L.M. Preston's Blog, page 26

All about Suzy Turner, author of Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw

 Guess who dropped in? Author Suzy Turner!!! You have got to check out her awesome books but first, she's here to chat with us.

Spotlight Interview Questions:
1) What is your all-time favorite book and why?
Ooh it's so tough to just have one book. But I'd probably go with The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. I studied the book at college and totally fell in love with it. I guess it was because it was so different to anything I'd ever read. Perhaps the dystopian side of it also appealed. I'm not sure. Strangely though, I've never read anything else by Margaret Atwood. Not sure why!

2) Is there an author you could be compared to or popular fictional characters your book's characters could relate to and why?
Recently, my newest series (The Morgan Sisters) was described by a book blogger as 'possibly the next Harry Potter'. Clearly this made my decade and I'd love to be compared to the Great Almighty JK, but I would never compare myself to another writer. I'd like to think my writing is my own... kind of unique, you know?

3) Can you give us your favorite quote from one of your books and explain it?
My favourite quote? That's a toughie, hmmm. How about this...
'She could hear her heart beating, feel it thudding in her chest. She couldn't open her mouth; it was too dry. All she wanted to do was scream but she couldn't even do that. Please God don't let me die, she thought.
A sudden massive gust of wind took her feet from beneath her and she was forcefully pushed from the top of Carlton Point, falling silently and peacefully to the rocky hills below.'
The reason I like this scene so much is because I have such a vivid image of it in my mind. When you read on to the next chapter, you'll see that she didn't actually fall. That image of Lana slowly floating, almost in slow motion, reverberated with me. Almost like a scene from Alice in Wonderland.

4) What types of things/people/music inspires you and makes you want to keep writing?
I am particularly inspired by places. For instance, my first series (The Raven Saga) was inspired by the awesome mountains and forests of Western Canada. My new series (The Morgan Sisters) was inspired by places I've been to in London (as well as by a London actor I met last year).
I think the UK is perhaps one of the most inspiring countries I've ever been to. Every time I visit (although I'm English, I currently live in Portugal), I am blown away by its capacity to inspire me... with its historical buildings and heritage. I'm actually selling up and moving back to England. One of the reasons why we chose England is because of its hold over me with my writing. I can't wait! (Anyone wanna buy a villa in the Algarve?)

5) Describe your typical writing day or week.
When I have deadlines, I write every morning until I've reached my target (if I'm in the zone, I'll write a lot more) and then I chill out with my favourite TV show and a nice cup of Rooibos tea :)

6) Is there a food or drink do you have to have when you're writing?
Just Rooibos tea and water.

7) Can you tell us what you're working on right now (& possibly provide an excerpt & cover)?
I'm about to start the second novel in The Morgan Sisters series but it doesn't have a title yet!

SOCIAL NETWORKS:
website: http://suzyturner.com
Blog: http://suzyturner.blogspot.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Suzy-Turner/e/B...
Facebook: http://facebook.com/suzyturnerbooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/suzy_turner
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/suzyturnerbooks


SUZY'S BOOKS
Raven (FREE)

After the inexplicable disappearance of Lilly Taylor's parents, she has no choice but to move to Canada where she unravels some frightening yet intriguing family secrets... Her whole life had been based on a lie. Lilly had grown up in a loveless home with a father who she had barely ever seen and a mother who was... well, not very motherly. After they mysteriously disappear without a trace, Lilly is sent to Canada where she finds a whole new way of life. A life filled with love and people who care for her. But that's not all she discovers, Lilly also finds out that she isn't who, or what, she thinks she is. Lilly has a very special ability and it's just a matter of time before her true self starts to shine. And when it does, her life will never be the same again.


December Moon

On her 15th birthday, December Moon discovers she is the descendant of a family of witches, kept in the dark her entire life in an effort to protect her. But when Lilly, her best friend, finds herself in danger from one of the world's most evil vampires, December will do everything in her power to stop him.


The Lost Soul

December and Lilly have got their work cut out for them. Not only are they desperately trying to figure out the identity of the Lost Soul, and track him down, they've also got to investigate why Powell River's newest resident has got all of their men falling at her feet.
But when they learn that the Nephilim might be involved, it becomes clear that they're all in extreme danger...


The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw
A Morgan Sisters novel

Adopted sisters Lana Beth and Emma Jane are polar opposites, but when the same strange 'tattoo' suddenly appears and winds its way up their bodies within days of each other, they soon realize there's more to their relationship than they could ever have imagined.
Sent off to London for two weeks of 'work experience', the Morgan Sisters soon find themselves being initiated into the ancient Praxos Foundation, one that protects the innocent while fighting evil, both human and supernatural.
At the same time, Lana Beth and Emma Jane must also investigate why the sweet but sometimes pesky ghost of Josiah Grimshaw just won't leave them alone.

