.Fighting to escape the commune, its leaders, and her fiancé proves to be more dangerous than Emily expected. The secrets she knows, as the leader's daughter, will either follow her to the grave or send her - and Levi - there.
T. R. Graves's YA Books:Warriors of the Cross (Warrior #1)
Allison La Crosse, beginning a challenging family medicine residency, leaves the protection of her family. With the transfer, her worst nightmares come true. Her closely guarded mystical talents – those which seldom appeared before the move – unleash themselves from her confinement and reveal their presence with very little provocation. Allison’s most terrifying power is her compulsion to cure the dying with her touch. Given her career, this gift would be valuable if she were not drawn like a magnet to the ailing person's every symptom. Some of which are fatal.
At the hospital and surrounded by life-and-death emergencies, Allison’s inability to manage her impulse turns deadly. When it does, her mentor, Brody, rescues her from her own demise. His resuscitation ignites an exciting and tempestuous bond between them.
Desperate for a cure, they join forces and embark upon a journey to uncover the origins of Allison’s lethal curse. In the midst of their adventure, Allison exposes a secret pursued by many…known by few. Guardians of the Cross (Warrior #2)
Allison La Crosse discovers she has several powers, including a spiritual gift to heal the dying with her touch. With the newfound awareness, she uncovers mind-boggling truths about a world, which has been hidden her whole life, thanks to her mother’s selfless actions. The most important revelation pertains to her ordained place within The Disciples of the Cross as one of their Warriors. This position moves her even closer to her mentor, Brody Kennedy, who ends up being the only other Warrior.
Just as suddenly, it catapults her into the middle of a war between The Sect and The Disciples. Allison’s appointment to Warrior—alongside Brody—exacerbates the leader of The Sect’s malicious hunt for her.
As a result, everything about her existence is altered. With the modification of her life, she prepares to do anything necessary to save everyone loved by her… including Brody and Clark. Enemies of the Cross (Warrior #3)
Allison La Crosse's picture perfect world quickly becomes more of a nightmare than the fairytale she'd been expecting when she married Brody. With enemies leading and destiny in control, she embarks upon a journey of the soul where she unearths an underwater realm that is beyond believable...beyond fantastical...beyond comprehension.
Deep within this undiscovered world, Allison is forced to battle a new breed of adversaries. Ones willing to do whatever necessary to capture her -- dead or alive. While fighting for her life, she joins forces with an exceptional team of protectors. Because they are unconditionally loyal, she sees firsthand that they are prepared to sacrifice their lives in order to guard her existence and defend the purity of their world.
Love, friendships, and unforgivable actions have Allison wondering if going home will ever be an option even if home is the only place where she can have a life with Brody.
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
February 21, 2013
Warm Bodies Movie Review
Yeah, so not WARM, he's dead - a brain eating zombie who falls for a girl after eating the brains of her boyfriend - - - YUCK! and maybe not so yuck.Movie Blurb from Fandango :
A tormented zombie (Nicholas Hoult) experiences a profound transformation after entering into an unusual relationship with the daughter (Teresa Palmer) of a military leader charged with eradicating the walking dead. As the unlikely pair build a tenuous bridge between the living and the dead, those on both sides of the battle begin to sense that nothing in their world will ever be the same again. Warm Bodies is based on the novel by Isaac Marion. Rob Corddry and John Malkovich round out the starring cast. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
My Family Review:
So my daughter went to see this with her friends before I got to see it (grrrrr). Anyways, she and her girlfriends enjoyed it. They said that it wasn't scary (and they hate scary movies). For me, I had a hard time getting into it at first. It was one of those slow to start, but grow on you as you go movies. I really had an issue with falling in love with a zombie. They stink, are gross looking, eat living flesh, and ... stink. And to be honest it didn't seem all that realistic, but I kept watching. About 25 min. in the movie, I was starting to really like 'zombie boy' and the girl, well she was alright. My husband, he wanted to leave in the first 30 minutes, but the more he watched, the more he wanted to stay. So, we both agreed a 3 chomps out of 5 was fair for this movie. We enjoyed it just fine, but it didn't wow us. My daughter however, gave it a 4 out of 5 chomps since she was pleasantly surprised and wasn't scared.
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
February 19, 2013
Indie ReCON Is Starting on Feb. 19th(TODAY)! FREE Conference Online
I'd like to invite all of you to a FREE online conference for Indie and Small Publishers. I'll be speaking at it also.
To participate you can jump in on some of the live chats, read the scheduled blog post on the BIZ and comment with your questions. Check in and check it out anytime of the day you like.
SIGN up NOW for the best benefits and prizes.
Here's the link to IndiReCon; http://www.indierecon.org/
Here's the schedule of events:
Indie Re Con Agenda
Tues, Wed, Thurs (19-21)
Red – YA speakers, Blue – adult/NA speakers
Tues 19th (EST times)
Getting Started
8 am - Welcome/Kick off – S.R. Johannes /Team (blog)
9 am –The Future of Digital Publishing - Bob Mayer (blog)
9:30 - Digital publishing - Bob Mayer and Jen Talty (online chat)
10 am – The Honest Inside Scoop: The Pros and Cons of Indie Publishing – Jessie Harrell (blog)
11 am - Entrepreneurial Authors Wear Many Hats – SR Johannes (blog)
12 pm – Sidestepping the Stigma - Colleen Hoover (vlog)
1 pm – The Biggest Mistakes Indie Authors Make - Joanna Penn (blog)
1:30 – Costs of Self Publishing – Miral Sattar
2 pm – The Basics (Part 1) – The Book (pricing, distribution, formatting) – Heather McCorkle (blog)
3 pm - The Basics (Part 2) – The Business (isbns, library of congress – Heather McCorkle (blog)
4 pm - Setting the Foundation for Your Writing Career: A Business Plan – Denise Grover Swank (blog)
4:30 pm – Planning your Future - Denise Grover Swank (online chat)
Creating quality products
5 pm – The Secret to Editing Fiction Fast – Cheri Lasota (vlog)
5:30 pm – Cutting Through the Mist-ery of Cover Design: 10 ways to make your cover stand out in the crowd - Kat Dilman (blog)
6 pm - Creating Unique yet Affordable Covers – The Dos and Donts.
