Brenda Pandos's Blog, page 8

Join the Mermaidpaloosa!

Love mermaids like I do? Especially hunky mermen? Then you've come to the right place. I'm excited to be involved in the Mermaidpaloosa, hosted by Author and book enthusiast Susan Fodor.

Enjoy seven great YA beach reads from seven fun authors. 
Just Breath by Heather AllenFinned by Sutton ShieldsPromises by Amber GarrSilver Tides by Susan FodorEverblue by Brenda PandosSeaweed by Elle StraussTangled Tides by Karen Amanda Hooper
Contest runs from now until October 8th!
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Wrath (Soul Savers 5) by Kristie CookRelease Tour / Book ...

Wrath (Soul Savers 5) by Kristie CookRelease Tour / Book BlastGenre: Paranormal Romance / New Adult

I'm excited to be part of the Wrath Book tour. Not only did I get to beta read for Kristie, but I designed the cover. It's always an amazing process from start to finish, with rough mock-ups that are very rough that somehow (which Kristie's insight) they polish to a diamond. I have to say, this one was my favorites. Isn't the castle awesome
If you haven't read the Soul Savers Series yet, you're missing out. It's filled with action, adventure, hunky guys, betrayal, love, loss, twists and turns... and wrath. Give it a chance. It's awesome!
Release Date: 8/16/2013
New Adult Paranormal Romance by bestselling author Kristie Cook**Mature Content**Recommended for ages 16+ due to sexual situations and language.

Will a mother’s wrath make her cross the line?

I didn't want to cry. For once in my life, tears evaded me. Perhaps because I refused to grieve this loss, because it wasn't a loss in my eyes, in my heart. It was a call for war, yes. But not a loss. I wouldn't allow it.

Besides, I was too mad to cry, even in my exhaustion, and anger would get me much further.
 
As I curled my body around Sasha’s, though, I realized the anger within me had changed. I no longer felt irrational and blinding fury that dulled all other emotions. But that was okay. I really didn't want to be Psycho Alexis. This, what I now felt in every cell of my body down to the core, was better. My anger had condensed and solidified into a cold, hard stone settling within me. Something I could control and hold onto for the long term to keep me going and focused on the goal.

Wrath.

That’s what I felt. And there was nothing worse than the wrath of a pissed-off mother.

Wrath, the fifth volume in the bestselling, award-winning Soul Savers Series, will have you on the edge-of-your-seat-ravenously-devouring-junk-food as you experience the mysteries, magic, betrayals, and passion that you've come to expect from Kristie Cook’s writing.
Where to buy Wrath (Soul Savers 5)
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo
Other Books by Kristie Cook 


About the Author

Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, a New Adult paranormal romance/contemporary fantasy, with the first four books, Promise, Purpose, Devotion and Power available now and the next book coming in June 2013. She’s also written a companion novella, Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella, currently available. Over 200,000 Soul Savers books have been sold, with Promise peaking at #54 on the Amazon Top 100 Paid list and at #1 in the Amazon Fantasy category. The Space Between kicks off her second New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix.Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at:
Author's Website & Blog: http://www.KristieCook.comUK Fan Site: http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.ukThe Book of Phoenix Website: http://www.TheBookofPhoenix.comSoul Savers Series Website: http://www.SoulSaversSeries.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCookTwitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth

CONTEST!!!! And excerpt of my current WIP: Glitch

Everlost has hit 50 reviews on Amazon (happy dance)! As a thank you to you, my fab readers, I'm giving away a custom one of a kind swag pack.

GRAND PRIZE:
One winner will recieve:
A terrarium necklace filled with Natatoria goodnessFleur-de-lis earrings Mermaid tail paper art made from pages of Everblue, made by me! (I have the gluey fingers to prove it)RUNNER-UP:
4 runner-ups will receive:
Custom bookmark made from the pages of Everblue

For those of you who reviewed before the contest will earn 10 extra entries! 
And without further ado, here's an excerpt of Glitch,
my new post-zombie apocalypse dystopian coming soon:
The soft cheers of fans in the bleachers floated around me, as my feet remained planted in right field. My brain had different objectives. Actually, my eyes were fixed to my life watch latched onto my wrist, resting just above my softball glove. Green glowing letters read sixty-five years, three months, 5 days, 8 hours, 10 minutes and 13, 12, 11 seconds: the time I had until I died. With a slow breath, I tried not to think too deeply about how long or short that truly was, otherwise the stress might subtract a few days. Instead, I gained comfort in its steady ticking, second by second. As of this moment, there was promise I’d live a long life and hopefully see wonderful new advances in Brighton, marry for love, and have a few kids. The thought made me smile. Then suddenly, the time suddenly flashed red numerals zipping down to ten minutes.“Aria, heads up!”With a squeal, I glanced up just in time and raised my glove to catch a pop fly mid-air, stopping the ball from pummeling into my skull. Holy!Above my head, like magic, my wrist glowed sixty-five years again, minus a few months. With a deep exhale and a pounding pulse, I chucked the ball toward Mara, who jumped up and down like she had to pee.She tagged the runner out at second and the team cheered, praising our double play. But all I could do was blink. I’d almost died. Right there. In right field. Died.Out of the corner of my eye, Elle, my best friend, gave me the look—the one that says, “what the heck?” I shrugged and smiled, then returned to my dented footprints in the grass and tried to shake off the dread pulsing in my veins.(copyright 2013 by Brenda Pandos)

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CONTEST!!!! And excerpt of my current WIP: Time Stolen

Everlost has hit 50 reviews on Amazon (happy dance)! As a thank you to you, my fab readers, I'm giving away a custom one of a kind swag pack.

GRAND PRIZE:
One winner will recieve:
A terrarium necklace filled with Natatoria goodnessFleur-de-lis earrings Mermaid tail paper art made from pages of Everblue, made by me! (I have the gluey fingers to prove it)RUNNER-UP:
4 runner-ups will receive:
Custom bookmark made from the pages of Everblue

For those of you who reviewed before the contest will earn 10 extra entries! 
And without further ado, here's an excerpt of Time Stolen,
my new post-zombie apocalypse dystopian coming soon:
The soft cheers of fans in the bleachers floated around me, as my feet remained planted in right field. My brain had different objectives. Actually, my eyes were fixed to my life watch latched onto my wrist, resting just above my softball glove. Green glowing letters read sixty-five years, three months, 5 days, 8 hours, 10 minutes and 13, 12, 11 seconds: the time I had until I died. With a slow breath, I tried not to think too deeply about how long or short that truly was, otherwise the stress might subtract a few days. Instead, I gained comfort in its steady ticking, second by second. As of this moment, there was promise I’d live a long life and hopefully see wonderful new advances in Brighton, marry for love, and have a few kids. The thought made me smile. Then suddenly, the time suddenly flashed red numerals zipping down to ten minutes.“Aria, heads up!”With a squeal, I glanced up just in time and raised my glove to catch a pop fly mid-air, stopping the ball from pummeling into my skull. Holy!Above my head, like magic, my wrist glowed sixty-five years again, minus a few months. With a deep exhale and a pounding pulse, I chucked the ball toward Mara, who jumped up and down like she had to pee.She tagged the runner out at second and the team cheered, praising our double play. But all I could do was blink. I’d almost died. Right there. In right field. Died.Out of the corner of my eye, Elle, my best friend, gave me the look—the one that says, “what the heck?” I shrugged and smiled, then returned to my dented footprints in the grass and tried to shake off the dread pulsing in my veins.(copyright 2013 by Brenda Pandos)

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What I do when I'm not writing...

I film silly things. Yes. We did the Harlem Shake. After the Internet revolution,  I might add. But it's not my fault. I live in a writing hole. We hadn't heard of the Harlem Shake... in a long time. I sound like the old turtle on The Never Ending Story. That's because we (me, myself and my characters) were writing the end of Everlost five gazillion times. Remember? #headdesk Okay, so that's an over exaggeration. It wasn't five gazillion, but it was a lot though. And if I would have know about this amazing dance, I might not have pulled out that last strand of hair keeping my head warm.

So... this also give you a glimpse of my living room and the crazy kids that occupy it often. Keeping them busy also takes up writing time. Summer... are you over yet? They're in need of school and a schedule. Oh... and homework. Bleck.

Anyway... I have been busy! I'm 1/2 way done with my unnamed post zombie apocalypse story. It's coming soon. I promise... *smiles*

What do you think? Can you pick out my kids? How about that tall handsome minecraft dude? Isn't he hot?

I digress.... back to writing.

Wrath Cover Reveal by Kristie Cook

I'm so excited to participate in the cover reveal of Kristie Cook's next installment in the Soul Savers Series.


 I can't wait for this book! It comes out later this summer and don't forget to follow Kristie for up-to-date news. 

And don't forget to grab an eBook copy of the first book Soul Savers Series, Promise! It's FREE!!! On all platforms! Here's the links:

Order the FREE eBook Online here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords
In the UK: Amazon, iBooks

Cover Teaser: Book FIVE in the Soul Saver Series By: Kristie Cook! + #NACrushTourney INFO!!!

As you may or may not know, I'm the graphic cover designer for the award winning Soul Saver Series By: Kristie Cook. I'm participating in a teaser reveal of the cover. Keep an eye out for the FULL cover reveal coming this Tuesday!


Title: TBA on Tuesday!Author: Kristie CookPublisher: Ang'dora Productions, LLC (Coming SUMMER 2013)Find Kristie and her books on: Goodreads
Synopsis to follow!
Haven't read the series? How about a FREE eBook copy of Promise? It's FREE on ALL platforms! Yes it is! Here's links where you can get YOUR FREE COPY TODAY!

Order the FREE eBook Online here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords
In the UK: Amazon, iBooks


Lisa at A Life Bound By Books is looking for HELP with the #NACrushTourney for Tristan Knight, the hero in the Soul Savers! She's created a Street Team called #KnightRiders and would LOVE your help to make Tristan VICTORIOUS!! Click here for all the info you need to know so far.



Here's some other important links to follow and watch for -

Find on Twitter: A Life Bound By Books, Tristan, Kristie Cook
Find on Facebook: A Life Bound By Books, Tristan, Kristie Cook

Title: Promise (Soul Savers #1)Author: Kristie CookPublisher: Ang'dora Productions, 369 Pages (August 11, 2011)Add to: GoodreadsOrder the FREE eBook Online here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, SmashwordsIn the UK: Amazon, The Book Depository

Synopsis: New Adult Paranormal Romance ** Mature Content ** Recommended for ages 16+ due to sexual situations and language.
First installment of award-winning author Kristie Cook's bestselling Soul Savers Series
Alexis Ames has a life full of promise...but not all promises can be kept.
When Alexis Ames is attacked by creatures that can't be real, she decides it's time she learns who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their family's secrets closely. After meeting the inhumanly attractive, multi-talented Tristan Knight, however, Alexis retreats behind her façade of normalcy...until she discovers he's not exactly normal either. Then their secrets begin to unravel.
Their union brings hope and promise to her family's secret society, the Angels' army, and to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy - Satan's minions and Tristan's creators. After all, Alexis and Tristan are a match made in Heaven and in Hell.
1st Place - 2010 Royal Palm Literary Award - Fantasy (Published) by Florida Writers Association.

The truths I discovered at RT

Sunday, I returned from RT book lovers convention in Kansas City. Ever have that feeling you don't know where to start? My brain is zinging with three different stories... new zombie book, sequel to the Talisman Series, and Mer Tales (which could classify as a New Adult considering Ash and Tatchi will be going to college *grins*). Then there's promoting and blogging and tweeting and and and.... wait! Why is it dark? My hats have fallen and they won't get off my eyes!

Let me just start by saying I had a fab time reuniting with my BAFF, Kristie Cook and her publisher, Chrissi Jackson (yeah, I was calling them each others names the entire weekend). They kept me sane, fed and internet supplied the entire trip. Between leaving my ID at home when about to board my flight, to E.L. James (who'd snuck into the convention) jumping up and yelling for the New Adult panel to "stop talking about my book and saying it's self published," two rows behind me, to the crazy outfits people wear to the parties, and inappropriate erotica swag, my mind is still spinning.

Highlights would be meeting Abbi Glines, Tammara Webber, Jamie McGuire, Nicole Williams, and Jennifer Armentrout, who are all so humble and welcoming. And then I found myself puzzled, recognizing faces but not the books they wrote, wishing people would just clothe themselves in a wrapper of their covers while walking around the convention! I know, how rude of me. I absolutely adored meeting the creator of Buffy, Nancy Holder, and Kami Garcia couldn't have been sweeter. She actually asked me about my books *swoon*. And then to have a fan drive three hours to come visit me. *hugs, Melanie!* That made my entire trip!

A few things surprised me. I went with the hopes of gleaning some secret from the Indies who have scored a larger publisher. But after listening to the downsides (loss of control, inability to check sales numbers at a whim, changing pricing points, etc), I was even more confused what would be right for me. And then to top it off, during a panel of successful authors, they were asked, "do you feel successful." Many of them said no. NO? What? *blinks* Did you, successful author, just say no? I really wanted to know why, but then again, maybe they are like me: reach a bar, then move it. It was humbling, enlightening, and grounding all at the same time. So, again, I was stumped. Then that tiny voice reminded me I thought selling 500 copies my first year on my own was HUGE and when I queried an agent with those numbers, she came back with wanting over 10K in book sales. 10K??? At the time, I thought "Holy cow, why would I need an agent if I can do that on my own?" Those numbers were impossible, until I hit that mark and shot so far past it, I still laugh at how many books I've sold. But I keep moving the bar.

So I don't know what's in store for me, but what I have decided is to write what I want to read (even if that means I always fly under the radar), love my readership and dream big, because all those things I have control over. And, I can look in the mirror and honestly can say that I am successful. :)

Oh... and for that, I'm celebrating with a sale, because I do have control over my price points! :) If you haven't dove into the fab world of Natatoria in Everblue, get it for free for a limited time and enjoy Evergreen at $1.99.

Hugs, Brenda

The Space Between tour stop and $200 gift card giveaway!

I'm so excited to have Kristie Cook, best selling author of the Soul Savers Series here to introduce to you her latest release, The Space Between
What are some interesting things you discovered during your research for the novel?I learned a lot about living as a deaf person after growing up being able to hear, the difference between ASL and Signed English and other tidbits about the deaf community. I also learned about the concept of Twin Flames, some lesser known Greek mythology and the train routes through Italy. lol
Are you a panster or a plotter?I used to be mostly a pantser, although even with my first book, I had key scenes in mind, including the climactic scenes. So I had an idea of where the story was going. Now I am more of a plotter. I do a lot of planning of the high and low points, plot twists, etc., ahead of time, but when I actually begin writing, I still let the story unfold naturally. Sometimes it veers off from my outline, but that’s okay. That’s what keeps it fresh and exciting.
How many books are projected for the series?The Book of Phoenix is slated to be a trilogy. For now anyway. *wink*
Team Jeric or Team Tristan? (or is that fair... lol)Aack! How am I supposed to answer that?! In a fight, Tristan, no doubt. He has a couple of centuries of experience over Jeric, for one. Plus some other advantages. But in my heart? I think Tristan will always hold a special place as the first book boyfriend I created, but I do love Jeric, too. And Micah. *grin*
What's next?I’m working on Soul Savers 5, which is slated for release on June 5th.

Thanks for hanging out with me today! Can't wait to see you in person May 1st, at Romantic Times Convention in Kansas City May 1-5th. If you didn't know, we'll be hosting a meeting and greet in our room during the convention. If you'd like to connect, please leave a comment below!


About The Space Between, Part One of The Book of Phoenix:
When Life Falls to Pieces, Answers Lie in the Space Between
*****
Bestselling author Kristie Cook, with over 200,000 books sold, brings you another New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix
*****
“A completely unique story with a paranormal twist . . . the perfect blend of romance and mystery with a phenomenal plot that will keep you guessing.” ~ Jessica, Confessions of a Bookaholic
“I loved this book! The characters, the romance, the plot, the originality! It had everything to make it an amazing book!” ~ Kendall, Book Crazy
*****
After a month-long dance tour through Italy, 20-year-old Leni Drago returns to Georgia to care for her great-uncle, only to find him gone, the home they shared empty and any evidence he ever existed wiped out. All that’s left is a journal she can’t open.
Jeric Winters has been searching for a piece of his past for over a year, only to reach a dead-end in Georgia. When an urgent and magnetic pull draws him out of his hotel room, he comes face-to-face with the beautiful dancer who’s been haunting his dreams day and night.
Jeric’s one to stay away from—a bad-boy, hit-it-and-quit-it type—but Leni can’t escape the fervent feelings between them. As their own existences begin to crumble around them and shadowy forms that are more monsters than men attack, they realize there’s more to the connection between them than physical fascination.
To solve the riddle their lives have become, they must embark on a journey that requires them to face their pasts and release their true souls. And they must do it fast—dark ones from another world are closing in, intent on killing them. Permanently.
*****
“This is a completely new twist on the idea of a timeless love story with a paranormal twist unlike any other. The connection between the two characters is bone deep and resonates beautifully. I will never forget this novel.” ~ Heather McCorkle, Author of the fantasy Channeler series

“Kristie has done it again! Her Soul Savers series is my favorite by far and yet The Space Between is easily the best book she’s ever written! It's dangerous, suspenseful, and smokin’ hot.” ~ Marissa, Comfortably Read Book Reviews
“The Space Between is an amazing story of life, love and fates. Author Kristie Cook has you hanging on the edge of every page. This book stays in your head well after the last page.” ~ Mindy, Forbidden Reviews
**Mature Content** Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language.

About Kristie Cook: Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, a New Adult paranormal romance/contemporary fantasy, with the first four books, Promise, Purpose, Devotion and Power available now and the next book coming in June 2013. She’s also written a companion novella, Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella, currently available. Over 200,000 Soul Savers books have been sold, with Promise peaking at #54 on the Amazon Top 100 Paid list and at #1 in the Amazon Fantasy category.The Space Between kicks off her second New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix. Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at:
Author's Website & Blog: http://www.KristieCook.comUK Fan Site: http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.ukThe Book of Phoenix Website: http://www.TheBookofPhoenix.comSoul Savers Series Website: http://www.SoulSaversSeries.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCookTwitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth
Where to buy The Space Between:http://www.amazon.com/Space-Between-Book-Phoenix-ebook/dp/B00C3OQO2O/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Space-Between-Book-Phoenix-ebook/dp/B00C3OQO2O/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-space-between-kristie-cook/1114959553
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-space-between/id628066630?ls=1
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Space-Between/book-DvZWUyXtBk2zKiiaU6X4ag/page1.html

Now for the goodies...
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Chatting with Z. Madison

Today, I have Z. Madison who has written There You Were, a contemporary romance.

So tell us a little bit about yourself? I am twenty-five and have been writing since I was eighteen.
When did you start writing? I started writing because just one day without even trying to write, stories started to come to mind and I just wrote them all down. I love creating entire lives separate from my own, especially about love, romance and how utterly complicated people are at times.
Describe your book in 10 words or less: To describe the book "There You Were" in 10 words or less I would say it is about first love and what it can endure, with a few twists of fate...I went a little bit over :)
What did you enjoy about the process? What I enjoyed about this process is one simply the writing of it. I get such a sense of accomplishment from knowing that I created something that I am utterly proud of. I love to tell stories.
What was the hardest part? What I dreaded was the editing for sure...It was a long and at times tedious process but I did my best, several times over.
Where did the ideas come from? I just came up with the idea, I suppose just from my mind. Sometimes I find inspiration from my own life or the lives of others but for this book it just came from within.

Thanks for joining us. If you'd like to check out There You Were, it's on Amazon.

Synopsis: This is the story of encounters and how that turned into a story of first love. A young man of eighteen, named James Mcenzie is staying for the summer in the glamorous city of Monte Carlo, Monaco with his family. One uneventful day while standing on the beach outside of his hotel, he sees a beautifully serene girl, her name Is Kate Wellington. He takes one step toward her, simply mesmerized by her beauty and innocence he soon realizes that he cannot reach her to make her acquaintance, for she is on her family’s sailboat, sailing by him. He feels utter disappointment that not even their eyes meet. How would he get the chance to meet her? How would he get to the chance to discover all there is to know about her? But fate would have a hand in bringing them together again or perhaps she was just paying attention to the signs. It is a summer romance that turned into so much more than either had anticipated. They fell fast and hard for one another and soon after meeting, infatuation turned into love. They planned on sharing a life together once the summer was over and they were back in New York City but tragedy struck that threatened to tear them apart forever. This is a story of love with all its possibility. A story of a young couple’s past, present and unpredictable future, with an unexpected twist of fate that could change the course of their lives forever.