Daisy Madigan's Paradise (FREE)
A Morgan Sisters novella
n 15 year old Daisy Madigan, she escapes to the only place she feels safe, the cemetery of Abney Park. There, in the company of the dearly departed, she realizes she is changing, growing stronger and faster by the day. But in the darkness lurks a terror even she can't imagine facing.
Daisy Madigan's Paradise is a Morgan Sisters novella. Check out The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, the full length first novel in the series.


AUTHOR BIO
Suzy Turner has worked as a journalist, assistant editor, features editor, magazine editor and has even been the Script Supervisor for a full length feature film. Early in 2010 however, she began writing full time and has since completed a trilogy for young adults, The Raven Saga (the first of which is FREE) and started a brand new series, The Morgan Sisters. The first full length novel in this series, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw is now available, as is a shorter novella, Daisy Madigan's Paradise which is FREE!

Although Suzy is a Yorkshire lass at heart, she left her home town of Rotherham, UK, to move to Portugal with her family when she was ten. For now, the Algarve continues to be her home, where she lives with her childhood sweetheart and husband of 14 years, Michael.



LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

The Dragon Empire Cover Reveal by Heather McCorkle

 I loooove Cover Reveals! It makes me feel like I'm passing on a great secret!
Well I've got a good one for you from author Heather McCorkle

 Cover designed by CP Design.
The Dragon Empire by Heather McCorkle -- February 2013 / Compass PressOn Yacrana, dragons stand at the top of the evolutionary ladder instead of humans. Such an advanced species is not without its issues though.

There's trouble in the Dragon Empire, the kind that could start a war between dragons and the races of people. Hidden factions of dragons believe they should rule the lesser races, not simply stand aside and allow them to develop as they will. Having lived so long in peace, the Emperors turn a blind eye, many oblivious that such attitudes even exist.
Despite being only an architect class, emerald dragon, Grendar is willing to risk banishment and death to stop that which his rulers refuse to see. The hope of peace lies not within the scaled breast of a dragon however, but within the hands of a group of people. But if the hidden factions have their way, these people won’t live to fulfill such a destiny. With a reluctant seer at his side, Grendar must leave his precious Empire for the outside world to save those that will one day save his kind. 
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17158656-the-dragon-empire
AUTHOR BIOHeather McCorkleI am an author of fantasy, in all its many sub-genres. Living green, saving endangered species, helping other writers, and supporting fabulous authors are a few of my passions. I am also a volunteer for the IS Foundation which works to make the world a greener place. When I'm not volunteering, writing, or surfing my social networking sites, I can be found on the slopes, the hiking trails, or on horseback. As a native Oregonian, I enjoy the outdoors almost as much as the worlds I create on the pages. No need to travel to the Great Northwest though, you can find me here, on my blog, and Monday night's on Twitter where I co-moderate the #WritersRoad chat.
Author Links:Website: http://heathermccorkle.blogspot.ca/Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4957267.Heather_McCorkleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Heather-McCorkle/211058455603533Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherMcCorkle    
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

What Makes You Re-read A book?

I’ve been doing some downsizing lately since we moved. And I had to make some hard decisions when it came to keeping my paperback books that have to be crammed into my measly two bookcases.

So, I decided to only keep the books that I knew that I would read again. And they are quite a few that I decided I would read again. Books that I read once, had a good ride, but didn’t think I would stick with it another round, they were donated to the library.

PAPER BACK BOOKS I was least likely to take off my shelf were:

Non-Fiction: There is a difference here because my paperback books do take up space. The books that survived and kept their space on my bookshelf were the non-fiction ‘how to’ books and the cookbooks. They didn’t even have to compete.

Poetry: As for my fiction titles, I held on to my books of poetry, which came in 2nd place because I love reading poetry and my family does have a poetry speak talk once in awhile where we recite our favorite pieces of poetry outloud.

Hard to Find Again Books: Yep, those Conan books, and comic books turned full length novels, I held on to them.

Fiction Series Titles: Series that I enjoyed each book in the series (which meant I wanted to re-read every book in the series). If there was a series where there was even one of the books I didn’t want to re-read, I donated the series.

Picture Books and Middle Grade Fiction: I kept these since my younger kids still prefer to read with a book in their hand.

EBOOKs I was least likely to take off my shelf:

Series: Here is where I don’t mind keeping a series in which I didn’t like as much.

Fiction: All of my fiction books that I liked or thought my daughter would like, I keep on my device so I can share the book with her.