Robin Ludwig and Steven Nowak (online chat)
6:30 pm - Building a Bestselling Publishing Team – Miral Sattar (blog post)
Writing Big Sellers
7 pm- The New Adult Wave in Publishing - M. Leighton (blog)
7:30 – Bestselling author Darcie Chan (online chat)
Wed, Feb 20th
Writing Big Sellers cont.
8 am – Longevity in a Series – Addison Moore (blog)
8:30 am – Secrets of YA bestselling indie authors (chat) – Samantha Young, Rashelle Workman
9 am - Writing Successful eShorts for a Living– Hugh Howey (blog)
9:30 am – Hugh Howey (online chat)
10:00 – Capturing the magic of self pubbing middle grade (Laura Pauling, Sybil Nelson)
10:30 How to sell a Million Books (CJ Lyons/Interview video)
11:00 CJ Lyons (online chat)
Marketing
12:00 pm - Marketing Plans Made Easy – S.R. Johannes (blog)
12:30 pm – Importance of SEO and Metatagging - Lori Culwell(blog)
1:00 pm - Building a Sense of Community – Melissa Foster (vlog)
1:30 pm - Utilizing Social Media to your Advantage – Kindle Fire Dept/Jason (blog)
2 pm – Reaching Your Readers – Brittany Geragotelis (Wattpad) – blog post
2:30 – Reaching your readers (cont) - DuoLit (email marketing) – blog posts
3 pm - Branding You and Your Book – Ali Cross (blog)
3:30 – Create a Winning Brand (Ali Cross)
4 pm – The Magic of Contests and Reviews – Amy Edelman/IndieReader (blog)
4:30 – Making Your Blog Tours Stand out – Joel Friedlander (post)
5 pm – Book Blog Tour Tips from Bloggers (get quotes from bloggers, Inspired Kathy, Jessica the Bookaholic) (blog)
6 pm - Creative Book Launches – Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi (blog post/vlog?)
7 pm – Measuring Success– Susan Kaye Quinn (Blog)
Thurs, Feb 21st
Going Forward
9 am – The Double Life: Walking the Fence in Publishing – Nancy Holder (Blog)
10 am – Breaking into International Markets – Orna Ross/ALLI (vlog or blog post)
11 am – All about Audio– Stacey Wallace Benefiel (blog/vlog?)
12 pm – Smart Ways Indie partner with Agents and Editors - Steena Holmes (blog)
1:30 –Steena Holmes and her agent, Pamela Harty from TKA (the knight agency) (chat)
2 pm – Top 10 tips to be successful as an Indie Author – Barbara Freethy
3 pm - The Future of ebooks as Apps – Bowker/Richard Smith
4 pm – Indie publishing Then and the Wow of Now - LM Preston (blog post)
4:30 – Indie Publishing with LM Preston (online chat)
5 pm - Lessons Learned from Indie authors (Get advice quotes from a bunch of top authors)
6 pm – Giveaways posted
7 pm – Wrap Up - (blog post)
Hope to see you all there!
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
To participate you can jump in on some of the live chats, read the scheduled blog post on the BIZ and comment with your questions. Check in and check it out anytime of the day you like.
SIGN up NOW for the best benefits and prizes.
Here's the link to IndiReCon; http://www.indierecon.org/
Here's the schedule of events:
Indie Re Con Agenda
Tues, Wed, Thurs (19-21)
Red – YA speakers, Blue – adult/NA speakers
Tues 19th (EST times)
Getting Started
8 am - Welcome/Kick off – S.R. Johannes /Team (blog)
9 am –The Future of Digital Publishing - Bob Mayer (blog)
9:30 - Digital publishing - Bob Mayer and Jen Talty (online chat)
10 am – The Honest Inside Scoop: The Pros and Cons of Indie Publishing – Jessie Harrell (blog)
11 am - Entrepreneurial Authors Wear Many Hats – SR Johannes (blog)
12 pm – Sidestepping the Stigma - Colleen Hoover (vlog)
1 pm – The Biggest Mistakes Indie Authors Make - Joanna Penn (blog)
1:30 – Costs of Self Publishing – Miral Sattar
2 pm – The Basics (Part 1) – The Book (pricing, distribution, formatting) – Heather McCorkle (blog)
3 pm - The Basics (Part 2) – The Business (isbns, library of congress – Heather McCorkle (blog)
4 pm - Setting the Foundation for Your Writing Career: A Business Plan – Denise Grover Swank (blog)
4:30 pm – Planning your Future - Denise Grover Swank (online chat)
Creating quality products
5 pm – The Secret to Editing Fiction Fast – Cheri Lasota (vlog)
5:30 pm – Cutting Through the Mist-ery of Cover Design: 10 ways to make your cover stand out in the crowd - Kat Dilman (blog)
6 pm - Creating Unique yet Affordable Covers – The Dos and Donts.
Robin Ludwig and Steven Nowak (online chat)
6:30 pm - Building a Bestselling Publishing Team – Miral Sattar (blog post)
Writing Big Sellers
7 pm- The New Adult Wave in Publishing - M. Leighton (blog)
7:30 – Bestselling author Darcie Chan (online chat)
Wed, Feb 20th
Writing Big Sellers cont.
