Frances Pauli's Blog, page 12
March 18, 2013
Off to Camp
Well April is sneaking up on me, and the awesome folks at Nanowrimo have pulled the old switcheroo just to keep us on our toes. So this year, we'll be having Nano Camp in April instead of June and another month instead of August which I don't currently remember or have the energy to Google.
Aren't I a big help? sigh.
Okay, but all the details are here: http://campnanowrimo.org so really, I am helping.
Stop on over and sign up, pitch a tent, unroll the sleeping bags and settle in.
I'll be working on my sequel to Shrouded, the next book in the Princes series and one that I am so excited to be playing with again.
What are you working on?
If you see me around the campfires, drop in for a s'more and a chat, and in the meantime, check out this fun pulpy cover I mocked up over at: http://thrilling-tales.webomator.com/derange-o-lab/pulp-o-mizer/pulp-o-mizer.html
Then, go play with the thing and see for yourself. It's a hoot. As an extra bonus there is some amazing web fiction on that site too and an interactive story...which I love.
Enjoy!
~ Frances
Aren't I a big help? sigh.
Okay, but all the details are here: http://campnanowrimo.org so really, I am helping.
Stop on over and sign up, pitch a tent, unroll the sleeping bags and settle in.
I'll be working on my sequel to Shrouded, the next book in the Princes series and one that I am so excited to be playing with again.
What are you working on?
If you see me around the campfires, drop in for a s'more and a chat, and in the meantime, check out this fun pulpy cover I mocked up over at: http://thrilling-tales.webomator.com/derange-o-lab/pulp-o-mizer/pulp-o-mizer.html
Then, go play with the thing and see for yourself. It's a hoot. As an extra bonus there is some amazing web fiction on that site too and an interactive story...which I love.
Enjoy!
~ Frances
March 10, 2013
Storm Dancer Tour
Please Welcome author, Rayne Hall, on the Storm Dancer tour. If you would like to be entered into a drawing for a copy of, The Colour of Dishonour - Stories from the Storm Dancer World, comment below with an email address where I can contact you. One copy to a lucky commenter!
Blurb:Six short stories from the mystical Bronze Age world of the dark epic fantasy novel Storm Dancer. The stories span the fantasy and horror genres, varying in tone from light to dark, from quirky to disturbing. Some have been previously published in magazines, ezines, collections and anthologies, others appear here for the first time. British spellings.
Title: Storm Dancer Author: Rayne Hall Publisher: Scimitar Press Length: 469 Pages Sub-Genres: Epic Fantasy Blurb:
Six short stories from the mystical Bronze Age world of the dark epic fantasy novel Storm Dancer. The stories span the fantasy and horror genres, varying in tone from light to dark, from quirky to disturbing. Some have been previously published in magazines, ezines, collections and anthologies, others appear here for the first time. British spellings.
Youtube: Storm Dancer trailer
Excerpt:
Suddenly the air sang with danger. A rider vaulted off his grey horse. The sight of his moss-green tunic and plaited belt hit her guts. This was one of the Consort's henchmen, a thousand miles from the palace. Had he come to arrest her? She took a step back, poised for flight.“A reading, please, seer.” His voice was deep like a slow-flowing river, smooth on top but dangerous beneath. She allowed herself to meet his eyes, as if she had nothing to fear from his kind. Although his mouth smiled, his eyes were bitter-dark like olives. An aura of vibrant intelligence was enveloped in intense bitterness, and under his cheerful courtesy, pain radiated from him like heat searing from a fire. Her instincts screamed at her to pull free from the dangerous power before it could burn her, but a genuine wandering seer would not panic at the sight of a palace official, and bolting would draw his suspicion. She forced herself to stay in her role. “Your hands,” she demanded, careful to hide her accent. The hands were wrong: Brown, with short dirty nails, calloused, rough and ridged with old scars, they did not belong to a courtier, nor even to a guard. At the moment of touch, shock surged through her, sending tingles all over her body. Her stomach felt as if a pestle was running along the inside of a stone mortar. Several futures flashed by her vision, too fast to hold, then his past dragged her in. She heard screams of terror and pain, and smelled the stench of burning flesh. This man was burning in the fire of his own soul.