MY CONCLUSIONs

I’m more likely to hold thousands of ‘only read once’ books on my ebook device since it doesn’t cost me to keep them and I can archive them. Also, I figure if I’m bored and run out of books to read, I can always find time to read that ‘okay’ book that I haven’t read in 5 yrs.

However, I’m less likely to want to keep non-fiction books like cook books or How To’s on my reading device because I like to write in those books.

As for genre’s I’m more likely to keep my picture books and Middle Grade books on the shelf since my younger kids still prefer to have the book (only because I refuse to buy them an ereader though).

SO…WHAT STAYS ON YOUR READING SHELF? Paperback or Ebook?

LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Mindjack Book Trailer Reveal! Woot! Woot!

The Live-Action Mindjack Book Trailer Reveal(from the bestselling Mindjack series by Susan Kaye Quinn)With the help of over 20 cast and crew members, award-winning director Beth Spitalny has brought the concept of the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy to life on the screen. When everyone reads minds,a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.Please share!Ways you can share the trailer:1) Watch the trailer on YouTube (or here)!(more views=higher visibility) 2) Post it to Facebook (copy & paste below) Check out the live-action Mindjack Book Trailer (from the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy by Susan Kaye Quinn): When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep. http://bit.ly/MindjackBookTrailer 3) Post it to Twitter (copy & paste below) When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep. Watch the live-action Mindjack Book Trailer http://bit.ly/MindjackBookTrailer 4) Share to Google+, Tumbler, Pinterest, and moreGo to the trailer on YouTube and click the "share" button. Click the arrow to expand and see all the options. Easy peasy. (While you're there, click "like" on YouTube, or leave a comment!) 5) Post the trailer on your blogGrab the embed code from YouTube or email me for a copy of the HTML for a complete post announcing the trailer and ways to share!
Thanks so much for sharing!To celebrate the release of the trailer,I'm putting Open Minds on sale! $2.99 now $0.99for one week only $9.99 now $7.99for one week onlyTHANK YOU to everyone who is sharing the trailer today!An EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to everyone involved in making the trailer a reality, including Director Beth Spitalny, Producer Angel Acevedo, Director of Photography Lance Kaplan, lead actor Nikki Flemming (Kira) and the many fine actors, crew members, and post-production staff who donated their time and talent to the project. For the making-of the trailer, see the Mindjack Trilogy website.
Susan Kaye Quinn is the author of the bestselling Mindjack Series, which includes three novels, three novellas, and a trailer. She's currently writing a steampunk fantasy romance, just for kicks. When that's out of her system, she has ambitious plans to embark on a series about the Singularity (the time when computers become more intelligent than humans) that should appeal to fans of the Mindjack novels. Or possibly play on Facebook all day. Could go either way.
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Be a Rebel With Me :-D

I'm joining in the fun with SA Larson from Writer's Ally and sharing my REBEL WRITER's CREED for 2013!
If you want to join in the fun sign up here: CLICK

Now, this writing game is harsh, not for the faint of heart, and for people that are willing to go the distance and think outside of the box. NEVER accept a 'no', STRIVE to always improve, and LOVE yourself no matter what because it can get ugly. Rejection is the name of the game, but dodge it, improve, improvise, learn from your mistakes and .... and...and...


WE WILL ALL meet in the stars :-D


Writing REBEL Power!!!!! Woot! Woot!LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Sorry But I'm PUT'n Down Rules Due To Spammer Attack on Comments

Sorry my loyal blog readers, but I had to put on an extra bit of control on my comments since my comments have been spammed three times already.

This mysteriously happened when I returned from a cruise. Three times in 1 month means I have to add more security.

I hope you still find the time to read, comment and enjoy my humble blog home :-D


LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Adding an AIR of Mystery to Young Adult Books

When I first started on my writing adventure, I focused on character development, action and pacing for my stories. There was an air of mystery but not as deeply developed as a true mystery novel.

However, the freedom of writing Young Adult fiction is that you can mix genres and have a lot of fun with it.

So while being an organizer at the Maryland Writer's Conference, I was disappointed that I missed the session on Writing An Action Packed Mystery, given by author Austin Camacho of the Hanibal Jones Mysteries. But Austin is a great guy and while he was taking his 'break' before selling his books he gave me the 5 principles of creating a great mystery.

PRINCIPLES for Creating Mystery in books

1) Have a 'big' thing happen and clue reader in from the beginning
2) Have more than one possible villian
3) Add Suspense and Tension
4) Create clear clues, but don't give it away
5) Distractions, have these that through your reader and lead character off track

WHY WOULD A YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE or SCIFI or PARANORMAL AUTHOR want to understand the recipe for a good mystery?

Adding the element of mystery to any genre gives the author another way to hook the reader in. The mystery doesn't have to be pronounced but adding suspense and tension all create an explosive recipe for an adventure that grabs hold of the reader and doesn't let them go until the ride is over.