8 am – Longevity in a Series – Addison Moore (blog)
8:30 am – Secrets of YA bestselling indie authors (chat) – Samantha Young, Rashelle Workman
9 am - Writing Successful eShorts for a Living– Hugh Howey (blog)
9:30 am – Hugh Howey (online chat)
10:00 – Capturing the magic of self pubbing middle grade (Laura Pauling, Sybil Nelson)
10:30 How to sell a Million Books (CJ Lyons/Interview video)
11:00 CJ Lyons (online chat)
Marketing
12:00 pm - Marketing Plans Made Easy – S.R. Johannes (blog)
12:30 pm – Importance of SEO and Metatagging - Lori Culwell(blog)
1:00 pm - Building a Sense of Community – Melissa Foster (vlog)
1:30 pm - Utilizing Social Media to your Advantage – Kindle Fire Dept/Jason (blog)
2 pm – Reaching Your Readers – Brittany Geragotelis (Wattpad) – blog post
2:30 – Reaching your readers (cont) - DuoLit (email marketing) – blog posts
3 pm - Branding You and Your Book – Ali Cross (blog)
3:30 – Create a Winning Brand (Ali Cross)
4 pm – The Magic of Contests and Reviews – Amy Edelman/IndieReader (blog)
4:30 – Making Your Blog Tours Stand out – Joel Friedlander (post)
5 pm – Book Blog Tour Tips from Bloggers (get quotes from bloggers, Inspired Kathy, Jessica the Bookaholic) (blog)
6 pm - Creative Book Launches – Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi (blog post/vlog?)
7 pm – Measuring Success– Susan Kaye Quinn (Blog)
Thurs, Feb 21st
Going Forward
9 am – The Double Life: Walking the Fence in Publishing – Nancy Holder (Blog)
10 am – Breaking into International Markets – Orna Ross/ALLI (vlog or blog post)
11 am – All about Audio– Stacey Wallace Benefiel (blog/vlog?)
12 pm – Smart Ways Indie partner with Agents and Editors - Steena Holmes (blog)
1:30 –Steena Holmes and her agent, Pamela Harty from TKA (the knight agency) (chat)
2 pm – Top 10 tips to be successful as an Indie Author – Barbara Freethy
3 pm - The Future of ebooks as Apps – Bowker/Richard Smith
4 pm – Indie publishing Then and the Wow of Now - LM Preston (blog post)
4:30 – Indie Publishing with LM Preston (online chat)
5 pm - Lessons Learned from Indie authors (Get advice quotes from a bunch of top authors)
6 pm – Giveaways posted
7 pm – Wrap Up - (blog post)
Hope to see you all there!
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
February 17, 2013
I'm on the radio Monday 2/18- WOCA AM, Ocola - 96.7FM & 1370AM
I'm happy to announce that this morning at 7:30am I'll be on WOCA AM, Ocola - 96.7FM & 1370AM !
To say I'm excited is an understatement!
Also, this week....
There's a ton of places you can drop in and find out more about Purgatory Reign this February and March.
There's a prize at the end of this yellow brick road. Drop in on the BLOG TOUR page to find out.
Link to blog tour site: Click here
February 15
A Diary of a Book Addict (review)
February 19
Reading to Penguins (review)
February 20
Walking on Bookshelves (review)
February 22
Sara's Organized Chaos (review)
February 25
Offbeat Vagabond (review)
February 26
Romancing the Book (interview)
March 1
Write Here, Write Now (review)
and
Bookworm Lisa (review)
March 4
Lynn Thompson Books (review)
March 5
Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf (guest post)
March 6
The Nook Users Book Club (review)
March 7
Simply Sensational Book Fanatics (review)
March 8
Cocktails and Books (review)
and
Novel d'Tales (review)
March 11
Sarah Butland (review)
March 13
Kelly Hashway (review)
March 15
Kindred Dreamheart (review)
and
The Musings of a Book Addict (review)
March 17
The LUV'NV (review)
and a rockin'
FACEBOOK PARTY!!! Woot! Woot!
More Prizes and More Fun for the print book release, May 18th!
a Rafflecopter giveaway LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
To say I'm excited is an understatement!
Also, this week....
There's a ton of places you can drop in and find out more about Purgatory Reign this February and March.
There's a prize at the end of this yellow brick road. Drop in on the BLOG TOUR page to find out.
Link to blog tour site: Click here
February 15
A Diary of a Book Addict (review)
February 19
Reading to Penguins (review)
February 20
Walking on Bookshelves (review)
February 22
Sara's Organized Chaos (review)
February 25
Offbeat Vagabond (review)
February 26
Romancing the Book (interview)
March 1
Write Here, Write Now (review)
and
Bookworm Lisa (review)
March 4
Lynn Thompson Books (review)
March 5
Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf (guest post)
March 6
The Nook Users Book Club (review)
March 7
Simply Sensational Book Fanatics (review)
March 8
Cocktails and Books (review)
and
Novel d'Tales (review)
March 11
Sarah Butland (review)
March 13
Kelly Hashway (review)
March 15
Kindred Dreamheart (review)
and
The Musings of a Book Addict (review)
March 17
The LUV'NV (review)
and a rockin'
FACEBOOK PARTY!!! Woot! Woot!
More Prizes and More Fun for the print book release, May 18th!
a Rafflecopter giveaway LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
February 15, 2013
Laura A. H. Elliott - Author Spotlight
We are pleased as punch to intruduce our own, Laura A. H. Elliott. She's officially an Amazon best-selling author as of last week when Winnemucca, a small-town fairy tale hit #1 in Science Fiction & Fantasy (three seperate categories):
#1 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Religious & Inspirational > Science Fiction & Fantasy #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Fiction > Religious Fiction > Science Fiction & Fantasy #1 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Literature & Fiction > Science Fiction & Fantasy
Join us in celebrating our friend's success and congratulating her. Laura A. H. Elliott
Laura A. H. Elliott, best selling author, loves writing about enchanted road trips, shadow worlds, and alien romance while eating lots of popcorn. She lives in a tree house on the central California coast. After twenty-plus years as a freelance graphic designer/animator with clients including E! Entertainment Television and The Los Angeles Times, she crossed over into the world of publishing non-fiction and followed her heart to the world of fiction. She is the author of the paranormal romance Shadow Series (also available in audiobook format), the sci-fi romance Starjump series, and stand alone literary romance novel Winnemucca, a small-town fairy tale. Her latest release is Shadow Slayer, book 2 of the Shadow Series. Moon Killers, book 3 is due out this spring. She's also due to release her first adult title later this year. She's happy to have been included in the new adult anthology Midnight Surrender. Blog Amazon Twitter Goodreads Facebook Pinterest
Laura A. H. Elliott's Books:
Winnemucca, a small-town fairy tale13 on Halloween (Shadow Series #1) FREE AudiobookShadow Slayer (Shadow Series #2) AudiobookMoon Killers (Shadow Series #3) Spring 2013(Shadow Series #4) Fall 2013Transfer Student (Starjump Series #1)The Seven Caves & Other Spine-Tingling Short Stories
Winnemucca a small-town fairy tale (YA literary romance)
When fear’s as blind as love, how far would you go to find your own happily ever after?
One mistake will change Ginny’s life forever. One answer will set her free. Once upon a time Ginny’s road blood ripened, the day she got wise to love. Engaged to the high school quarterback, his quarter-carat ring and enchanting smile should have been enough for her. But, she stands him up and takes a walk where every step questions her happily ever after gone-bad and the fate of the mother she never knew. The mother her father refuses to talk about. Ginny fights to untangle her big, fat, lie-of-a-life on an enchanted road trip to Winnemucca, where she believes all her answers lie. To solve the riddle of her past, she must outrun everyone who wants a piece of her future–including a man determined to see she never has one.
Transfer Student (Starjump #1) (YA Sci-Fi Romance)
Two Worlds--Two Teens--One Wish
Rhoe and Ashley would never be friends. Even if they lived on the same planet. But, they'll become so much more. They'll transfer.
Earthling Ashley's world revolves around winning daily popularity contests at Beverly Hills High School and surfing competitions with sweet scholarship prizes that will finally help her break free of her control-freak mother. Meanwhile on planet Retha, Rhoe misses his dad, loves his mom's home-cooked Glechy crag with a side of ory sauce, is desperate to heal his sick brother and wants more than anything to win The Retha New Invention Competition. But Rhoe's invention teleports him across the universe with an unintended side effect, Ashley and Rhoe transfer. They swap lives when they make the same wish at the same time.
Popular-surfer-turned-boy-geek alien Ashley must handle life on Retha as Rhoe complete with webbed feet, low-gravity, and an obsession with Yuke, all the while being hunted by Rethan spies and resenting her hairy, flat chest. Boy-geek-turned-popular-surfer Rhoe must fit in at Beverly Hills High School as Ashley, compete in The Laguna Beach Invitational without becoming shark food, dodge boys' affections, cool his preoccupation with Tiffany and his new body, and find the healing rocks he believes will save his brother's life.
If only it were that simple. Some wishes can't come true. Some have to.
(THIS ENHANCED EBOOK CONTAINS LINKS TO THE MUSIC, STORIES, PHOTOS & VIDEOS THAT INSPIRED THE STORY.) 13 on Halloween (Shadow Series #1) FREE (YA paranormal romance)
Roxie has the best night of her life until the popular kids decide they want to celebrate her birthday in a way Roxie never expects––in her attic, with a gift that’s out of this world, and a pact to never tell a living soul what happens next.Twelve-year-old Roxie wants to be like Adrianne, the popular girl who gets everything she wants––a flock to prowl around the mall with; invitations to parties; and for Hayden, the cutest guy in the eighth grade to, you know, notice her. When Roxie invites all the eighth grade peacocks (code word : popular kids) to her first ever thirteenth birthday party on Halloween, they all come and give her a gift that’s literally out of this world. Roxie astral projects to Planet Popular where she becomes seventeen instantly and gets everything she’s always wanted, but nothing is as it seems. Being a high school peacock is complicated and Roxie will risk everything to be who she thinks she wants to be. Oh yeah, there’s Prom, doppelgangers, a mysterious map, and lots of bad peacocks too. BONUS EXCERPT! Two Chapters of Shadow Slayer, Book 2 in The Shadow Series13 on Halloween, (Shadow Series #1) is now available as an audiobook on iTunes, Audible or Amazon.
