L.M. Preston's Blog, page 36
May 16, 2012
FABRIC by Jessica Bell (Poetry)
Today I'm celebrating the release of Jessica Bell's new poetry collection, Fabric ... Wait! Please don't close the tab at the the mention of poetry! Trust me, just read a little note from the author herself before deciding to disappear ...Jessica says:Are you still here? I hope so!
My poetry will not baffle you with phrasing that scholars award for academic genius and that can only be understood by those who wrote it. My poetry is for the everyday reader. In fact, it is even for those who don’t like to read poetry at all. Because it is real, stark and simple.
The poems in Fabric are no different. They explore specific moments in different people’s lives that are significant to whom they have become, the choices they’ve made. It’s about how they perceive the world around them, and how each and every one of their thoughts and actions contributes to the fabric of society. Perhaps you will even learn something new about yourself.
So, even if you do not usually read poetry, I urge you to give this one a go. Not because I want sales (though, they are fun!), but because I want more people to understand that not all poetry is scary and complex. Not all poetry is going to take you back to high school English, and not all poetry is going make you feel “stupid”.
You can still say to people that you don’t read poetry … I really don’t mind. Because if you read Fabric, you’re not reading poetry, you’re reading about people. And that’s what reading is about, yes? Living the lives of others?
Please support the life of poetry today by spreading the news about Fabric. Hey, perhaps you might even like to purchase a copy for yourself? The e-book is only $1.99 and the paperback $5.50.
Here are the links:Amazon USAmazon UKGoodreads
Let's keep poetry alive! Because not all poetry is "dead" boring ...
About Jessica Bell:
If Jessica Bell could choose only one creative mentor, she’d give the role to Euterpe, the Greek muse of music and lyrics. And not because she currently lives in Greece, either. The Australian-native author, poet and singer/songwriter/guitarist has her roots firmly planted in music, and admits inspiration often stems from lyrics she’s written.
She is the Co-Publishing Editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal, and co-hosts the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop on the Greek Isle of Ithaca, with Chuck Sambuchino of Writer’s Digest.
For more information about Jessica Bell, please visit:
Website:
String Bridge (a novel)
Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop
Blog
Vine Leaves
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
May 15, 2012
Flutter Of Luv - Teaser
This short story ebook comes out in July so stay tuned. Check out the Facebook Release Party HERE!It's my first time ever writing in first person or a simple romance.
Book Description: Dawn, the neighborhood tomboy is happy to be her best friend’s shadow. Acceptance comes from playing football after school with the guys on the block while hiding safely behind her glasses, braces and boyish ways. But Tony moves in, becomes the star quarterback on her school’s team and changes her world and her view of herself forever.
This is a short story told in ten episodes similar to an anthology of short stories over the course of Dawn’s and Tony’s realization of how much they mean to one another.
Excerpt:
May 13, 2012
AfterLife by Willow Cross
Since I've been addicted to ebooks, one of the things I like most is the fact that I can find short stories - good ones, on Amazon and B&N
Here's a good short for you, a sweet love story between a ghost and a vampire :-D
Amazon Blurb: Two hundred years before the battle of the fortress, a young man named William Townsend had to die.
William had big plans. He would become a valiant soldier, fall in love, have a family, and die. In fact, he was certain it would happen in that exact order. But fate is a fickle taskmaster and things almost never go as planned. And sometimes, just sometimes, your true destiny will greet you after life
My Review:
My daughter who hasn't read "Birthright" started reading this on her kindle. We both read it, I as someone who's read the Dark Gifts first 2 books and she who'd only read Inheritance and Afterlife. We both loved the story of Angie, a vampire turned at age 17yrs old but was trapped in a girls body for over 100 yrs and William a misguided ghost who became not just her friend, but someone who'd come to love her, be devoted to her from afar. I loved William and I connected with him. An innocent frustration at being a ghost, but who was happy with what little he had - a friendship with Angie. My daughter, however, connected with Angie who seemed immature at times, but who's heart was in the right place. The dialogue and interaction between the two was sweet. But the adventure that shed light on some aspects of Birthright (Willow Cross's first book in the Dark Gifts Series) made both of us want more. Take a peak at this enjoyable read and you won't want to put it down.