Also, by solving the mystery, the author can leave some other aspects of the book unresolved for later sequels and yet the reader feels as though some major question was answered.

WHAT BOOKS HAVE YOU READ WHERE THERE WAS MYSTERY INTERTWINED?

What value did the mystery add to the book. Would you enjoyed it as much without it?LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

The Starter Boyfriend by Tina Ferraro

Well, well, well...the holiday's are over and my daughter is reading a stack of books. I saw this book on facebook and asked her if she wanted to review it. She screamed, 'Yes!' I personally think it was Cover Love, but apparently she'd read another book by this author and enjoyed it so she wanted to read this one as well. Stay tuned for her review.



Amazon Blurb :
17 year-old Courtney is completely stressed. There's the rift with her softball teammates, homework, housework, her part-time job at the tux shop, her dad’s upcoming wedding...enough! Would it be too much to ask for someone special in her life, a boyfriend she could talk to, count on, even lean on a little?

The best she’s got is a blue-eyed surfer boy who seems to save his biggest moves for his board, and a “friend date” to Homecoming with a guy still in love with his ex. Oh, and then there’s the tuxedo mannequin in the shop window, who happens to be reliable and an amazing listener.

When the mannequin gets stolen in a senior prank, Courtney finds herself in a midnight pursuit along beach boulevards, trying to save more than the mannequin, but the job she’s come to love. After turning to the unlikeliest of people for help, and finding that surfer boy is as resourceful as he is good-looking, her load begins to lighten. In fact, she soon might find not only what she needs, but what she wants, too.

About the author, Tina Ferraro:
I am the author of about a hundred short stories published in national magazines, as well as three young adult novels with Random House: Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, How to Hook a Hottie, and The ABC's of Kissing Boys.
I live behind a computer screen in Los Angeles with my rocket scientist husband, two cats, and whichever of our three young adult kids happens to be around.

Book Review by Nyia our Teen Book Reviewer:
It was absolutely adorable. The main character, Courtney, was hilarious with her quirky thoughts and comebacks. Her boyfriend to be, Adam was cute and cared for her but I didn't really get his personality or I was angry with him like Courtney was. I would've liked more buildup and romantic tension and no real flirting. But I still loved it, the plot was amazing with a really good ending. I'm giving this 4 stars out of 5.

Purchase book :
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes & NoblesLM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Happy New Year! Another Year To Do Amazing Things!

Wow, I love this picture...it gives me a feeling I have a beautiful road yet traveled. AND GUESS WHAT?

You DO! I DO! We have yet to see what adventures wait for 2013.

2012 was a doozy! I had lots of HIGHs and LOWs that I don't even want to drum up the LOWs but I need to, because I have to remind myself that I SURVIVED!!! Yep another year, I'M HERE BABY!

And it's gonna be a good one. I'm STRONGER, HOPEFUL and HAPPY?

Are you happy? Well this year CHOOSE to be, because this YEAR I'm cheering for you just like you've been cheering for me.

So have a HAPPY, WONDERFUL, EXCITING, DREAMY, AWESOME, MARVELOUS, SASSY, and FUN....2013



NEW YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!

LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

New Year's Resolution Planning

OH Yeah does 2013 look promising! I've chucked out all excess  baggage, and am planning on focusing on my writing pile. I hope to really add to my stash of books for publishing in 2014, 2015 all to be written this year.

2013 Planned Book Releases:

Purgatory Reign (book 1 in 3 book series) - comes out in ebook Feb 1st, and print May, 18th.

Thundering Love - isn't written yet, but is book 2 in the Summer Luv series which includes (Flutter Of Luv) and will round out with one more short story.

Wastelands (Bandits series) - is written but needs to be edited by June to release in Fall.

2013 Books To Write

3rd Book and final book in The Pack series (still have no title)
3rd Book and final book in the Explorer X (Middle Grade) series (still have no title)
2nd Book in Purgatory Reign Series (still have no title)
3rd Short Story in Summer Luv series (still have no title)
YA stand alone book
The Pack (book to script adaption)
Explorer X (book to script adaption)

If I'm able to write all of those babies, then 2014 is gonna be a great year of releases!!

2013 Planned In Person Events:

Plan to have 1 event a month from April 2013 til Sept 2013. So if you'd like to have me at your school, book club, radio show, on your blog, please drop me a line. I'm booking now.

2013 Quirky Resolution:
Lose 20lbs since I'm gonna be on TV in March I've got to slim out a bit (lol!)

Finish living out my bucket list (hope to do my Hot Air Balloon Ride)

So.....what are you planning for 2013?
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS