Christine Rains's Blog, page 56
October 5, 2014
Shelfie Blog Hop and two BIG releases!
This is your last chance to share with us your Shelfie and be entered to win one of the fantastic prizes!
When: Ends October 6th, 2014
What: Take a picture of your favorite book(s), your bookshelves, or you with your favorite book(s). We understand if you're shy and don't want to be in the picture, but you get bonus points if you are. Then share it on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter. It's as quick and easy as that!
I'm excited to co-host this blog hop with seven amazing authors: Tara Tyler, Heather Gardner, CD Coffelt, M.J. Fifield, Elizabeth Seckman, Rena Rocford, and Vikki Biram. We'll be offering prizes for various categories. The grand prize winner will win $40! I'll be giving away a digital copy of The 13th Floor Complete Collection for the geekiest Shelfie.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
* * * * *Book 2 in the Indigo Eady Afterlife series is now available!
Ghostly Gallows:
The case of missing paranormals is far from solved.
Hundreds of Sabrina Shores’ spirits are still missing.
In Second Death, Indigo and her friends escape an eternity underground in evil clutches. Back aboveground with a few missing ghosties happily in tow, one truth is painfully clear: the size of their problem is bigger than the village cemetery itself.
Now in Ghostly Gallows, new information leads Indigo and her fellow investigators to the ruins of Gallowsgate Prison, long abandoned by everyone and everything except malevolent spirits. It’s not called Gallowsgate for nothing when the noose swings a little too close to home.
Indigo Eady:
Much to her chagrin, Indigo Eady is a celebrity among spirits. She’s the girl who can see and speak with them. She has a proven track record in helping spirits find their murderers, so it’s no surprise when she’s drafted onto the Missing Paranormal Committee. Who better to help them than the experienced teenage ghost whisperer- investigator and her friends?
Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords
* * * * * Polar Night's Aleksei Nechayev leaves war-torn Russia in 1917 and makes his way to Alaska. Settling in at a railroad camp, Aleksei comes up against an adversary who seems to know the truth about the newly-turned vampire's identity, and who soon gives Aleksei much more than he bargained for at The Turnagain Arm.
Cover design by Michael Di GesuOnly 99 cents on Amazon Kindle
Book Blurb:
Locomotive wheels screech to a halt. Potters Creek, Alaska is nothing more than a small camp set up alongside the tracks. A weathered sign dominates the scene.
The Turnagain Arm Saloon
Est.1917
Only one passenger remains and exits.
The early afternoon full moon peaks through a shimmering snow fall as a shadow casts over each split rail. The wind howls, sweeping the cloak of a hooded figure. He follows the tracks toward the distant saloon. A hulking man crunches through the snow, attracting his attention.
Calling out to him in a foreign accent, the townsman stops in mid step. The stranger catches up and engages him.
Until...
The man disappears under the stranger’s cloak.
Blood drips from his lips, and he wipes the remaining trickles from his mouth. After disposing of the body, the mysterious figure continues on his journey. He glides through the snow as if on a sleigh, leaving no footprints behind.
* * * * *
Within a short period, he convinces Vasyl, the owner of the saloon, to hire him. Aleksei charms everyone he meets. But soon mistrust enters every tense line on Vasyl’s face as others disappear, and his wife falls under Aleksei’s spell.
The classic game of cat and mouse continues, but who will win?
Is a mere mortal any match for Aleksei?
A spark ignites within Alexei after yet another of Vasyl’s attempts to disgrace him.
This man knows of me. He must be a witch. Aleksei laughs. You are no match for me or my plan.
About the Author:
Julie Flanders is a librarian by day and a writer all the rest of the time. Julie is also a television show addict with a particular fondness for Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead and a slightly obsessive sports fan who cheers for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Cincinnati Bengals. She is a life-long animal lover and an animal rescue advocate and shares her home with her rescued dog and cat.
Julie’s published novels include the paranormal thriller Polar Night and the historical ghost story The Ghosts of Aquinnah. Both are available from Ink Smith Publishing. Polar Day, the sequel to Polar Night, will be published by Ink Smith in January, 2015.
Julie is a proud member of the speculative fiction writing group Untethered Realms. Meet the rest of the group and explore their books at http:// untetheredrealms.blogspot.com/.
Please visit Julie at her website at julieflanders.net or contact her by email at julie@julieflanders.net. She can also be found on Twitter at @JulesFlanders.
Enter to win one of two prize bundles featuring a $15 Amazon.com gift card and an ebook copy of The Turnagain Arm.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
When: Ends October 6th, 2014What: Take a picture of your favorite book(s), your bookshelves, or you with your favorite book(s). We understand if you're shy and don't want to be in the picture, but you get bonus points if you are. Then share it on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter. It's as quick and easy as that!
I'm excited to co-host this blog hop with seven amazing authors: Tara Tyler, Heather Gardner, CD Coffelt, M.J. Fifield, Elizabeth Seckman, Rena Rocford, and Vikki Biram. We'll be offering prizes for various categories. The grand prize winner will win $40! I'll be giving away a digital copy of The 13th Floor Complete Collection for the geekiest Shelfie.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
* * * * *Book 2 in the Indigo Eady Afterlife series is now available!
Ghostly Gallows: The case of missing paranormals is far from solved.
Hundreds of Sabrina Shores’ spirits are still missing.
In Second Death, Indigo and her friends escape an eternity underground in evil clutches. Back aboveground with a few missing ghosties happily in tow, one truth is painfully clear: the size of their problem is bigger than the village cemetery itself.
Now in Ghostly Gallows, new information leads Indigo and her fellow investigators to the ruins of Gallowsgate Prison, long abandoned by everyone and everything except malevolent spirits. It’s not called Gallowsgate for nothing when the noose swings a little too close to home.
Indigo Eady:
Much to her chagrin, Indigo Eady is a celebrity among spirits. She’s the girl who can see and speak with them. She has a proven track record in helping spirits find their murderers, so it’s no surprise when she’s drafted onto the Missing Paranormal Committee. Who better to help them than the experienced teenage ghost whisperer- investigator and her friends?
Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords
* * * * * Polar Night's Aleksei Nechayev leaves war-torn Russia in 1917 and makes his way to Alaska. Settling in at a railroad camp, Aleksei comes up against an adversary who seems to know the truth about the newly-turned vampire's identity, and who soon gives Aleksei much more than he bargained for at The Turnagain Arm.
Cover design by Michael Di GesuOnly 99 cents on Amazon Kindle
Book Blurb:
Locomotive wheels screech to a halt. Potters Creek, Alaska is nothing more than a small camp set up alongside the tracks. A weathered sign dominates the scene.
The Turnagain Arm Saloon
Est.1917
Only one passenger remains and exits.
The early afternoon full moon peaks through a shimmering snow fall as a shadow casts over each split rail. The wind howls, sweeping the cloak of a hooded figure. He follows the tracks toward the distant saloon. A hulking man crunches through the snow, attracting his attention.
Calling out to him in a foreign accent, the townsman stops in mid step. The stranger catches up and engages him.
Until...
The man disappears under the stranger’s cloak.
Blood drips from his lips, and he wipes the remaining trickles from his mouth. After disposing of the body, the mysterious figure continues on his journey. He glides through the snow as if on a sleigh, leaving no footprints behind.
* * * * *
Within a short period, he convinces Vasyl, the owner of the saloon, to hire him. Aleksei charms everyone he meets. But soon mistrust enters every tense line on Vasyl’s face as others disappear, and his wife falls under Aleksei’s spell.
The classic game of cat and mouse continues, but who will win?
Is a mere mortal any match for Aleksei?
A spark ignites within Alexei after yet another of Vasyl’s attempts to disgrace him.
This man knows of me. He must be a witch. Aleksei laughs. You are no match for me or my plan.
About the Author:
Julie Flanders is a librarian by day and a writer all the rest of the time. Julie is also a television show addict with a particular fondness for Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead and a slightly obsessive sports fan who cheers for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Cincinnati Bengals. She is a life-long animal lover and an animal rescue advocate and shares her home with her rescued dog and cat.
Julie’s published novels include the paranormal thriller Polar Night and the historical ghost story The Ghosts of Aquinnah. Both are available from Ink Smith Publishing. Polar Day, the sequel to Polar Night, will be published by Ink Smith in January, 2015.
Julie is a proud member of the speculative fiction writing group Untethered Realms. Meet the rest of the group and explore their books at http:// untetheredrealms.blogspot.com/.
Please visit Julie at her website at julieflanders.net or contact her by email at julie@julieflanders.net. She can also be found on Twitter at @JulesFlanders.
Enter to win one of two prize bundles featuring a $15 Amazon.com gift card and an ebook copy of The Turnagain Arm.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 2, 2014
Friday Five for October 3, 2014
1. I've been going along at a pretty good speed now with my WIP. Several times, I laughed out loud at what I was writing, and a few times, I was like "Yeah! I hit it on the nose!" So, yep. A good writing week.
2. My cast came off on Wednesday. It's a relief to have it gone, but my wrist is very sensitive. It's healing perfectly, though. I have to wear a splint for three weeks, and my arm has been achy with just the little extra movement I can do.
3. I've slowly been putting together marketing plans for my releases next year. Soon I'll be posting a call for blog hosts. This time, I'm not going to do everything in a big packed week. I'm going to spread out the dates. I think it will be easier on me, leaving me more time to write, and it will keep my books out there in the eyes of readers longer.
4. I've been watching the first season of Castle. Yes, I know. How could I not be watching this brilliant show already? I only have so much time set aside for TV. I'm loving all the Nathan Fillion goodness as I watch it.
5. You still have a few days to share your Shelfie with us!
When: From Now until October 6th, 2014What: Take a picture of your favorite book(s), your bookshelves, or you with your favorite book(s). We understand if you're shy and don't want to be in the picture, but you get bonus points if you are. Then share it on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter. It's as quick and easy as that!
I'm excited to co-host this blog hop with seven amazing authors: Tara Tyler, Heather Gardner, CD Coffelt, M.J. Fifield, Elizabeth Seckman, Rena Rocford, and Vikki Biram. We'll be offering prizes for various categories. The grand prize winner will win $40! I'll be giving away a digital copy of The 13th Floor Complete Collection for the geekiest Shelfie.
Here's my adorable little guy sitting in his room by his bedside bookshelf. This is the same shelf I had when I was a child. As you can see, his shelf is overflowing too. He's got books all over the house!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 1, 2014
White Lady Blog Tour - Guess The True Statement & Win!
GUESS THE TRUE STATEMENT & WIN JESSICA BELL'S THRILLER, WHITE LADY! (Statement #26)
To celebrate the release of Jessica Bell's latest novel, WHITE LADY, she is giving away an e-copy (mobi, ePub, or PDF) to the first person to correctly guess the one true statement in the three statements below. To clarify, two statements are lies, and one is true:
Jessica Bell ...
a. has six toes on her right foot
b. is double-jointed
c. still has a couple of baby teeth
What do you think? Which one is true? Write your guess in the comments, along with your email address. Comments will close in 48 hours. If no-one guesses correctly within in 48 hours, comments will stay open until someone does.
Want more chances to win? You have until October 31 to visit all the blogs where Jessica will share a different set of true and false statements on each one. Remember, each blog is open to comments for 48 hours only from the time of posting.
If you win, you will be notified by email with instructions on how to download the book.
Click HERE to see the list of blogs.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
*This novel contains coarse language, violence, and sexual themes.
Sonia yearns for sharp objects and blood. But now that she's rehabilitating herself as a "normal" mother and mathematics teacher, it's time to stop dreaming about slicing people's throats.
While being the wife of Melbourne's leading drug lord and simultaneously dating his best mate is not ideal, she's determined to make it work.
It does work. Until Mia, her lover's daughter, starts exchanging saliva with her son, Mick. They plan to commit a crime behind Sonia's back. It isn't long before she finds out and gets involved to protect them.
But is protecting the kids really Sonia's motive?
Click HERE to view the book trailer.
Click HERE for purchase links.
Jessica Bell, a thirty-something Australian-native contemporary fiction author, poet and singer/songwriter/guitarist, is the Publishing Editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal and the director of the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop on the Greek island of Ithaca. She makes a living as a writer/editor for English Language Teaching Publishers worldwide, such as Pearson Education, HarperCollins, MacMillan Education, Education First and Cengage Learning.
Connect with Jessica online: Website | Retreat & workshop | Blog | Vine Leaves Literary Journal | Facebook | Twitter
To celebrate the release of Jessica Bell's latest novel, WHITE LADY, she is giving away an e-copy (mobi, ePub, or PDF) to the first person to correctly guess the one true statement in the three statements below. To clarify, two statements are lies, and one is true: Jessica Bell ...
a. has six toes on her right foot
b. is double-jointed
c. still has a couple of baby teeth
What do you think? Which one is true? Write your guess in the comments, along with your email address. Comments will close in 48 hours. If no-one guesses correctly within in 48 hours, comments will stay open until someone does.
Want more chances to win? You have until October 31 to visit all the blogs where Jessica will share a different set of true and false statements on each one. Remember, each blog is open to comments for 48 hours only from the time of posting.
If you win, you will be notified by email with instructions on how to download the book.
Click HERE to see the list of blogs.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
*This novel contains coarse language, violence, and sexual themes.
Sonia yearns for sharp objects and blood. But now that she's rehabilitating herself as a "normal" mother and mathematics teacher, it's time to stop dreaming about slicing people's throats.
While being the wife of Melbourne's leading drug lord and simultaneously dating his best mate is not ideal, she's determined to make it work.
It does work. Until Mia, her lover's daughter, starts exchanging saliva with her son, Mick. They plan to commit a crime behind Sonia's back. It isn't long before she finds out and gets involved to protect them.
But is protecting the kids really Sonia's motive?
Click HERE to view the book trailer.
Click HERE for purchase links.