Buy Links:
Amazon.comUKKobobooks.comSmashwords.comiTunes
About The Author:
Rayne Hall has published more than forty books under different pen names with different publishers in different genres, mostly fantasy, horror and non-fiction. Recent books include Storm Dancer (dark epic fantasy novel), Six Scary Tales Vol 1, 2 and 3 (mild horror stories), Six Historical Tales (short stories), Six Quirky Tales (humorous fantasy stories), Writing Fight Scenes, The World-Loss Diet and Writing Scary Scenes (instructions for authors).She holds a college degree in publishing management and a masters degree in creative writing. Currently, she edits the Ten Tales series of multi-author short story anthologies: Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires, Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts, Scared: Ten Tales of Horror, Cutlass: Ten Tales of Pirates, Beltane: Ten Tales of Witchcraft, Spells: Ten Tales of Magic, Undead: Ten Tales of Zombies and more.
Rayne HallGoogleTwitterGoogle+FacebookLinkedin.comBrandyourself.comGoodreads.comIndependentauthornetwork.comYoutubeMORE TOUR STOPS!
March 1 Close Encounters with the Night Kind http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com
March 3 Gayle Remage: http:// www.gayleramage.co.ukMarch 4 Finding Broken Hearts and Gluing them Back Together: http:// www.SJMaylee.com March 6 A Little Bit of Naughty http:// alittlebitofnaughty.blogspot.comMarch 9 The TBR Blog: http://tbrtheblog.blogspot.com/ March 10 The Log Line Blog : http://theloglineblog.blogspot.com/
March 11 Elizabeth Morgan’s My World: http://xxxxmyworldxxxx.blogspot.com/
March 11 Francis Pauli: http://francespauli.blogspot.com
March 12 SnifferWalk: http://www.snifferwalk.org
March 13 Read 2 Review: http://read2review.com/
March 14 Read Between the Lines: http://www.rbtlreviews.com
March 7, 2013
Mad Marchness Part 1 - Genre Fest!
The Genre Underground is having a Mad Marchness event and fabulous fiction give-away. Great authors and great books, guys. Have a peek here:
Mad Marchness with the Genre Underground
or here:
Goodreads Event
Enjoy the free reads.
~ Frances
Mad Marchness with the Genre Underground
or here:
Goodreads Event
Enjoy the free reads.
~ Frances
March 3, 2013
Masquerade Author Sarah-Jane Lehoux
Today, to my great pleasure and honor, I have a guest author visiting to share her newest release, Masquerade. Please welcome Sarah-Jane Lehoux to the blog. I am currently madly in love with the first book in this series Thief, which is deliciously written and totally gripping. I can't wait to read all three, and I'll be posting a review the second I finish it. She's great, folks, you'll see.
And without further ado...
When I first finished writing Thief, the first novel in The Sevy Series, I was proud, excited and desperate for feedback. And, silly me, I assumed that the people in my life would be proud, excited and desperate to give me feedback. Boy, was I wrong!At my then workplace, I approached a few people and tested the waters. “You wrote a book? Amazing!” they would say. And then they’d ask me what kind of book it was. Happy with their response, I’d chirp out, “It’s a fantasy novel,” expecting the oohs and ahhs to continue. But I was met with what I can only describe as patronization, and in some cases, not so subtle disdain. Suffice it to say, I did not feel comfortable asking any of these holier than thou folks to read my baby. Fantasy, as with most speculative fiction, is astounding misunderstood. This is especially baffling given the fact that so many of the biggest selling books in the past couple of decades have been sheltered under the fantastical genre umbrella that is speculative fiction. People are obviously reading it, and loving it, but there is still a strong stigma attached to it.Perhaps to some, people fantasy, sci-fi, horror, etc, are thought of as books for nerds, or no better than Mary Sue filled dream fulfillment. They don’t see that it takes just as much hard work and discipline to write a spec fiction book as it does to write a super serious tome about politics or warfare. So for writers like me, the internet and the growing trend of fan-girls and nerdfighters. They are giving a voice to genres that have been traditionally mocked and belittled. They are letting the world know that not only are spec-fic books fun to read, they are also insightful and leave an indelible impression on the hearts and minds of those who love them.Ever look up the definition of hyperbole? According to Wikipedia, “Hyperboles are exaggerations to create emphasis or effect.” And this, to me, is what spec-fic is all about. The worlds, situations, and characters in speculative fiction are hyperboles of their real world counterparts. They allow writers to explore the human condition without limitation, often much more bravely than some of the more respected genres. There is a soul in speculative fiction that I adore, that helps me to better understand the world in which I live. Back when I first finished Thief, I wasn’t brave enough to educate my close-minded co-workers, but now with the release of Masquerade, the third novel in The Sevy Series, I make no apologies for my genre of choice. The Sevy Series is a fantastical, magical adventure that deals with a lot of serious issues in a truthful, heartfelt manner. I may never have the respect that other “more serious” writers receive, but I respect myself and my work. And at the end of the day, my books have taught me that Never trust a liar, especially when they’re telling the truth
Starting over isn’t easy, especially when the world isn’t ready for you to change. Sevy, thief turned assassin turned mercenary, isn’t having any fun adjusting to a normal, law-abiding life. Luckily for her, an old partner in crime arrives with an irresistible proposition: a getaway to a tropical island, an adventure of a lifetime, and an amazing friendship ready to blossom into an even more amazing romance.
Things are looking up for Sevy. That is, until a pack of maniacal fairies with a taste for human flesh arrive on the scene.
Now she must unravel a web of magical intrigue hidden behind the outwardly idyllic atmosphere of the islands of Belakarta. Nothing is as it seems, and no one can be trusted. Trapped under the spell of a handsome and mysterious stranger, Sevy must fight fairies and tricksters to regain her freedom.
Or spend an eternity as a sorcerer’s plaything.
Join the Masquerade Blog Tour here!
And without further ado...
When I first finished writing Thief, the first novel in The Sevy Series, I was proud, excited and desperate for feedback. And, silly me, I assumed that the people in my life would be proud, excited and desperate to give me feedback. Boy, was I wrong!At my then workplace, I approached a few people and tested the waters. “You wrote a book? Amazing!” they would say. And then they’d ask me what kind of book it was. Happy with their response, I’d chirp out, “It’s a fantasy novel,” expecting the oohs and ahhs to continue. But I was met with what I can only describe as patronization, and in some cases, not so subtle disdain. Suffice it to say, I did not feel comfortable asking any of these holier than thou folks to read my baby. Fantasy, as with most speculative fiction, is astounding misunderstood. This is especially baffling given the fact that so many of the biggest selling books in the past couple of decades have been sheltered under the fantastical genre umbrella that is speculative fiction. People are obviously reading it, and loving it, but there is still a strong stigma attached to it.Perhaps to some, people fantasy, sci-fi, horror, etc, are thought of as books for nerds, or no better than Mary Sue filled dream fulfillment. They don’t see that it takes just as much hard work and discipline to write a spec fiction book as it does to write a super serious tome about politics or warfare. So for writers like me, the internet and the growing trend of fan-girls and nerdfighters. They are giving a voice to genres that have been traditionally mocked and belittled. They are letting the world know that not only are spec-fic books fun to read, they are also insightful and leave an indelible impression on the hearts and minds of those who love them.Ever look up the definition of hyperbole? According to Wikipedia, “Hyperboles are exaggerations to create emphasis or effect.” And this, to me, is what spec-fic is all about. The worlds, situations, and characters in speculative fiction are hyperboles of their real world counterparts. They allow writers to explore the human condition without limitation, often much more bravely than some of the more respected genres. There is a soul in speculative fiction that I adore, that helps me to better understand the world in which I live. Back when I first finished Thief, I wasn’t brave enough to educate my close-minded co-workers, but now with the release of Masquerade, the third novel in The Sevy Series, I make no apologies for my genre of choice. The Sevy Series is a fantastical, magical adventure that deals with a lot of serious issues in a truthful, heartfelt manner. I may never have the respect that other “more serious” writers receive, but I respect myself and my work. And at the end of the day, my books have taught me that Never trust a liar, especially when they’re telling the truth
Starting over isn’t easy, especially when the world isn’t ready for you to change. Sevy, thief turned assassin turned mercenary, isn’t having any fun adjusting to a normal, law-abiding life. Luckily for her, an old partner in crime arrives with an irresistible proposition: a getaway to a tropical island, an adventure of a lifetime, and an amazing friendship ready to blossom into an even more amazing romance.
Things are looking up for Sevy. That is, until a pack of maniacal fairies with a taste for human flesh arrive on the scene.
Now she must unravel a web of magical intrigue hidden behind the outwardly idyllic atmosphere of the islands of Belakarta. Nothing is as it seems, and no one can be trusted. Trapped under the spell of a handsome and mysterious stranger, Sevy must fight fairies and tricksters to regain her freedom.
Or spend an eternity as a sorcerer’s plaything.
Join the Masquerade Blog Tour here!
March 1, 2013
Goodreads Giveaway of Unlikely
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Unlikely by Frances Pauli Giveaway ends March 31, 2013. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win TWO PRINT COPIES AVAILABLE Good Luck!!
February 22, 2013
Fairy Tale Release
Well the first installment of Kingdoms Gone is officially published. :)
Thanks to everyone who had a hand in getting the baby finished, polished and ready to face the world.
Like the song says, I get by with a little help from my friends.
And I love you all!
Unlikely
Kingdoms Gone Book One
by Frances Pauli
Satina knows more than anyone that gangs are bad news. As a Granter, she uses her magic to help people escape them. So far, her sole reward has been a life on the run, dodging from pocket to pocket and only landing in the ordinary world long enough to put her special skills to use.When the goodmother arrives in Westwood, however, a magic-hungry gang is just one step behind her, and their leader wants more than just the town. He wants Satina, and he'll do anything, use anyone, to get her.
Though Satina finds an unlikely ally in Marten, the imp Skinner who manages to help more people than he hurts, it will take all the power they can summon to keep Westwood's secrets from falling into the wrong hands, to keep one wide-eyed girl from following the wrong man, and to keep Satina herself from falling in love with the only person in the world who knows how much of a fraud she really is.
ON KINDLE
AND IN PRINT
Book two is coming soon! And....
it has all the gobelins. :)
~ Frances
Thanks to everyone who had a hand in getting the baby finished, polished and ready to face the world.
Like the song says, I get by with a little help from my friends.
And I love you all!
UnlikelyKingdoms Gone Book One
by Frances Pauli
Satina knows more than anyone that gangs are bad news. As a Granter, she uses her magic to help people escape them. So far, her sole reward has been a life on the run, dodging from pocket to pocket and only landing in the ordinary world long enough to put her special skills to use.When the goodmother arrives in Westwood, however, a magic-hungry gang is just one step behind her, and their leader wants more than just the town. He wants Satina, and he'll do anything, use anyone, to get her.
Though Satina finds an unlikely ally in Marten, the imp Skinner who manages to help more people than he hurts, it will take all the power they can summon to keep Westwood's secrets from falling into the wrong hands, to keep one wide-eyed girl from following the wrong man, and to keep Satina herself from falling in love with the only person in the world who knows how much of a fraud she really is.
ON KINDLE
AND IN PRINT
Book two is coming soon! And....
it has all the gobelins. :)
~ Frances
February 15, 2013
SFR Brigade Presents WIP Snippet
Well I'm off at one of my favorite conventions today, drinking some form of scifi booze and NOT stalking stormtroopers. (crossing fingers) Really. I'll be good.
While I'm gone here is another snippet from the WIP and a new round of Science Fiction Romance Brigade Presents.
You can find all the excerpts here too.
Cheers!
~ Frances
SEEN
The shard whispered to him. The smoke boiled with resinous messages, and acolyte Devlin peered at him through a veil of black clouds. The boy’s face shifted at once, taking on a foreign countenance. Shayd saw an older man, one whose skin wore the color of ash naturally, but who had fine blue lines tattooed across both cheeks and down over the square jaw and thick neck. Devlin’s eyes vanished, squinting into a keen and calculating glare. They narrowed, and the vision mouth tightened, but his assistant’s voice came from the alien lips, and the smoke shifted the image back to the Shrouded boy. “You’ve been summoned again.” He blinked at Shayd, not expecting an answer but unable to kill the instinct, the body’s reflexive expectation when a reply might be forthcoming. His head tilted to one side, and his long topknot braid swung out in an arc. The incense smoked and wafted between them still, shifting, changing the face again.A woman with skin like charcoal, with high cheeks and wide, sapphire eyes. “I believe he said urgent today.”
While I'm gone here is another snippet from the WIP and a new round of Science Fiction Romance Brigade Presents.
You can find all the excerpts here too.
Cheers!
~ Frances
SEEN
The shard whispered to him. The smoke boiled with resinous messages, and acolyte Devlin peered at him through a veil of black clouds. The boy’s face shifted at once, taking on a foreign countenance. Shayd saw an older man, one whose skin wore the color of ash naturally, but who had fine blue lines tattooed across both cheeks and down over the square jaw and thick neck. Devlin’s eyes vanished, squinting into a keen and calculating glare. They narrowed, and the vision mouth tightened, but his assistant’s voice came from the alien lips, and the smoke shifted the image back to the Shrouded boy. “You’ve been summoned again.” He blinked at Shayd, not expecting an answer but unable to kill the instinct, the body’s reflexive expectation when a reply might be forthcoming. His head tilted to one side, and his long topknot braid swung out in an arc. The incense smoked and wafted between them still, shifting, changing the face again.A woman with skin like charcoal, with high cheeks and wide, sapphire eyes. “I believe he said urgent today.”
February 8, 2013
SFR Brigade Presents
Welcome everyone to the SFR Brigade Presents, which is a fabulous event begun by the SFR Brigade. If you haven't checked them out, I urge you to hop over there and do so. They do some great things in the name of Science Fiction Romance, Romantic Science Fiction and other Scifi things with a slightly girly bent.
You know I gotta love that.
So, on Fridays we'll be playing with them in a "six sentence sunday" style blurb mini fest. Below is my first contribution. It's from my current WIP which just happens to be SFR.
Seen
Rowri shuddered as the foreign spacecraft docked with its Moon Base. Her beast snarled in silence, deep in the corner of her mind where she kept it contained. It didn’t like their method of transportation any more than she did. The cat inside was scared, and the woman’s hands trembled. The sounds came next. She remembered more of them each night, as if they grew clearer, more piercing with every dream. Uraru.
~ Frances
You know I gotta love that.
So, on Fridays we'll be playing with them in a "six sentence sunday" style blurb mini fest. Below is my first contribution. It's from my current WIP which just happens to be SFR.
Seen
Rowri shuddered as the foreign spacecraft docked with its Moon Base. Her beast snarled in silence, deep in the corner of her mind where she kept it contained. It didn’t like their method of transportation any more than she did. The cat inside was scared, and the woman’s hands trembled. The sounds came next. She remembered more of them each night, as if they grew clearer, more piercing with every dream. Uraru.
~ Frances
February 7, 2013
Evil Charity Auction: The Write Stuff
The Evil League of Evil authors is holding a charity auction here for Crestline Elementary.
First off, the cause is just and might. We're talking about kids whose school burned down here, folks, and you don't get much less evil than that.
Secondly. The stuff really rocks. Critiques of your query or manuscript chaptersMentoring by published authorsCameo spots in the a novelSigned book, crafts, sword fights, true love!
May have gotten a bit carried away. But still...Please check it out. I have chapter crits up from yours truly, a novel cameo in one of my future books and this:
Evil Dragon. ..
opening bids are super reasonable and all you have to do is go to the LIVE AUCTIONS list and dive in.Check out the other tabs while you're at it, and see why its such a big deal to us.
THANKS EVERYONE!!! Happy Bidding.
~ Frances
January 30, 2013
Procrastination is My Name
Fear me, for I am mighty.
I am the demon, Procrastination, and I have been invoked.
Yikes, is my word count ever in trouble. It seems, in fact, that I am inventing whole new ways to keep my fingers away from actual, productive noveling.
Like arranging my star wars toys for photo shoots....
No, that's not the droid I was looking for...
You thought I was kidding, didn't you?
Or, maybe its the marathon crocheting of dragon bookmarks...
or actual dragons...
But honestly, those are give aways for my reading at Radcon. (coming Feb. 15th)
Sigh. I know. Still, I read my horoscope today and it said, you know what? If you need a break, it's okay.
It is???
Hellfire. Nobody told me that.
And, yeah, I need a break. Or I did. See above. Today, I just farted around in the sun with my kids, and you know what?
I think we all feel better. Much better.
Get the picture? My motto may be butt in chair, hands on keyboard...but sometimes you gotta remember what's important, and why you do this.
And take a break for heaven's sake.
~ Frances
I am the demon, Procrastination, and I have been invoked.
Yikes, is my word count ever in trouble. It seems, in fact, that I am inventing whole new ways to keep my fingers away from actual, productive noveling.
Like arranging my star wars toys for photo shoots....
No, that's not the droid I was looking for...You thought I was kidding, didn't you?
Or, maybe its the marathon crocheting of dragon bookmarks...
or actual dragons...
But honestly, those are give aways for my reading at Radcon. (coming Feb. 15th)
Sigh. I know. Still, I read my horoscope today and it said, you know what? If you need a break, it's okay.
It is???
Hellfire. Nobody told me that.
And, yeah, I need a break. Or I did. See above. Today, I just farted around in the sun with my kids, and you know what?
I think we all feel better. Much better.
Get the picture? My motto may be butt in chair, hands on keyboard...but sometimes you gotta remember what's important, and why you do this.
And take a break for heaven's sake.
~ Frances