Shadow Slayer (Shadow Series #2)
(YA paranormal romance)
Shadows will do anything to become human. You see their influence everyday. You say things you don’t mean or do things that aren’t like you. You look, different. Friends you’ve known forever suddenly never call.As a freshman, Roxie just wants to fit in which is impossible because she barely runs into her friends at her huge high school. Adrianne’s disappearance and Hayden’s attention rock Roxie’s world. But nothing rocks it like the most gorgeous guy at school, Drew. And nothing is more important to Roxie than astral projecting back to Planet Popular to solve the mystery of the map. But that changes when Drew invites Roxie to homecoming. Hayden warns her that something’s wrong. Why would a guy like Drew like Roxie anyway? Drew must want something. Hayden’s right. Drew is…different. Planet Popular was just the beginning. Part of a bigger world, the Shadow World. There’s a war brewing between the world of humans and the world of shadows. When the shadow invasion begins at Roxie’s high school, she’ll not only fight for her life but the lives of her family and friends, when she discovers she’s the Shadow Slayer, the one human who can save Earth from the shadow onslaught. But, Roxie can’t even kill a spider. Oh yeah, there’s an evil English teacher, an enchanted play, a sword of Sandonian steel, a homecoming of horrors, and seven magic words too. Audible (Audiobook) |iTunes LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
#1 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Religious & Inspirational > Science Fiction & Fantasy #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Fiction > Religious Fiction > Science Fiction & Fantasy #1 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Literature & Fiction > Science Fiction & Fantasy
Join us in celebrating our friend's success and congratulating her. Laura A. H. Elliott
Laura A. H. Elliott, best selling author, loves writing about enchanted road trips, shadow worlds, and alien romance while eating lots of popcorn. She lives in a tree house on the central California coast. After twenty-plus years as a freelance graphic designer/animator with clients including E! Entertainment Television and The Los Angeles Times, she crossed over into the world of publishing non-fiction and followed her heart to the world of fiction. She is the author of the paranormal romance Shadow Series (also available in audiobook format), the sci-fi romance Starjump series, and stand alone literary romance novel Winnemucca, a small-town fairy tale. Her latest release is Shadow Slayer, book 2 of the Shadow Series. Moon Killers, book 3 is due out this spring. She's also due to release her first adult title later this year. She's happy to have been included in the new adult anthology Midnight Surrender. Blog Amazon Twitter Goodreads Facebook PinterestLaura A. H. Elliott's Books:
Winnemucca, a small-town fairy tale13 on Halloween (Shadow Series #1) FREE AudiobookShadow Slayer (Shadow Series #2) AudiobookMoon Killers (Shadow Series #3) Spring 2013(Shadow Series #4) Fall 2013Transfer Student (Starjump Series #1)The Seven Caves & Other Spine-Tingling Short Stories
Winnemucca a small-town fairy tale (YA literary romance)
When fear’s as blind as love, how far would you go to find your own happily ever after? One mistake will change Ginny’s life forever. One answer will set her free. Once upon a time Ginny’s road blood ripened, the day she got wise to love. Engaged to the high school quarterback, his quarter-carat ring and enchanting smile should have been enough for her. But, she stands him up and takes a walk where every step questions her happily ever after gone-bad and the fate of the mother she never knew. The mother her father refuses to talk about. Ginny fights to untangle her big, fat, lie-of-a-life on an enchanted road trip to Winnemucca, where she believes all her answers lie. To solve the riddle of her past, she must outrun everyone who wants a piece of her future–including a man determined to see she never has one.
Transfer Student (Starjump #1) (YA Sci-Fi Romance)
Two Worlds--Two Teens--One WishRhoe and Ashley would never be friends. Even if they lived on the same planet. But, they'll become so much more. They'll transfer.
Earthling Ashley's world revolves around winning daily popularity contests at Beverly Hills High School and surfing competitions with sweet scholarship prizes that will finally help her break free of her control-freak mother. Meanwhile on planet Retha, Rhoe misses his dad, loves his mom's home-cooked Glechy crag with a side of ory sauce, is desperate to heal his sick brother and wants more than anything to win The Retha New Invention Competition. But Rhoe's invention teleports him across the universe with an unintended side effect, Ashley and Rhoe transfer. They swap lives when they make the same wish at the same time.
Popular-surfer-turned-boy-geek alien Ashley must handle life on Retha as Rhoe complete with webbed feet, low-gravity, and an obsession with Yuke, all the while being hunted by Rethan spies and resenting her hairy, flat chest. Boy-geek-turned-popular-surfer Rhoe must fit in at Beverly Hills High School as Ashley, compete in The Laguna Beach Invitational without becoming shark food, dodge boys' affections, cool his preoccupation with Tiffany and his new body, and find the healing rocks he believes will save his brother's life.
If only it were that simple. Some wishes can't come true. Some have to.
(THIS ENHANCED EBOOK CONTAINS LINKS TO THE MUSIC, STORIES, PHOTOS & VIDEOS THAT INSPIRED THE STORY.) 13 on Halloween (Shadow Series #1) FREE (YA paranormal romance)
Roxie has the best night of her life until the popular kids decide they want to celebrate her birthday in a way Roxie never expects––in her attic, with a gift that’s out of this world, and a pact to never tell a living soul what happens next.Twelve-year-old Roxie wants to be like Adrianne, the popular girl who gets everything she wants––a flock to prowl around the mall with; invitations to parties; and for Hayden, the cutest guy in the eighth grade to, you know, notice her. When Roxie invites all the eighth grade peacocks (code word : popular kids) to her first ever thirteenth birthday party on Halloween, they all come and give her a gift that’s literally out of this world. Roxie astral projects to Planet Popular where she becomes seventeen instantly and gets everything she’s always wanted, but nothing is as it seems. Being a high school peacock is complicated and Roxie will risk everything to be who she thinks she wants to be. Oh yeah, there’s Prom, doppelgangers, a mysterious map, and lots of bad peacocks too. BONUS EXCERPT! Two Chapters of Shadow Slayer, Book 2 in The Shadow Series13 on Halloween, (Shadow Series #1) is now available as an audiobook on iTunes, Audible or Amazon.
Shadow Slayer (Shadow Series #2)
(YA paranormal romance)
Shadows will do anything to become human. You see their influence everyday. You say things you don’t mean or do things that aren’t like you. You look, different. Friends you’ve known forever suddenly never call.As a freshman, Roxie just wants to fit in which is impossible because she barely runs into her friends at her huge high school. Adrianne’s disappearance and Hayden’s attention rock Roxie’s world. But nothing rocks it like the most gorgeous guy at school, Drew. And nothing is more important to Roxie than astral projecting back to Planet Popular to solve the mystery of the map. But that changes when Drew invites Roxie to homecoming. Hayden warns her that something’s wrong. Why would a guy like Drew like Roxie anyway? Drew must want something. Hayden’s right. Drew is…different. Planet Popular was just the beginning. Part of a bigger world, the Shadow World. There’s a war brewing between the world of humans and the world of shadows. When the shadow invasion begins at Roxie’s high school, she’ll not only fight for her life but the lives of her family and friends, when she discovers she’s the Shadow Slayer, the one human who can save Earth from the shadow onslaught. But, Roxie can’t even kill a spider. Oh yeah, there’s an evil English teacher, an enchanted play, a sword of Sandonian steel, a homecoming of horrors, and seven magic words too. Audible (Audiobook) |iTunes LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
February 14, 2013
A VALENTINE's Gift FOR You! PURGATORY REIGN-early ebook release copy!
HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY from Peter Saints, main character of PURGATORY REIGN!
FOR Today Febuary 14th-15th you can download a free copy of PURGATORY REIGN, all that I ask is that you leave an honest review everywhere you see it.
Also, I want you to know that somebody - (lil' ole me) LM Preston Loves You!!!
Purgatory Reign (Free Valentine Day Pre-Release Link)
Coupon Code: (Good for 2/14-2/15) VA66Z
Today, share this gift, and tell somebody that they are loved!LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
FOR Today Febuary 14th-15th you can download a free copy of PURGATORY REIGN, all that I ask is that you leave an honest review everywhere you see it.
Also, I want you to know that somebody - (lil' ole me) LM Preston Loves You!!!
Purgatory Reign (Free Valentine Day Pre-Release Link)
Coupon Code: (Good for 2/14-2/15) VA66Z
Today, share this gift, and tell somebody that they are loved!LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
February 11, 2013
Cover Reveal for Thundering Luv!
I know it's not summer, but it's the week for lovers, showing love, giving love, just plain talking about 'luv'.
My summer LUV series started with Flutter Of Luv and now this summer I will be releasing, THUNDERING LUV, and boy is it a summer ride of turbulence!
So while the story is in editing, and my editor and I are shining it up for you, I wanted to share a sneaky peek of the cover, compliments of the wonderful, Emma Michaels, who designed it.
1....2....3.... Ta! Da!
THUNDERING LUV (Short Story-YA Romance)
Jewel has always been able to get the guy she wanted. The starting jock on the football team, the team captain on the basketball team, and the lead swimmer on the swim team. Problem is, she didn't find them the least bit exciting. Was she cold or a she-wolf for guys? Colin thought so, and he'd do anything to bring her down a peg or two. When these two collide on the sandy beach during their mixed up summer vacation, sparks fly, making this a summer neither will forget.
Release Date: June 1st, 2013
Format: Ebook Only Release, but will be part of a print book in 2014 that includes 3 short YA Summer Romances by LM Preston to include (Flutter Of Luv, Thundering Luv, and Double Trouble Luv)
Details: Book 2 in 'Luv' series. It is a stand alone. The first book in the series is Flutter Of Luv. If you want a taste of this series before you get your copy of Thundering Luv, just pick up a copy for $0.99 at all ebook retailers.
Goodreads link : (cover reveal guest, please ‘add’ book to your ‘to-be-read’ list) www.goodreads.com/author/show/3348681.L_M_Preston
Invitation to Facebook Release Party (Link): May, 18th, 2013 combined party with LM Preston's 2013 releases, https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/371743026256005/
SIGN UP FOR PRIZE RAFFLE! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Also, if you leave an email address, I will send you a free copy of Flutter Of Luv (book one in the Summer Luv series) :-D Yep, just comment below and let me know how to reach you and I will GIVE YOU a copy of the first book in my Summer Luv series.
Since you have to wait until June to read book 2 in the series, check out Flutter Of Luv.
Here are the wonderful list of bloggers who are showing off my new book baby from 2/11-2/18 !
Read Between The Lines
Writer's Alley
Young Adult Novel Reader
Jess's Book Blog
Cranky Ashley
Girls Heart Books
Seraphine Muse
The Curiosity Key
We Do Write
Ren's Rambles
Books and Their Wordly Realm
A Dream Within A Dream
Books, Reviews, Wine and Cheese
Curling Up With A Good Book
A Little Bit of R&R
AoBiblioSpere
JD's Leisure Zone
Ema Volf
Write Game
Christine Fonseca
Tam's Two Cents
My Reading Addiction
Delphina Reads Too Much
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
My summer LUV series started with Flutter Of Luv and now this summer I will be releasing, THUNDERING LUV, and boy is it a summer ride of turbulence!
So while the story is in editing, and my editor and I are shining it up for you, I wanted to share a sneaky peek of the cover, compliments of the wonderful, Emma Michaels, who designed it.
1....2....3.... Ta! Da!
THUNDERING LUV (Short Story-YA Romance)
Jewel has always been able to get the guy she wanted. The starting jock on the football team, the team captain on the basketball team, and the lead swimmer on the swim team. Problem is, she didn't find them the least bit exciting. Was she cold or a she-wolf for guys? Colin thought so, and he'd do anything to bring her down a peg or two. When these two collide on the sandy beach during their mixed up summer vacation, sparks fly, making this a summer neither will forget.
Release Date: June 1st, 2013
Format: Ebook Only Release, but will be part of a print book in 2014 that includes 3 short YA Summer Romances by LM Preston to include (Flutter Of Luv, Thundering Luv, and Double Trouble Luv)
Details: Book 2 in 'Luv' series. It is a stand alone. The first book in the series is Flutter Of Luv. If you want a taste of this series before you get your copy of Thundering Luv, just pick up a copy for $0.99 at all ebook retailers.
Goodreads link : (cover reveal guest, please ‘add’ book to your ‘to-be-read’ list) www.goodreads.com/author/show/3348681.L_M_Preston
Invitation to Facebook Release Party (Link): May, 18th, 2013 combined party with LM Preston's 2013 releases, https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/371743026256005/
SIGN UP FOR PRIZE RAFFLE! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Also, if you leave an email address, I will send you a free copy of Flutter Of Luv (book one in the Summer Luv series) :-D Yep, just comment below and let me know how to reach you and I will GIVE YOU a copy of the first book in my Summer Luv series.
Since you have to wait until June to read book 2 in the series, check out Flutter Of Luv.
Here are the wonderful list of bloggers who are showing off my new book baby from 2/11-2/18 !
Read Between The Lines
Writer's Alley
Young Adult Novel Reader
Jess's Book Blog
Cranky Ashley
Girls Heart Books
Seraphine Muse
The Curiosity Key
We Do Write
Ren's Rambles
Books and Their Wordly Realm
A Dream Within A Dream
Books, Reviews, Wine and Cheese
Curling Up With A Good Book
A Little Bit of R&R
AoBiblioSpere
JD's Leisure Zone
Ema Volf
Write Game
Christine Fonseca
Tam's Two Cents
My Reading Addiction
Delphina Reads Too Much
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
February 8, 2013
Dark Salvation by Katie Salidas COVER REVEAL!
Have I told you about my obsession? I love book COVERS!!! And I'm so happy to be a part of the Dark Salvation REVEAL by Katie Salidas.
AND read about the FREEEEEEEEE book 1 in the series offer!
Title: Dark SalvationAuthor: Katie SalidasSeries: Immortalis (Companion Novel)Genre: Paranormal RomancePublisher: Rising Sign BooksRelease Date: April 1stBlurb/Synopsis: A gathering storm of violence is on the horizon. Whispered threats of the Acta Sanctorum’s return have the supernatural world abuzz. Only recently aware of the other world hidden behind our own, Kitara Vanders has barely scratched the surface of what being supernatural truly means. A special woman in her own right, she possesses unique telepathic abilities, gifts that have recently come under the scrutiny of the Acta Sanctorum, a fanatical organization whose mission is to cleanse the world of anything supernatural. Targeted, and marked for death, Kitara’s only hope lies with the lethally seductive yet emotionally scarred warrior, Nicholas.
Knowing full well the atrocities the Acta Sanctorum is capable of, Nicholas is all too eager for the battle to begin. Fueled by pain and rage from the loss of his mate, he’s itching for a fight, but one thing stands in his way, Kitara: a beautiful dark-haired woman with unique psychic abilities and an unusual link to the Saints. Despite his resolve to remain focused on his mission, a purely physical relationship binds them together in a way neither of them expected. And when her life hangs in the balance, Nicholas finds his own is teetering on the edge too.
FREE!!!
Book 1 in the series! IMMORTAL! Click Here
Amazon Kindle CopyBarnes and Noble Nook CopyKoboSmashwords
About Katie!
Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkins off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons. She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime… And, she still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write.
And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale…Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment.
BlogFacebook LinkedInTwitter PublisherAmazonAmazon UKBarnes & NobleSmashwords All Romance Ebooks
Participating Blog Stops!
Oh My Shelves Paperback QueenImmortal Crimson ReviewsAmazing BooksWendy Ely's BooksKatie M John Writer of Dark Fairy Tales & HorrorBusy Moms Book Reviews4Covert2Overt In 33 DaysHouse Millar The Journey ContinuesIntoxicated By Books A Little Bit of R&RThe Book TownBrianna Lee ReviewsAs You Wish ReviewsPassionate About BooksThe Many Muses of MaryLynnRecent ReadsConfessions of the ParanormalShelves of Books BlogMarcy Rachel DesignsRead 2 ReviewPage Turner Book Tours GMTA UKGMTA Paranormal/YA/New AdultGirls Heart BooksLM Preston YA Sci Fi Writer's Ramblings Susan's Wicked WritingsClose Encounters With The Night KindMy Reading ObsessionA Crazy Vermonter's Book ReviewsBreathe In Books Jessica Roscoe Author Facebook Page
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
AND read about the FREEEEEEEEE book 1 in the series offer!
Title: Dark SalvationAuthor: Katie SalidasSeries: Immortalis (Companion Novel)Genre: Paranormal RomancePublisher: Rising Sign BooksRelease Date: April 1stBlurb/Synopsis: A gathering storm of violence is on the horizon. Whispered threats of the Acta Sanctorum’s return have the supernatural world abuzz. Only recently aware of the other world hidden behind our own, Kitara Vanders has barely scratched the surface of what being supernatural truly means. A special woman in her own right, she possesses unique telepathic abilities, gifts that have recently come under the scrutiny of the Acta Sanctorum, a fanatical organization whose mission is to cleanse the world of anything supernatural. Targeted, and marked for death, Kitara’s only hope lies with the lethally seductive yet emotionally scarred warrior, Nicholas.
Knowing full well the atrocities the Acta Sanctorum is capable of, Nicholas is all too eager for the battle to begin. Fueled by pain and rage from the loss of his mate, he’s itching for a fight, but one thing stands in his way, Kitara: a beautiful dark-haired woman with unique psychic abilities and an unusual link to the Saints. Despite his resolve to remain focused on his mission, a purely physical relationship binds them together in a way neither of them expected. And when her life hangs in the balance, Nicholas finds his own is teetering on the edge too.
FREE!!!
Book 1 in the series! IMMORTAL! Click Here
Amazon Kindle CopyBarnes and Noble Nook CopyKoboSmashwords About Katie!
Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkins off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons. She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime… And, she still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write.
And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale…Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment.
BlogFacebook LinkedInTwitter PublisherAmazonAmazon UKBarnes & NobleSmashwords All Romance Ebooks
Participating Blog Stops!
Oh My Shelves Paperback QueenImmortal Crimson ReviewsAmazing BooksWendy Ely's BooksKatie M John Writer of Dark Fairy Tales & HorrorBusy Moms Book Reviews4Covert2Overt In 33 DaysHouse Millar The Journey ContinuesIntoxicated By Books A Little Bit of R&RThe Book TownBrianna Lee ReviewsAs You Wish ReviewsPassionate About BooksThe Many Muses of MaryLynnRecent ReadsConfessions of the ParanormalShelves of Books BlogMarcy Rachel DesignsRead 2 ReviewPage Turner Book Tours GMTA UKGMTA Paranormal/YA/New AdultGirls Heart BooksLM Preston YA Sci Fi Writer's Ramblings Susan's Wicked WritingsClose Encounters With The Night KindMy Reading ObsessionA Crazy Vermonter's Book ReviewsBreathe In Books Jessica Roscoe Author Facebook Page
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
February 7, 2013
Speaking at Mt.Airy Library on WORLD BUILDING
I'll be speaking at Mt.Airy Library this Saturday, Feb. 9th, 2013 at 1pm! And if you are in Maryland I hope you can join me.
Mount Airy Branch Library
705 Ridge Avenue
Mount Airy, MD 21771
The world we create for our characters should be vivid, complete and reflect a piece of ours.
World Building ... my way
I once participated in a Sci-Fi critique group, where one of the authors asked about World Building. Our leader never expanded on this topic. When this topic was bought up, I pondered what I did when I build the many worlds I create for my books.
I believe everyone has their own methods. However, here are some of mine that help me throughout the process.
EXPOSE YOURSELF TO EARTH AND ITS WONDERS
I love to travel, as I have mentioned many times before. Traveling and exposing yourself to different wonders of our world can be a catalyst for the creation of your new world.
STUDY THE WORLD AROUND YOU
If traveling is not possible, or even if it is, take time to study and observe your surroundings. Things that may not seem interesting initially can become an integral part of the world you create. When you are walking, or touring areas take your time, allow your imagination to go beyond the obvious and ask yourself many questions. For example, when I am flying in an airplane, I ask myself, “What if the clouds were black, blue, grey?” What if the sun was white? Or lower to the ground? What if the plants had fingers? Push yourself to expand on the world around you.
RESEARCH AND MAKE NOTE
I do a lot of research on the internet. Truth be told, I don’t do a lot of reading, I just look at pictures. I tend to look at pictures for a long time, and sit back and see if it fits into my world.
I note what extremes I want my world to have.
I note what rules my world should have.
I note what kind of species could live in that world.
How would a human sustain this environment?
Should I create something artificial in order to allow my humans to live here?
DRAW IT OUT
I draw out parts of my world or cut out pictures of places or things that fit in the world I am starting to create.
DECIDE WHAT TO REVEAL ABOUT YOUR WORLD
I tend to create this elaborate world, and then I take out a lot of the microscopic pieces that I believe the reader can fill in. However, I give the backdrop in the world the reader creates. I note the rules for that world, its species, animals and weaknesses.
USE OTHER RESOURCES AND BUILD UPON THEM
Research other mythological worlds, and change them, pervert them or and enhance them to fit your characters needs.
FILL IN THE RULES
Address the main guidepost of your world. How is it powered? Is it advanced? Is it rugged? What’s the climate? What does the land look like? Does it has a sun or moon? Are there animals there? What are the major species?
HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER FIT IN?
Note how your character fits into this world? Are they from here? Do they visit? How do they survive? Communicate with the species on this planet?
When I world build it comes natural to me, because I’ve always loved science and like to spend time pondering its wonders. However, taking notes, going exploring, drawing it out, and making DA RULES has helped me greatly in creating the worlds in my novels. LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
Mount Airy Branch Library
705 Ridge Avenue
Mount Airy, MD 21771
The world we create for our characters should be vivid, complete and reflect a piece of ours.
World Building ... my way
I once participated in a Sci-Fi critique group, where one of the authors asked about World Building. Our leader never expanded on this topic. When this topic was bought up, I pondered what I did when I build the many worlds I create for my books.
I believe everyone has their own methods. However, here are some of mine that help me throughout the process.
EXPOSE YOURSELF TO EARTH AND ITS WONDERS
I love to travel, as I have mentioned many times before. Traveling and exposing yourself to different wonders of our world can be a catalyst for the creation of your new world.
STUDY THE WORLD AROUND YOU
If traveling is not possible, or even if it is, take time to study and observe your surroundings. Things that may not seem interesting initially can become an integral part of the world you create. When you are walking, or touring areas take your time, allow your imagination to go beyond the obvious and ask yourself many questions. For example, when I am flying in an airplane, I ask myself, “What if the clouds were black, blue, grey?” What if the sun was white? Or lower to the ground? What if the plants had fingers? Push yourself to expand on the world around you.
RESEARCH AND MAKE NOTE
I do a lot of research on the internet. Truth be told, I don’t do a lot of reading, I just look at pictures. I tend to look at pictures for a long time, and sit back and see if it fits into my world.
I note what extremes I want my world to have.
I note what rules my world should have.
I note what kind of species could live in that world.
How would a human sustain this environment?
Should I create something artificial in order to allow my humans to live here?
DRAW IT OUT
I draw out parts of my world or cut out pictures of places or things that fit in the world I am starting to create.
DECIDE WHAT TO REVEAL ABOUT YOUR WORLD
I tend to create this elaborate world, and then I take out a lot of the microscopic pieces that I believe the reader can fill in. However, I give the backdrop in the world the reader creates. I note the rules for that world, its species, animals and weaknesses.
USE OTHER RESOURCES AND BUILD UPON THEM
Research other mythological worlds, and change them, pervert them or and enhance them to fit your characters needs.
FILL IN THE RULES
Address the main guidepost of your world. How is it powered? Is it advanced? Is it rugged? What’s the climate? What does the land look like? Does it has a sun or moon? Are there animals there? What are the major species?
HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER FIT IN?
Note how your character fits into this world? Are they from here? Do they visit? How do they survive? Communicate with the species on this planet?
When I world build it comes natural to me, because I’ve always loved science and like to spend time pondering its wonders. However, taking notes, going exploring, drawing it out, and making DA RULES has helped me greatly in creating the worlds in my novels. LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