Jessica Bell, a thirty-something Australian-native contemporary fiction author, poet and singer/songwriter/guitarist, is the Publishing Editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal and the director of the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop on the Greek island of Ithaca. She makes a living as a writer/editor for English Language Teaching Publishers worldwide, such as Pearson Education, HarperCollins, MacMillan Education, Education First and Cengage Learning. Connect with Jessica online: Website | Retreat & workshop | Blog | Vine Leaves Literary Journal | Facebook | Twitter
September 30, 2014
IWSG for October 2014
The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is the brilliant idea of Alex J. Cavanaugh. The purpose of the group is to share doubts and insecurities and to encourage one another. Please visit the other participants and share your support. A kind word goes a long way.The co-hosts for this month's group are: Kristin Smith, Elsie, Suzanne Furness, and Fundy Blue.
Congratulations to the IWSG website on its one year anniversary! It's an awesome site with a great bunch of writers. It has a lot of advice, tips, and encouragement. Cheers to all of you!
In celebration of the anniversary, IWSG is putting together an anthology - The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond. Everyone can contribute. Entries must be between 200 and 1000 words. If it's less than 300, post it on your blog or FB, and then submit your link to the site HERE. If it's over 300 words, email it directly to the team at TheIWSG@gmail.com.
The topics can include writing, publishing, and marketing. Give them your best and fresh tips. No recycled posts. The ebook will be out in December.
Here's my contribution about marketing. (250 words)
* * * 3 Marketing Tips For Those Who Would Rather Be Writing
I am a writer. I never wanted to be anything else. But as a self-published author, I also have to be my own agent, accountant, and promoter.
Marketing savvy is not something I possess. What's even worse is what works for one author doesn't necessarily work for another. So how do you foster interest in your books and boost sales when you have no clue what you're doing?
Here are three tips that have worked for me and can be done from your writing cave.
1) Know your genre and find your audience. Be honest with yourself and get the opinions of your critique group. Once you have it, you'll be able to brand yourself and promote your books on sites to readers that will love you.
2) Start a blog. This has been one of my most effective tools in reaching fans. Match it to your genre and don't be afraid to show a little of your personal life.
3) Giveaways. People love free stuff. Use big sites like Goodreads to get a lot of exposure. If you create your own giveaway, add something a little different along with your books. Silly trinkets or a cool item from your story. Giving away gift cards also attracts a lot of attention.
Marketing may never get easier, but once you become adept in a few key things, you can spend your time doing what you really want to do: writing.
(IWSG has my permission to use this post in the anthology.)
September 28, 2014
Review for Carrots
Blurb:Shelby Nichols is an average woman who is married to the only guy she ever fell for. Her life is organized and predictable, revolving around her husband and two children. All that changes the day she stops at the grocery store for some carrots. As the cashier rings up her purchases, a gunman is busy robbing the bank inside the store. When a customer grabs the robber's mask, he is shot and everyone runs for cover. Everyone except Shelby, who finds herself face to face with the killer. The next thing she knows, she's lying on the floor with a bullet wound to her head. Luckily, the bullet only grazes her scalp, and she doesn't suspect any lasting affects until later, when she suddenly 'hears' what people are thinking. With this uncanny ability, her life takes on a whole new dimension. Her kids think she's bossy and too old to understand them, but that's nothing compared to her husband. He says he loves her, but what is it about the redhead at work that he doesn't want her to know? As if that isn't enough, the gunman knows she can identify him, and he's out to silence her forever. In her fight to stay alive, she is saved from certain death by a handsome hit-man with ties to organized crime. This pulls Shelby even deeper into danger, where knowing someone's thoughts can not only hurt her feelings, but get her killed.
My review:
Shelby Nichols' predictable life takes a sudden turn to chaos when she is wounded by a bank robber. She now can hear what people are thinking, and most of the time, it isn't flattering to her. The gunman is still out to get her, and she is blackmailed into working for the mob. It's not like she can tell her husband. But when things get hot, will Shelby make it out alive?
I picked this book up randomly and I'm happy I did. It was a fun read. It's different from my usual tastes in a good way. I laughed and held my breath. Shelby is your everyday woman, and I could relate to her in a lot of ways. She keeps digging herself deeper into a hole, and I was kept wondering to the end how it was going to work out. Lots of twists and hilarious moments.
If you could read my mind, you'd know I'd recommend this mystery for a light and enjoyable read.
You can find out everything you need to know about Colleen and her books on her website!
September 25, 2014
Friday Five for September 26, 2014
1. Less than one week until I have my cast removed! I will be in a brace or splint, but it will be nice to have it gone. I'm still not feeling energetic, but I'm slowly getting back into the groove.
2. I've been critiquing and catching up on little things this week. There have been lots of things going on with Untethered Realms. October will be a BIG month. Don't forget to preorder our anthology, Twisted Earths , and you can choose one ebook from any of the authors for free.
3. It's the start of the new season of TV shows. I've been watching Doctor Who, The Big Bang Theory, and Modern Family. Gotham is a new one on FOX. It has potential if it doesn't overdo it with the kids. I can't wait for The Walking Dead and Supernatural. And finally there's the new sci-fi series, Ascension. My fingers are crossed it will be good. What are you watching?
4. I've no plans for the weekend, but we're coming up on my favorite month of the year. Autumn leaves, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and Halloween. I can't wait!
5. Have you taken your Shelfie yet?
When: From Now until October 6th, 2014What: Take a picture of your favorite book(s), your bookshelves, or you with your favorite book(s). We understand if you're shy and don't want to be in the picture, but you get bonus points if you are. Then share it on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter. It's as quick and easy as that!
I'm excited to co-host this blog hop with seven amazing authors: Tara Tyler, Heather Gardner, CD Coffelt, M.J. Fifield, Elizabeth Seckman, Rena Rocford, and Vikki Biram. We'll be offering prizes for various categories. The grand prize winner will win $40! I'll be giving away a digital copy of The 13th Floor Complete Collection for the geekiest Shelfie.
Here is another one of my bookshelves. A lot of hardcovers here and my old university textbooks. I find it very difficult to part with any sort of book!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 23, 2014
Wicked Wednesday - sign on the dotted line
Now that you know my awesome news, I can share with you my experiences being accepted by a publisher. It's incredibly different than self-publishing. One way it's different is the whole signing of a contract deal.
I had a few bumps in the road with it. With my publisher, the contracts department is separate from everything else. My editor was not allowed to be involved in anything to do with it. I filled out all the paperwork (general information, tax forms, book outlines), sent them to the editor, and she forwarded them on to contracts.
Then I waited.
And waited. And waited. And waited.
A month later, I still hadn't received anything.
I asked my editor about it, and she suggested I email contracts to see what was going on.
They had sent out the first copy of the contract, but I had never received it. I checked in all my folders, checked them dozens of times, but nothing. I assured them I didn't receive it, and three weeks later, they sent out the file again.
I read through the contract carefully. It was 12 pages, but there was nothing I didn't understand. I filled it out, re-read it, and had my husband go over it. I signed it, copied it, and emailed it back.
One month later, I received the finalized contract.
I was moving along at a good speed with my editor, doing edits and filling out my cover requests, I even had a release date, but I couldn't announce it until the contract was complete.
I felt agonized with how slow it was going at times, but this is typical with a publisher. Self-publishing allows you to go as quickly as you want to, but with a publisher, you can only move as fast as the business can move. Patience is key in signing with one.
If you have a publisher, what has your experience been involving contracts?
September 22, 2014
Second Death Blog Tour - guest post by Gwen Gardner
Please welcome the awesome Gwen Gardner talking about character relationships in her newest Indigo Eady book, Second Death.
Stubborn Old Ghost vs Teen Psychic: Who Wins?
Character relationships are a lot like real life relationships, only more so. They’re loving, complicated and sometimes over the top. When you write paranormal, it adds a whole new ‘dimension’ to any relationship.
Take Indigo Eady (ghost-whispering teen psychic) and Franny Bishop (interfering Victorian ghost-madam). They ‘reside’ in the same household and basically have a mother-daughter relationship. As a Victorian, Franny believes that Indigo needs a man. She’s a good-hearted old ghost and wants Indigo to have her heart’s desire. As a woman who *cough* knows men, Franny knows Badger is the one for Indigo. No matter what Indigo says Franny will have her way!
Check out this excerpt from Second Death. To set the scene, Indigo and the gang are tasked with investigating the case of missing paranormals. It’s determined that the common factor is the monthly ball at Gertrude’s Garden.
Gertrude’s Garden is the non-dimensional nightclub where all paranormals are welcome. It’s also the place where living people with no psychic abilities whatsoever can see and experience paranormal things. A place where the living and dead alike can mix and mingle.
So Franny finagles invitations for Indigo, Badger and Simon, and plans a little matchmaking along the way.
First, Indigo finds the invitation on her bed...
Your presence is requested at the monthly cotillion
Saturday, February 25th 2012
Gertrude’s Garden
10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Formal Attire
Food and Beverages
Entertainment by Orblight Orchestra
The second item was a matching dance card with a small pencil attached to a narrow, tasseled cord. The inside listed different dances such as the waltz and quadrille. Several of the dances already had names scribbled next to them. Not sure if I was flattered or not.
Two days to prepare, then. And by prepare, I meant talk myself into going back there.
POP!
I jumped slightly. “Franny, do you have to startle me like that?”
“Sorry, dear. I wanted to make sure you received the invitations. We’ll need time to alter a dress and style your hair.” Franny, as always, was dressed to kill. Today she wore a fuscia-colored day dress, form-fitting on the top to accentuate her bosom.
Looking at her, I shook my head. “I don’t know. I don’t really dress up well like you do. I hadn’t really planned on dancing, either. Couldn’t I just wear my jeans?”
She looked horrified. “Of course not! Besides, you’ll never get past Gertie wearing that garb you young women wear these days. It’s scandalous! I’m sure Badger would like to see you dressed up...”
I sighed. “I told you. Badger and I aren’t—”
“That’s nice, dear. Now, meet me in the attic and we’ll find something lovely to impress Badger.”
“Stubborn old ghost!”
So tell me, do you think Indigo wore jeans?
Second Death:
The Sabrina Shores spirit community is in crisis. Ghosties are mysteriously disappearing at an alarming rate. They’re simply...gone. A second death.
The clues are limited, but it’s clear that the one common factor is Gertrude’s Garden, the nightclub social center of the spirit community which just happens to adjoin the Sabrina Shores cemetery: the one place Indigo makes a point of not going. Ever. She has her reasons.
Indigo Eady:
Much to her chagrin, Indigo Eady is a celebrity among spirits. She’s the girl who can see and speak with them. She has a proven track record in helping spirits find their murderers, so it’s no surprise when she’s drafted onto the Missing Paranormal Committee. Who better to help them than the experienced teenage ghost whisperer- investigator and her friends? Order Second Death on Amazon or iTunes
Gwen Gardner is a native Californian living in sunny San Diego, where her love of reading and writing led to a BA in English literature. Life is now complete with her husband, two dogs and a daily call from her daughter.
Since ghosts feature prominently in her young adult Indigo Eady Paranormal “Cozy” Mystery series, she has a secret desire to meet one face to face - but will run screaming for the hills if she ever does. Gwen adores travel and experiencing the cultures and foods of different countries. She is always up for an adventure and anything involving chocolate - not necessarily in that order. Connect with Gwen:Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Amazon / B&N
Stubborn Old Ghost vs Teen Psychic: Who Wins?
Character relationships are a lot like real life relationships, only more so. They’re loving, complicated and sometimes over the top. When you write paranormal, it adds a whole new ‘dimension’ to any relationship.
Take Indigo Eady (ghost-whispering teen psychic) and Franny Bishop (interfering Victorian ghost-madam). They ‘reside’ in the same household and basically have a mother-daughter relationship. As a Victorian, Franny believes that Indigo needs a man. She’s a good-hearted old ghost and wants Indigo to have her heart’s desire. As a woman who *cough* knows men, Franny knows Badger is the one for Indigo. No matter what Indigo says Franny will have her way!
Check out this excerpt from Second Death. To set the scene, Indigo and the gang are tasked with investigating the case of missing paranormals. It’s determined that the common factor is the monthly ball at Gertrude’s Garden.
Gertrude’s Garden is the non-dimensional nightclub where all paranormals are welcome. It’s also the place where living people with no psychic abilities whatsoever can see and experience paranormal things. A place where the living and dead alike can mix and mingle.
So Franny finagles invitations for Indigo, Badger and Simon, and plans a little matchmaking along the way.
First, Indigo finds the invitation on her bed...
Your presence is requested at the monthly cotillion
Saturday, February 25th 2012
Gertrude’s Garden
10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Formal Attire
Food and Beverages
Entertainment by Orblight Orchestra
The second item was a matching dance card with a small pencil attached to a narrow, tasseled cord. The inside listed different dances such as the waltz and quadrille. Several of the dances already had names scribbled next to them. Not sure if I was flattered or not.
Two days to prepare, then. And by prepare, I meant talk myself into going back there.
POP!
I jumped slightly. “Franny, do you have to startle me like that?”
“Sorry, dear. I wanted to make sure you received the invitations. We’ll need time to alter a dress and style your hair.” Franny, as always, was dressed to kill. Today she wore a fuscia-colored day dress, form-fitting on the top to accentuate her bosom.
Looking at her, I shook my head. “I don’t know. I don’t really dress up well like you do. I hadn’t really planned on dancing, either. Couldn’t I just wear my jeans?”
She looked horrified. “Of course not! Besides, you’ll never get past Gertie wearing that garb you young women wear these days. It’s scandalous! I’m sure Badger would like to see you dressed up...”
I sighed. “I told you. Badger and I aren’t—”
“That’s nice, dear. Now, meet me in the attic and we’ll find something lovely to impress Badger.”
“Stubborn old ghost!”
So tell me, do you think Indigo wore jeans?
Second Death:The Sabrina Shores spirit community is in crisis. Ghosties are mysteriously disappearing at an alarming rate. They’re simply...gone. A second death.
The clues are limited, but it’s clear that the one common factor is Gertrude’s Garden, the nightclub social center of the spirit community which just happens to adjoin the Sabrina Shores cemetery: the one place Indigo makes a point of not going. Ever. She has her reasons.
Indigo Eady:
Much to her chagrin, Indigo Eady is a celebrity among spirits. She’s the girl who can see and speak with them. She has a proven track record in helping spirits find their murderers, so it’s no surprise when she’s drafted onto the Missing Paranormal Committee. Who better to help them than the experienced teenage ghost whisperer- investigator and her friends? Order Second Death on Amazon or iTunes
Gwen Gardner is a native Californian living in sunny San Diego, where her love of reading and writing led to a BA in English literature. Life is now complete with her husband, two dogs and a daily call from her daughter. Since ghosts feature prominently in her young adult Indigo Eady Paranormal “Cozy” Mystery series, she has a secret desire to meet one face to face - but will run screaming for the hills if she ever does. Gwen adores travel and experiencing the cultures and foods of different countries. She is always up for an adventure and anything involving chocolate - not necessarily in that order. Connect with Gwen:Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Amazon / B&N
September 21, 2014
30 Seconds Blog Tour Excerpt
When a woman finds herself in the middle of a war between a police force and the Mob, 30 SECONDS is a long time.
Title: 30 SecondsAuthor: Chrys FeyGenre: Romantic-SuspenseHeat Rating: Spicy (PG13)Length: Novella (105 pages)Format: eBookPublisher: The Wild Rose PressPublished: 09/10/2014
BLURB:
When Officer Blake Herro agreed to go undercover in the Mob, he thought he understood the risks. But he's made mistakes and now an innocent woman has become their target. He's determined to protect her at all costs.
The Mob's death threat turns Dr. Dani Hart's life upside down, but there is one danger she doesn’t anticipate. As she's dodging bullets, she's falling in love with Blake. With danger all around them, will she and Blake survive and have a happy ending, or will the Mob make good on their threat?
EXCERPT:
She panted with fear. What if they see the chest? What if we get caught? What if my breath stinks and I’m breathing right into Officer Hottie’s face? She shut her mouth and let oxygen flow through her nose.
Her eyesight slowly adjusted to the darkness and she could see Officer Herro’s silhouette. His head was turned and he was listening to the thuds of heavy boots getting louder; the intruders were coming their way.Then the thunder of footsteps sounded right next to them. “There’s no one here, Red,” someone announced.“Look for documents,” a man ordered, who Dani could only assume was Red. “I want the name of the person I’m going to kill.”A moment later, there was a reply. “All the mail is addressed to a Dr. Hart.”Hearing her name said aloud by one of the men who had ransacked her place made her want to gasp. Her mouth fell open and her breath was reversing into her lungs, but before she could make a sound, Officer Herro lowered his lips to hers, silencing her. Stunned, she could only lie beneath him with her eyes wide and her body tense. She couldn’t believe he was kissing her. She wanted to push him back, but knew if she did he might hit the inside of the chest, giving away their hiding place. That was when she realized he was kissing her so she wouldn’t gasp.She let her body relax. After her initial shock faded, she was able to feel his lips. They were comforting and caused a reaction deep inside her. She couldn’t stop her lips from reacting to his. It was an innocent connection, a soft touch of lips. Until his hand slid from her shoulder to her neck and the kiss deepened into something else.
BOOK LINKS:Amazon US / Amazon UK / The Wild Rose Press
Goodreads
Chrys Fey is a lover of rock music just like Dani Hart in 30 Seconds. Whenever she's writing at her desk, headphones are always emitting the sounds of her musical muses -especially that of her favorite band, 30 Seconds to Mars, the inspiration behind the title.
30 Seconds is her second eBook with The Wild Rose Press. Her debut, Hurricane Crimes, is also available on Amazon.
Discover her writing tips on her blog, and connect with her on Facebook. She loves to get to know her readers!
AUTHOR LINKS:Facebook / Blog / Goodreads
Bonus – Chrys Fey reveals 3 things about herself and 30 Seconds:
1. Dani Hart has two tattoos, one of which is string notes to a rock ballad. Chrys Fey has a dragonfly tattoo on her arm.
2. Dani was born at a Kiss concert. Chrys has never gone to a concert.3. Chrys’s grandmother had a large cedar chest, but she never had to hide it in for her own safety like Dani does in 30 Seconds.
Title: 30 SecondsAuthor: Chrys FeyGenre: Romantic-SuspenseHeat Rating: Spicy (PG13)Length: Novella (105 pages)Format: eBookPublisher: The Wild Rose PressPublished: 09/10/2014
BLURB:
When Officer Blake Herro agreed to go undercover in the Mob, he thought he understood the risks. But he's made mistakes and now an innocent woman has become their target. He's determined to protect her at all costs.
The Mob's death threat turns Dr. Dani Hart's life upside down, but there is one danger she doesn’t anticipate. As she's dodging bullets, she's falling in love with Blake. With danger all around them, will she and Blake survive and have a happy ending, or will the Mob make good on their threat?
EXCERPT:
She panted with fear. What if they see the chest? What if we get caught? What if my breath stinks and I’m breathing right into Officer Hottie’s face? She shut her mouth and let oxygen flow through her nose.
Her eyesight slowly adjusted to the darkness and she could see Officer Herro’s silhouette. His head was turned and he was listening to the thuds of heavy boots getting louder; the intruders were coming their way.Then the thunder of footsteps sounded right next to them. “There’s no one here, Red,” someone announced.“Look for documents,” a man ordered, who Dani could only assume was Red. “I want the name of the person I’m going to kill.”A moment later, there was a reply. “All the mail is addressed to a Dr. Hart.”Hearing her name said aloud by one of the men who had ransacked her place made her want to gasp. Her mouth fell open and her breath was reversing into her lungs, but before she could make a sound, Officer Herro lowered his lips to hers, silencing her. Stunned, she could only lie beneath him with her eyes wide and her body tense. She couldn’t believe he was kissing her. She wanted to push him back, but knew if she did he might hit the inside of the chest, giving away their hiding place. That was when she realized he was kissing her so she wouldn’t gasp.She let her body relax. After her initial shock faded, she was able to feel his lips. They were comforting and caused a reaction deep inside her. She couldn’t stop her lips from reacting to his. It was an innocent connection, a soft touch of lips. Until his hand slid from her shoulder to her neck and the kiss deepened into something else.
BOOK LINKS:Amazon US / Amazon UK / The Wild Rose Press
Goodreads
Chrys Fey is a lover of rock music just like Dani Hart in 30 Seconds. Whenever she's writing at her desk, headphones are always emitting the sounds of her musical muses -especially that of her favorite band, 30 Seconds to Mars, the inspiration behind the title.30 Seconds is her second eBook with The Wild Rose Press. Her debut, Hurricane Crimes, is also available on Amazon.
Discover her writing tips on her blog, and connect with her on Facebook. She loves to get to know her readers!
AUTHOR LINKS:Facebook / Blog / Goodreads
Bonus – Chrys Fey reveals 3 things about herself and 30 Seconds:
1. Dani Hart has two tattoos, one of which is string notes to a rock ballad. Chrys Fey has a dragonfly tattoo on her arm.
2. Dani was born at a Kiss concert. Chrys has never gone to a concert.3. Chrys’s grandmother had a large cedar chest, but she never had to hide it in for her own safety like Dani does in 30 Seconds.
September 18, 2014
Friday Five for September 19, 2014
1. Thank you so much for all your congratulations about my big news. I love this community. Your support and encouragement mean so much to me.
2. My wrist is doing well, but healing still leaves me utterly exhausted. I haven' t done any writing, but I've managed to get some critiquing done. My local critique group meets tomorrow, and I can only hope I don't doze off as I do at that time of day!
3. I've been cleaning out my Kindle. I had a lot of ebooks on it that I didn't get past 10%. I've also had a few that really surprised me with how great they were. Rarely in the past did I ever not finish a book, even if it was horrible, but with my huge TBR list, I have to be picky. It is difficult for me to do because I know how much work authors put into their stories.
4. I received another rejection for my urban fantasy novel earlier this week. I sent it to the publishers I really thought might like it. It's quirky and unusual and tells a powerful story. I will be self-publishing it next year. So be ready for a huge year of releases in 2015 from me!
5. Have you taken your Shelfie yet?
When: From Now until October 6th, 2014What: Take a picture of your favorite book(s), your bookshelves, or you with your favorite book(s). We understand if you're shy and don't want to be in the picture, but you get bonus points if you are. Then share it on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter. It's as quick and easy as that!
I'm excited to co-host this blog hop with seven amazing authors: Tara Tyler, Heather Gardner, CD Coffelt, M.J. Fifield, Elizabeth Seckman, Rena Rocford, and Vikki Biram. We'll be offering prizes for various categories. The grand prize winner will win $40! I'll be giving away a digital copy of The 13th Floor Complete Collection for the geekiest Shelfie.
I have several bookshelves in my house. I have too many books to fit in them. This is but one of my overstuffed shelves. Double-stacked, if you can tell!
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