BUY IT for 99cents - Buy AfterlifeLM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
Here's a good short for you, a sweet love story between a ghost and a vampire :-D
Amazon Blurb: Two hundred years before the battle of the fortress, a young man named William Townsend had to die.
William had big plans. He would become a valiant soldier, fall in love, have a family, and die. In fact, he was certain it would happen in that exact order. But fate is a fickle taskmaster and things almost never go as planned. And sometimes, just sometimes, your true destiny will greet you after life
My Review:
My daughter who hasn't read "Birthright" started reading this on her kindle. We both read it, I as someone who's read the Dark Gifts first 2 books and she who'd only read Inheritance and Afterlife. We both loved the story of Angie, a vampire turned at age 17yrs old but was trapped in a girls body for over 100 yrs and William a misguided ghost who became not just her friend, but someone who'd come to love her, be devoted to her from afar. I loved William and I connected with him. An innocent frustration at being a ghost, but who was happy with what little he had - a friendship with Angie. My daughter, however, connected with Angie who seemed immature at times, but who's heart was in the right place. The dialogue and interaction between the two was sweet. But the adventure that shed light on some aspects of Birthright (Willow Cross's first book in the Dark Gifts Series) made both of us want more. Take a peak at this enjoyable read and you won't want to put it down.
BUY IT for 99cents - Buy AfterlifeLM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
May 10, 2012
Author Palooza and SWAG Giveaway! Friday May 11th!
Just want to let you all know where to get your party on this Friday - especially if you can't leave the house but want to have fun!
This weekend is going to be EPIC over on the Book Release Party Page (http://www.facebook.com/bookreleasepa...) May 11th from 6-10pm central there will be an "Authors of the Party Page Showcase" where you can get info to find author pag...es and play games and win some goodies. On May 13th from 6-10pm central there will be a release party for Angela Yuriko Smith (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angela-...) book End of Mae, games and goodies to be won as well. And of coarse some of the best host that will keep you entertained to no end. Be sure to mark your calendar and tell your friends, you don't want to miss out on all the fun!
I'm going to be featured during that time so I hope you all drop in, get some prizes, play some games and have a blast!LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
This weekend is going to be EPIC over on the Book Release Party Page (http://www.facebook.com/bookreleasepa...) May 11th from 6-10pm central there will be an "Authors of the Party Page Showcase" where you can get info to find author pag...es and play games and win some goodies. On May 13th from 6-10pm central there will be a release party for Angela Yuriko Smith (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angela-...) book End of Mae, games and goodies to be won as well. And of coarse some of the best host that will keep you entertained to no end. Be sure to mark your calendar and tell your friends, you don't want to miss out on all the fun!
I'm going to be featured during that time so I hope you all drop in, get some prizes, play some games and have a blast!LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
May 8, 2012
What Seduces You Into Buying A Book - The Back Cover?
I have to admit to purchasing tons of books the last few weeks via my Ipad. Both on Kindle and the Nook. Since I have a few books coming out this year myself, I am a bit more critical when assessing what makes me buy. What are the first things that make me decide to pick up a book.
STEPS To FALLING IN LOVE WITH A BOOK
(1) My Genre - I find that the first place I search online or in a bookstore for what I want is in my favorite genres (I personally like YA, Romance, Scifi and Horror) and these are the sections I go to first when I'm looking for a book.
(2) The Cover - Oh come on, you and the cover connect, the stars align and you are in serious like. You pick up the book and that book baby is half way to sold.
(3) The Back Cover (or Book Description) - This is where you have to grab me, make me want this book over any other book in my hands. So don't hold back. (I'll discuss this more)
(4) Price - it's got to be priced right either for me to buy it outright or add as a backup read to other books that I favored more.
THE BACK COVER WHAMMY!
So you're in love with the genre, the cover and the price isn't bad. Many of books have been tossed aside because of the back cover blurb.
Remember that query letter you had to write where you grabbed the Lit Agent with your 2 sentence hook? Well I wished the people that wrote back-covers or book descriptions did that more. I seriously think that publishers could use the query letter from the author to enhance the back covers / descriptions I've read lately.
(1) Grab reader in first 2 sentences
(2) Don't hold back juicy parts of the book - they may be the parts that the reader is attracted to. (Like: in my coming book Purgatory Reign - I wanted to hold back the fact that Angel (one of the characters) was really a girl. But if I didn't put that in the back cover blurb then the reader wouldn't know that there was a girl in the book that becomes a love interest.
