Kristie Cook's Blog, page 6
February 13, 2015
Music & Words – Torment Playlist
I’m a little slow in posting this, but hey, I’ve been busy! Writing and publishing two books back-to-back has kept me from doing the fun stuff. While writing those two books, Torment and Faith (Books 6 & 7, respectively, of the Soul Savers Series), I listened to a lot of the same songs over and over. Because these books are about war and evil, defeat and victory, most of the songs were pretty heavy in both sound and lyrics. What can I say? They put me in the mood.
Torment’s playlist (somewhat in order with the story):
As You Go by Red
This Is War by 30 Seconds to Mars
My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark by Fall Out Boy
Indestructible by Disturbed
Evil Never Sleeps by Above Only
Where Did the Angels Go? by Papa Roach
Lights Out by Breaking Benjamin
Blow Me Away by Breaking Benjamin (feat. Valora)
Warriors by Imagine Dragons
Cry for Help by Shinedown
Rebellion by Linkin Park (feat. Daron Malakian)
Final Masquerade by Linkin Park
Hopeless by Breaking Benjamin
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
Hold Me Now by Red
Together Again by Evanescence
Have you read Torment? What songs would you add to the playlist?
January 25, 2015
In the Beginning…of the Soul Savers
Over on my author Facebook page, we’ve been having some fun with Soul Savers trivia in celebration of reaching 7,777 Likes and the upcoming release of the last book in the series. There will be an amazing giveaway for participants in the trivia questions, so check it out if you haven’t already.
Anyway, yesterday’s trivia question required a lengthy answer – practically a novella. 
So why not post it on my blog for longtime keeping? Here was the question:
New trivia! I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned this exact detail anywhere, but I know I’ve talked/written a few times about how the first scene ever that came to me for the Soul Savers series was a woman discovering her husband was alive when she’d thought he’d been dead for several years. As if that wasn’t shock enough, he was telling her she wasn’t exactly normal, but a descendent of angels. The second scene that came to me actually took place before that one, and it was that same woman, an author, being attacked by a vampire who told her to stop writing stories about him and his kind. Those two scenes were the impetus to what became the Soul Savers.
So, the question is… How old do you think Alexis was when I first started writing her? (It’s not the same scene now, so the current storyline is irrelevant. Which is why you might have to guess unless you remember me mentioning it somewhere.)
The short and easy answer: She was 38.
And here’s how it all began:
In late 2008, I started thinking that I wanted to play around with writing fiction again. I hadn’t really thought about writing fiction for about 5 years and hadn’t actually written anything for fun besides poetry since I was a teen. But at this point in my life, I really missed it. Not that I expected anything to come of it, just something fun. I was tired of TV, I sucked at World of Warcraft and was getting frustrated, and I wanted to create again. I read, but couldn’t find the story I really wanted to take me away, so why not play around with my own? Every year, we closed down our business for the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and that year, 2008, was when my muse took hold of me.
The angel/demon idea had been stewing in my mind on and off for many years, so I thought more about that. At first, I just had a brief glance of a grown woman sitting on a roof at night, looking over a valley below, and feeling change in the air. Her grandfather was a preacher, which was all I knew about her family. She knew there was more to their lives than she’d been led to believe, but didn’t know what. I thought she was an angel. That’s it. Not a real scene – just a glimmer of a woman. I might have written a paragraph about her, or maybe it all stayed in my head. I don’t remember anymore.
Also during that week, while browsing book forums, I came across an online discussion about Twilight where teenage fans were practically crying (well, they were actually crying, according to their posts, but I figured they were exaggerating, as teens do) because the characters weren’t real. And that made me wonder, “What if a bestselling, famous author, such as Stephenie Meyer, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, or Dean Koonz, was attacked by the supernatural creatures they wrote about, because the underworld was mad for revealing their secrets? Would the readers still be wishing they were real?” And so it began…
The first scene I wrote consisted of a grown woman and man in a dark living room. They had no names yet. She was an author, 38 years old with 18-year-old boy/girl twins who were getting ready to leave for college. He was a newly hired handyman at her house – or so she thought. He didn’t look the same, but turned out to be her husband she’d lost in a “car accident” when she’d first become pregnant with the twins (because she’d been told it had been an accident, she drove a Volvo, one of the safest cars on the road – something that sticks in the final version). He was telling her that she wasn’t quite normal but a descendent of angels and protector of human souls, and she’d soon be experiencing a big change in her life. That was the scene.
So how did they get there? I wondered. Next, I envisioned and wrote a scene that she was in her kitchen alone and a vampire suddenly appeared, threatening to kill her if she didn’t stop telling the world about him and his kind in her books. They fought. He threw her through a glass window, cutting her up and with blood everywhere, tempting the vamp. The newly hired handyman slept in his truck in the driveway and heard her screams. He broke down the door to get to her, and the vamp inexplicably feared the man and ran away. She obviously had tons of questions, so after cleaning up, they arrived in the dark living room scene above.
From there, I had to work my way backwards through this couple’s story, constantly asking, “How did they get here?” and discovering new things about them. I realized 18 years was too long for him to have been gone – she was pretty and intelligent and surely would have remarried by then, or at least have dated over the years. I couldn’t justify her holding on for that long (7 years was stretching it in many readers’ eyes – I’m sorry they don’t know true, soul mate love). However, during his absence, she had to have aged enough for the Ang’dora to show a drastic change in her. So she had to be late 20s/early 30s by the time he came back and she went through the Ang’dora. Once I worked my way to their first meeting, I knew she couldn’t have started out older than 18, otherwise, her naiveté and virginity would have been too outlandish.
So…that’s how we get to where Alexis starts the story at 18, and she’s 27 (and looks even older) when she goes through the Ang’dora and Tristan returns – enough time for her and their babies to age without making the in-between time too long to be ridiculous. I think it’s because of this roundabout way of uncovering their story that I didn’t see the similarities to Twilight that some readers see. I’d started the story at a much different place and everything that happened in the beginning was to lead to the point where Tristan returns and she goes through the Ang’dora. That’s also why I consider Promise to be a kind of prologue to the rest of the series.
Side story: When I’d shopped the books for agents back in 2009, I had positive response to the story, but was told, “I can’t market this. Nobody wants to read about a college-aged character. Make her older for Adult or younger for YA and resubmit.” But because of those reasons above, I just couldn’t change her age. And I didn’t think I was the only one who loved college and would want to read about characters that age, so I gave a stab at the self-publishing thing.
Anyway…after some brainstorming and character exploration, I started writing the actual story on January 30, 2009. I finished the first draft – 180,000 words (I had no idea how long that was for a book!) – six weeks later on March 13. Much changed between that first draft and what became Promise and Purpose. Notice how I said “babies” above? Yes, Dorian had originally had a twin. The question many readers want to know is … Does he still have a twin sister? You’ll have to wait for Faith to get that answer.
January 23, 2015
Testing…1,2
If you haven’t noticed until now, my blog has gone through a makeover. Actually, my whole site has, including moving back to being a self-hosted site. This actually happened quite a few months ago, but as with all relocations, there’s been some snags and important stuff to learn about my new home. So this post is simply a test to see what’s in working order. Hopefully everything, because there’s been TONS of news to share with you and more to come.
For now, if you see this, I wouldn’t mind a quick comment just so I know someone’s been here. Thank you!
November 23, 2014
Soul Savers News You’ve Been Waiting For!
If you’ve been dying to know about the next Soul Savers book (I hope everyone who has told me this doesn’t mean it literally!), I have news for you! And not only about Book 6, but also for Book 7! Check this out:
Want to know more? Here are the details promised in the video. Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you
Torment – Book 6 in the Soul Savers Series
Coming January 9, 2015!
The book will be available on all ebook retailers in all countries by then. For now, pre-orders are exclusively available at iBooks.
He’ll torment her soul until she breaks…and humanity until it falls.
When the Daemoni expose their existence to the human race, all Hell breaks loose. Literally. Not only do they walk the world freely, attacking at will, but they’ve infiltrated the highest levels of power in the human world. World War III erupts between countries and species, with Lucas, leader of evil on Earth, orchestrating it all. He even possesses direct control of thousands of human soldiers’ minds, putting himself in position to take over humanity.
Alexis, still young and inexperienced, must lead the Angels’ army to war. But every step she takes is trumped by Lucas, who single-handedly turns the humans against her Amadis. When Alexis and Tristan top every country’s list of Most Wanted Terrorists, they are forced to go underground to fight this war. And their first mission is to free the human soldiers by breaking the link that allows Lucas to control them.
But the Four Horsemen have apparently arrived, bringing the world into the apocalypse. Can Alexis and the Amadis prevent Lucas from taking over humanity? Or is he truly the Antichrist, and the events tormenting the world part of an age-old prophecy that can’t be stopped?
This highly anticipated sixth book of the Soul Savers Series will leave readers in shock, begging for the final installment, Faith.
Preorder yours exclusively at iBooks
And now, I give you
Faith - Book 7 (the last one!) of the Soul Savers Series
Releasing February 2, 2015
The book will be available on all ebook retailers in all countries by then. For now, pre-orders are exclusively available at iBooks.
When her eyes see only darkness, her soul must uncover faith’s light.
Evil reigns the world. Earth’s been ravaged. Only supernaturals roam the surface, while anyone else who escaped the fallout remains hidden deeply underground. The only signs humans survived at all come from those who serve the Daemoni. To finalize his conquest of humanity, Lucas prepares to rip down the veil between Earth and the Otherworld, opening the gates of Hell into the physical realm.
So why do the Angels insist on Alexis fighting a war that’s already been lost? Defending a world that no longer exists?
With a soul that’s been battered and beaten by both Heaven and Hell, Alexis holds onto a single conviction—her love for her family. Her only mission now is to save her husband’s and her son’s souls. Once she does, she’ll plead with the Angels to allow them off this world God has obviously forsaken.
But has He? And can she give up on her people so easily? On the souls of all humanity? Or will she find the faith she needs to defeat the Daemoni and win back the world? Just how far will she go to save the souls she loves . . . and those she does not?
This epic finale of the bestselling Soul Savers Series will break readers’ hearts, put them back together, and leave them demanding more.
Preorder yours exclusively at iBooks.
If you have a question for me to answer in the next Q&A video, click here and fill out the form.
November 20, 2014
It’s Release Day! Skip to the Good Part I
Skip to the Good Part is now LIVE! If you didn’t preorder, get on over and grab this steamy collection of nothing but the good parts. It’s only 99c for the first week! Your significant other will thank you. Use these links to get yours, and remember – a review is the best thing you can do for an author. In this case – 20 authors.
Amazon: www.smarturl.it/sttgp1kc
iBooks: http://smarturl.it/sttgp1ap?IQid=.kc
Kobo: http://smarturl.it/sttgp1ko?IQid=.kc
Barnes & Noble/Nook: http://smarturl.it/sttgp1bn?IQid=.kc
November 3, 2014
Hidden Worlds Is Live!
Hidden Worlds is LIVE! 20 full-length novels for only 99c – that’s a nickel each. Discover some new-to-you authors and series in YA and NA paranormal and fantasy genres. You’re welcome.
Be sure to join us at our Facebook Release Party for tons of fun, chats, and giveaways! I’ll be on at 2:00 p.m. ET.
October 27, 2014
Auction & a Party to Benefit DVAM & BCAM
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s also time for my annual #sharetheluv campaign to benefit these two very important and dear-to-me causes.
This is happening right now: https://www.facebook.com/events/1496061350653432/
An event with over 20 authors showing their support and raising awareness for these issues while discussing their books and characters and hosting giveaways. Several contests have already been posted. Come join us now!
This is also happening right now: https://www.facebook.com/groups/393512070804733/
An online auction chock-full of rare, unique, and special edition items from some very generous people in the book community. Including a replica of the pendant Tristan made for Alexis. There are only a handful in existence and each one is unique. Come bid on it or anything else that fancies you. Maybe a Coach purse? Any of these items would make wonderful Christmas gifts, so you can cross a name or two off your list and help support some great causes, too.
Anything you can do is greatly appreciated!
October 14, 2014
Teaser Tuesday – Hidden Worlds
Today’s tease will actually last throughout the month as we count down the days to the release of Hidden Worlds on November 3. To tantalize your tastebuds for these 20 (TWENTY!!!!) amazing books, from now until release day, I will be giving away an ebook by one of the authors in the set. That’s 20 ebooks in 20 days. The giveaways will be on my Facebook page, so keep an eye on it and get your entries in. That’s your tease. *ponders if that’s really a tease but gonna go with it*
Have you pre-ordered your copy of Hidden Worlds yet? Get 20 paranormal Young Adult and New Adult, full-length novels for only 99c. It will be available only for a limited time, so don’t risk forgetting. Order your copy now:
iBooks
September 5, 2014
This Life Is a Dream (So Get Over Yourself)
I love my readers! I adore each and every one of you. I would write even if I had no readers, but ya'll make it so much more fun. You give me inspiration. You motivate me to put my butt in the chair and write. And most of all, you give me friendship. Even if I've never met you or communicated with you, we love the same books and characters, so I know I like you. And since they're my books and characters, I know you're extra awesomely amazing. Haha!
Yes, there are times I feel like I answer the same questions over and over again when the answers seem to be everywhere you find my name. There are times when I want to run to my bed, hide under the covers, and cry, "I don't care that you're just a mean old troll, you're so right that your dog could excrete a better story out of his butt." (OMG, thank God I never got a review like that! I'd seriously die!)
The most common question I get: "When is the next book coming out? I'm dying here!!!!" I answer it several times a day, although it's on my website (look over in the sidebar), on Facebook in multiple posts and comments, and everywhere else because people are always asking me. At least, I feel like it's everywhere because it's such a big piece of my life. And I admit that each time I'm asked, it makes me feel all kinds of pressure, and fear, too. Fear that I'm letting my fans down because I can't write fast enough and they're hating me for it. I don't want to disappoint!
But go off on a public rant about readers or their reviews? Insulting my fans? Hell, no! Because I know the reality is that each and every review means a stranger read my book. Even if they didn't like it, they gave me a chance, and I really can't ask for more than that. Each and every question is someone showing that they love my books. And I can only be grateful for that because I never expected to be living this dream that I do. I never expected a single fan, especially one who cares enough to take time out of their busy lives to write me a message.
Yes, we put blood, sweat, and tears - and a part of our souls - into writing a book. It's not an easy thing to do, and it's often life-changing. We feel we are a part of our books and our books are a part of us as human beings. Our characters are real people, and we feel their emotions along with them, even when we're not writing. Their stories leak into our daily lives as we're trying to fulfill our other roles of employee, spouse, parent, child, sibling, church member, and overall contributor to society. Writing a book takes so much out of us because we put so much into it. It's hard work, but it comes out of a passion and a need in our souls.
But it does not put us up on some holier-than-thou pedestal just because we accomplished finishing a novel.
And here's the thing - once our book is published, and especially when readers like it and we start to build a fan base, we have crossed over into another place. We are now living a dream. We are experiencing what kids fantasize about - what we once fantasized about. We have reached a place that we've ached to be in with every fiber of our hearts and souls. We are writing stories and getting paid for it.
Although our books might change someone's perspective on life, we are not soldiers, EMTs, firefighters, cops, doctors, nurses, or anyone else in life-or-death situations. Our books don't protect people's safety and security or ensure they can provide another week of food and shelter for themselves and their families. We are a lot closer to Hollywood entertainers than we are to the heroes on the front lines. And that most definitely means we cannot stand on a pedestal, believing we're better than everyone else, slinging mud in their faces simply because we feel justified to go off on a rant every now and then.
Yes, we all need to vent to release some pressure. That's what the privacy of our own homes is for. Not in public. Not at the grocery store and not on the interwebz. And most certainly not to the very people who allow us to live this dream.
This my rant. Send out love and love will come back. And whether it comes back to me or not, I'm sending out the love to all of you. You are my world, and I'm so grateful to have you here with me. I wanted to make sure you knew that.
September 2, 2014
7 Books for Under 7 Bucks
In case you don't understand my 'lovely' *ahem* infographic - Curses, Fates & Soul Mates: 5 Paranormal New Adult Novels is on sale for only 99c! That's 5 books from authors R.K. Ryals, Raine Thomas, Lynn Rush, Rachael Wade, and me - including The Space Between, Part One of The Book of Phoenix trilogy. That's 5 (FIVE!!!!) full-length novels for only 20c each!
AND...
The Space Beyond, Part Two of The Book of Phoenix trilogy, is also on sale for 99c. The Space Within, Part Three, sells for $4.99.
Add it all up and you get 7 books for under 7 bucks. But hurry...only lasts through this Saturday!
The links are below. Feel free to pass this info around to anyone you think would be interested in any of these books. I'm telling you - I'm so impressed by the quality of the stories in the Curses, Fates & Soul Mates box set. Those girls are talented.
Curses, Fates & Soul Mates:
Amazon US: http://tinyurl.com/ZonUSCurses
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/CFSMAmazonUK
Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/CFSMZonCA
Nook US: http://tinyurl.com/CFSMNook
Nook UK: http://tinyurl.com/CFSMNookUK
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/CFSMKobo
iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/iBooksCFSM
The Space Beyond:
Amazon US: http://tinyurl.com/ZonBeyondUS
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/TSB2-AmazonUK
Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/ZonCABeyond
Nook US: http://tinyurl.com/NookTSB2US
Nook UK: http://tinyurl.com/NookUKBeyond
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/KoboBeyond
iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/iBooksBeyond
The Space Within:
Amazon US: http://tinyurl.com/ZonWithinUS
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/ZonUKWithin
Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/ZonWithinCA
Nook US: http://tinyurl.com/NookWithinUS
Nook UK: http://tinyurl.com/NookWithinUK
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/koboWithin
iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/iBooksWithin