(3) Give Some Away, but not all away - this is the hard part, figuring out what to tease the reader with but not give it all away.
(4) Make sure key elements for the genre are delivered. (If your book is a romance - make sure you make it appear like one on the book description, if its a horror - make sure it shows that. Know your market and the buzz words for it.)
SO WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A BACK COVER?LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
STEPS To FALLING IN LOVE WITH A BOOK
(1) My Genre - I find that the first place I search online or in a bookstore for what I want is in my favorite genres (I personally like YA, Romance, Scifi and Horror) and these are the sections I go to first when I'm looking for a book.
(2) The Cover - Oh come on, you and the cover connect, the stars align and you are in serious like. You pick up the book and that book baby is half way to sold.
(3) The Back Cover (or Book Description) - This is where you have to grab me, make me want this book over any other book in my hands. So don't hold back. (I'll discuss this more)
(4) Price - it's got to be priced right either for me to buy it outright or add as a backup read to other books that I favored more.
THE BACK COVER WHAMMY!
So you're in love with the genre, the cover and the price isn't bad. Many of books have been tossed aside because of the back cover blurb.
Remember that query letter you had to write where you grabbed the Lit Agent with your 2 sentence hook? Well I wished the people that wrote back-covers or book descriptions did that more. I seriously think that publishers could use the query letter from the author to enhance the back covers / descriptions I've read lately.
(1) Grab reader in first 2 sentences
(2) Don't hold back juicy parts of the book - they may be the parts that the reader is attracted to. (Like: in my coming book Purgatory Reign - I wanted to hold back the fact that Angel (one of the characters) was really a girl. But if I didn't put that in the back cover blurb then the reader wouldn't know that there was a girl in the book that becomes a love interest.
(3) Give Some Away, but not all away - this is the hard part, figuring out what to tease the reader with but not give it all away.
(4) Make sure key elements for the genre are delivered. (If your book is a romance - make sure you make it appear like one on the book description, if its a horror - make sure it shows that. Know your market and the buzz words for it.)
SO WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A BACK COVER?LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
May 4, 2012
Avengers - Movie Review
The Avengers (2012) IMDb: Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. brings together a team of super humans to form The Avengers to help save the Earth from Loki and his army. Stars:
My Review:
All my comic book heroes come to life. I've been waiting for this movie for a long time and I'm telling you - I-Was-Not-Disappointed. It was a girls dream movie. And I got to tell you the ladies (Black Widow) in this movie kicked major butt. It was almost beautiful. Loki, the villain was one of the best I've seen in awhile, I felt sympathetic for him - but I knew there was no hope for him. The Hulk was SOOOO true to form! Just like the comic books and not to mention I loved the hero humor. The crowd cheered around me, they clapped, they laughed and we all had a blasted good old time. I give this 4.5 heroes out of 5 simply because it could have had more depth in the storyline, but I sure enjoyed the ride.LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
May 2, 2012
Seven Deadly Sins - Anthology Review
By: Michelle Anderson Picarella Michelle Anderson Picarella (Author) › Visit Amazon's Michelle Anderson Picarella PageFind all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author Are you an author? Learn about Author Central (Author), A.T. Russell A.T. Russell (Author) › Visit Amazon's A.T. Russell PageFind all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author Are you an author? Learn about Author Central (Author), Stephen Penner Stephen Penner (Author, Illustrator) › Visit Amazon's Stephen Penner PageFind all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author Are you an author? Learn about Author Central (Author, Illustrator), Dawn Kirby Dawn Kirby (Author) › Visit Amazon's Dawn Kirby PageFind all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author Are you an author? Learn about Author Central (Author), Vickie Adair Vickie Adair (Author) › Visit Amazon's Vickie Adair PageFind all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author Are you an author? Learn about Author Central (Author), Diana Ilinca (Author), Tymothy Longoria Tymothy Longoria (Author) › Visit Amazon's Tymothy Longoria PageFind all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author Are you an author? Learn about Author Central (Author), Braxton A. Cosby (Foreword)
Amazon Blurb:
SEVEN SINS. SEVEN AUTHORS. SEVEN LESSONS. In this Novel Collaboration, seven authors join forces to explore the nature and consequences of sin. Envy. Gluttony. Greed. Lust. Pride. Sloth. Wrath. The greatest of stories inspired by the gravest of sins. Whether you like fantasy, paranormal, or good, old-fashioned, straight fiction, this collection is sure to lead you into temptation. Features illustrations by Stephen Penner and a foreword by Braxton Cosby.
My Review:
Let me tell you, I didn't see much promo for this Anthology, but happened upon the Facebook release party for it. I read this tasty morsel of different examples of the fall of men and loved the diverse stories represented in this Anthology. And I enjoyed all for different reasons. An adult book filled with stories of characters that fall prey to the obsessions of the Seven Deadly Sins and it was a great ride for me. I finished this in several hours. But each story is well developed, engaging and fulfilling.
Buy it on Kindle for $2.99
Buy the paperback for $9.99LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
April 30, 2012
When Your PASSION for Writing Becomes a JOB
So you've done it. You've always dreamed of being a professional writer. Of staying home writing all day and just creating wonderful worlds in your mind that allow you to pay your bills.
Was it everything you thought it would be? Or did your time to feed your passion for writing diminish into an hole of deadlines, marketing, marketing, selling, selling, finding another way to sell and to make money. Are you spending tons of time wondering, figuring, calculating if that royalty check, income from your books is going to pay your bills.
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO ART? PASSION FOR WORDS? SHARING YOUR STORIES?
Well - bills have to get paid, the rose colored glasses have come off and now you have to produce, find interesting ways to increase your income, figure out how to pay for health insurance and just plain get your sales hustle on.
SO WHAT or HOW can you keep your passion and PAY YOUR BILLS?
1) Get your head out of the clouds and realize that to be a full-time writer - you are running a business.
2) Find your markets. So you like to write fiction (A) You write fiction (B) I edit well so I can edit for hire for other authors (C) I promo well - so I can promo for other authors (D) I love to write about local events - I can do freelance journalism (E) I love to write any story and produce many - I could ghost write *** Break up your skills and see what / which you can sell, would like to sell, to supplement income or make your writing income more viable * if you don't have a spouse that's willing to take care of all your bills or a parent that's willing to let you live with them.
3) Learn to Market your skills - Every business has to market itself, and the business of being a 'profitable' writer is that you figure out ways to market your skills for hire. Having more than one is always good - that way if you don't get a publishing deal - you can depend on income from other areas.
4) Build, hold and keep your contacts - It never hurts to know someone. People share information, job post etc - and a serious writer should be on Publishers Marketplace and other spots that post writing gigs.
5) Be good at your craft. Take time to learn it, hone it - and be diverse.
SO DOES THAT PASSION still feel like one?
For me it does, but I'm a multi-dimensional person that loves my day gig (which is a pretty cool one I must say) and love my night gig as an author, co-publisher, and marketeer.LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
April 28, 2012
Think Like A Man - Movie Review
I was in the mood for a good laugh and a bit of a 'Chick Flick' so I dragged my husband to see Think Like A Man and my 17yr old son.
Fandango Blurb:
Four men realize their significant others have been taking relationship tips from Steve Harvey's best-selling book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, and use the book's teachings to give the ladies a taste of their own medicine. Gabrielle Union, Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, and Taraji P. Henson star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
My Review:
You ever get in the mood for a feel good, slightly predictable, romantic comedy? Well this is your flavor. Comedians turned lovers, prince in shining armor, and husbands - the hard way. I liked the bursting cast of funny guys, the women that have defined at least one of my friends or myself at one time. And loved the fact that yes - there was a happy ending for everyone. Also, my husband even liked it (cracked up laughing with my son at times) and my son turned to me and asked, "Do women really talk and scheme like this for a man?" I winked at him and said, "I'm not telling." So, if you want a funny date night movie, this one delivers. I give it a 3.5 out of 5 combined score with my husband and son.LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
Fandango Blurb:Four men realize their significant others have been taking relationship tips from Steve Harvey's best-selling book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, and use the book's teachings to give the ladies a taste of their own medicine. Gabrielle Union, Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, and Taraji P. Henson star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
My Review:
You ever get in the mood for a feel good, slightly predictable, romantic comedy? Well this is your flavor. Comedians turned lovers, prince in shining armor, and husbands - the hard way. I liked the bursting cast of funny guys, the women that have defined at least one of my friends or myself at one time. And loved the fact that yes - there was a happy ending for everyone. Also, my husband even liked it (cracked up laughing with my son at times) and my son turned to me and asked, "Do women really talk and scheme like this for a man?" I winked at him and said, "I'm not telling." So, if you want a funny date night movie, this one delivers. I give it a 3.5 out of 5 combined score with my husband and son.LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
April 26, 2012
Books About Graduation & Prom
Well it's coming up to that time again. Graduation and Proms abound. So I want to share some books my daughter, NYIA, teen book reviewer recommends for wanna be graduating seniors, prom goers and highschool teens.
BAD GIRL DAYS by Lissa Halls Johnson
Amazon Blurb:
What do you do when you find everything you've ever believed blown apart? The last two books in the popular Brio Girls series (When Stars Fall and Bad Girl Days) tackle the toughest of questions: Why do horrible, unexplainable things happen? and Can God really be trusted? PROM by Laurie Halse AndersonAmazon Blurb:Philadelphia high school who doesn’t care about the prom. It’s pretty much the only good thing that happens there, and everyone plans to make the most of it—especially Ash’s best friend, Natalia, who’s the head of the committee and has prom stars in her eyes. Then the faculty advisor is busted for taking the prom money and Ash finds herself roped into putting together a gala dance. But she has plenty of help—from her large and loving (if exasperating!) family, from Nat’s eccentric grandmother, from the principal, from her fellow classmates. And in making the prom happen, Ash learns some surprising things about making her life happen, too.
PROM AND PREJUDICE by Elizabeth Eulberg
Amazon Blurb:
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl of high standing at Longbourn Academy must be in want of a prom date.
After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn't interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be - especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.
Until the End: The Party; The Dance; The Graduation by Christopher Pike
Amazon Blurb:
It’s the start of the school year, and the popular girls have decided to throw the best party, one their friends will never forget. But hooking up and hanging out are the farthest things from their minds when the unthinkable happens: Someone doesn't make it out of the party alive. The death is declared a suicide, but nothing quite adds up. Convinced there’s a murderer on the loose, no one knows who they can turn to or who they can trust. Nowhere is safe, not the homecoming dance, not even graduation.
The truth will terrify them, but it must be revealed. Their lives depend on it.
Enjoy NYIA (TEEN BOOK REVIEWER's) list of FAV books for High Schoolers thinking about, desiring, hoping or experiencing PROM or GRADUATION.
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
BAD GIRL DAYS by Lissa Halls Johnson
Amazon Blurb:
What do you do when you find everything you've ever believed blown apart? The last two books in the popular Brio Girls series (When Stars Fall and Bad Girl Days) tackle the toughest of questions: Why do horrible, unexplainable things happen? and Can God really be trusted? PROM by Laurie Halse AndersonAmazon Blurb:Philadelphia high school who doesn’t care about the prom. It’s pretty much the only good thing that happens there, and everyone plans to make the most of it—especially Ash’s best friend, Natalia, who’s the head of the committee and has prom stars in her eyes. Then the faculty advisor is busted for taking the prom money and Ash finds herself roped into putting together a gala dance. But she has plenty of help—from her large and loving (if exasperating!) family, from Nat’s eccentric grandmother, from the principal, from her fellow classmates. And in making the prom happen, Ash learns some surprising things about making her life happen, too.
PROM AND PREJUDICE by Elizabeth Eulberg
Amazon Blurb:
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl of high standing at Longbourn Academy must be in want of a prom date.
After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn't interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be - especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.
Until the End: The Party; The Dance; The Graduation by Christopher Pike
Amazon Blurb:
It’s the start of the school year, and the popular girls have decided to throw the best party, one their friends will never forget. But hooking up and hanging out are the farthest things from their minds when the unthinkable happens: Someone doesn't make it out of the party alive. The death is declared a suicide, but nothing quite adds up. Convinced there’s a murderer on the loose, no one knows who they can turn to or who they can trust. Nowhere is safe, not the homecoming dance, not even graduation.
The truth will terrify them, but it must be revealed. Their lives depend on it.
Enjoy NYIA (TEEN BOOK REVIEWER's) list of FAV books for High Schoolers thinking about, desiring, hoping or experiencing PROM or GRADUATION.
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS
