Christine Rains's Blog, page 57

Wicked Wednesday - BIG NEWS!

Wicked Wednesdays are about to get a little more wicked.

BIG NEWS!

I signed a three book contract with Ellora's Cave!

Earlier this year, I was waiting for critiques from my CPs. I had a bit of free writing time when I stumbled across an open call from Ellora's Cave (EC). They were searching for geeky stories for a themed release called Geekgasm. I giggled and joked around with my husband. With all those naughty geek jokes I know, I could write a story.

So I did. And EC loved it!

They loved it so much, they wanted more. I agreed to write two more hilarious books featuring my nerdy characters. The series is named:

( D&D for short!)
The first book in the series, "Loose Corset" has already gone through revisions and is in its final edits. I even have a release date!
January 9, 2015
I'm still a bit in shock. I got the news in June, but I've had to keep it under wraps until everything was finalized. These books are funny, romantic, geeky, and hot. They're written by a geek for geeks. I'll be talking about everything more on Wednesdays, sharing with you my experience and tantalizing you with teasers.
Until then, here's the blurb for "Loose Corset."
Geek girl Morgan Reid has been to many conventions, but none that had her wishing it would never end.
Dressed as their characters from the online game Steampunk Quest, Morgan and her best friend meet the other players for the first time in real life. Morgan's attraction to the gorgeous Dean Bradley is immediate, making it difficult to breathe in her tight corset. Even after a few dice shattering orgasms, she doesn't believe this can be anything more than a con fling. But Dean is making her feel things she's only read about in books. Can Morgan let go of her cool-headed logic and allow herself to fall completely for the perfect geek guy?

Confessions From A Coffee Shop Blog Tour - guest post from T.B. Markinson

 I'm excited to welcome here today the wonderfully talented T.B. Markinson to talk about her adventure when she first self-published. Enjoy!
Howdy Christine! It’s wonderful to be here today. You have some of the most supportive blogging buddies and I always enjoying visiting.

Thank goodness your visitors are kind since I have a confession to make. Many people assume since I’ve self-published three novels that I’m comfortable with technology. I wish that was the case, but I’m not. When I lived in the States, I was fortunate to have friends who were tech whizzes. In fact, I worked in an audio visual department. I wasn’t a tech, but I scheduled the appointments for the techs. At one point, our department hired a supervisor who knew less than me. One of the techs joked, “He probably doesn’t know what LCD stands for.” Everyone laughed while I sat at my computer and Googled what does LCD stand for. Just in case you want to know it stands for liquid crystal display.

When I decided to self-publish I had to take a crash course in publishing technology. In the very beginning, a reviewer asked me for a mobi file. What? How in the world was I going to find Moby Dick? Again, I Googled what the reviewer wanted and realized I did have a mobi file. That’s the type of file Amazon requires for uploading ebooks. Whew, one thing learned.

Time for another confession. When I published my first novel, I didn’t even own an ereader. I know, I know. I just published an ebook and I had to read it on my laptop. I felt like a hypocrite and a fool. My partner took pity on me and gave me one for my birthday. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would get used to it. Like many others who resisted the ebook craze for years, I wondered if it could replace the feel of a real book. I’m not sure it will ever do that, but I have to admit I love that I can carry an entire library with me at all times. And if I don’t want to carry my Kindle Fire, I now have a smaller Kindle. Sometimes though, even the small one doesn’t fit into my plans. Thank goodness for my cell phone, which I always carry. I am never without a book now. For someone who struggles with technology, I’ve managed to acquire some knowledge and a few devices. Right now I keep dropping hints that I want an iPad. Christmas is coming.

What does this mean for others who want to self-publish? At times it may feel like an uphill battle. You may have more technical knowledge (most people do), but there will still be things you’ll have to learn. But don’t let it discourage you. The best thing I’ve learned is to ask. Authors are the friendliest bunch. I have emailed many and asked them questions. No one has ever said, “Gosh you’re an idiot.” Instead they answer my question and usually give me more tips and advice. If you want to self-publish don’t let anything get in your way. And don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know what I’m doing.” None of us did in the early stages. Go ahead and ask for help. You can even email me. Chances are I won’t know the answer, but I probably know someone who does. Self-publishing doesn’t mean you have to go it alone.

Blurb: Cori Tisdale was on top of the world. A basketball star at Harvard and a promising author with a lucrative book deal.

A few years later, Cori’s life is falling apart. Her beautiful girlfriend, Kat Finn, has a shopping addiction. To make ends meet, Cori takes a part-time job at a coffee shop.

Just when Cori thinks her life can’t get any worse, an old crush appears out of the blue. Cori’s friendship with Samantha Clarke pushes Cori further into a dangerous abyss when Sam reveals two secrets to Cori and asks her not to tell a soul, including Kat.

Will this be the end of Cori’s and Kat’s relationship?

Buy the book here:Amazon US / Amazon UK
About the Author: T. B. Markinson is a 40-year old American writer, living in England, who pledged she would publish before she was 35. Better late than never. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling around the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order. T. B. has published A Woman Lost, Marionette, and Confessions From A Coffee Shop.
Mailing List: Sign up to TB’s New Release Mailing List here. Your email will never be shared and you will only be contacted when a new book is out.

Links: Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page

Friday Five for September 12, 2014

1. My bone is healing nicely, but I've been sleeping a lot. Mending bones takes a toll on a body. I never knew how much. I also find it difficult to focus on things. No writing has gotten done, even one-handed. I hope that changes very soon. (And nope, it's not the pain killers. I only take one at night before I go to bed.)

2.I finally have my contracts completed! Yay! Pop in next Wednesday for my BIG news. If you haven't signed up for my newsletter yet, the widget is to the right on the sidebar. Subscribers will get a sneak preview!

3. No word on any of my submissions. It's been over three months since I submitted my urban fantasy novel. Time to nudge the publisher?

4. No plans for the weekend except resting some more. The weekend after is going to be very busy, so I hope I have the energy for it!

5. Don't forget the Shelfie Blog Hop!

 When: From Now until 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.
For inspiration, here's Tawa posing with all the books I've a story in.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Rifters - A Summer Trip to Settler, Oregon

To celebrate the release of Mary Pax's newest series, The Rifters, she's having a grand giveaway. Post a short tale about your summer trip to Settler, Oregon any time between now and October 31st, 2014, email her the link, and be entered to win one of two $25 Amazon or B&N giftcards, a signed book, or the digital versions of the first two books in the series. Click HERE for all the details.

This picture from Mary's gallery inspired my story:


There was nowhere better in the world to dig for fossils than Settler, and thankfully most paleontologists didn't know it. I've seen a few amateur diggers over the years, but they certainly couldn't understand what priceless finds they might be making.
I did. I made my career off them.
Every year in early autumn, I'd come to Gold Lake and pitch my tent. Not once have I left empty-handed.
This year I had to attend an important convention during my usual dig time, so now I was hammering away under the mid-summer sun. Eagerly yet carefully. I found a set of raptor - at least I was pretty sure they were raptor - footprints that would win me enough fame to oust the director of my department. I chuckled at the thought of getting rid of the old coot.
Five prints already uncovered and the next ones in the path were open to the air. I swiped my brows and took a long drink of water before I moved to the sixth one.
Funny. The rock was a different color here.
No, wait. That's mud.
The tracks are fresh.

The Gold Rush trickles to a fool’s quest and a string of stagecoach heists. In 1888, Earl Blacke decides to make a new start and become a better man. He escapes into the mountains, heading north. In the wilds of Oregon, a rift inside an ancient volcano opens and sends him into the future, into the present day. It also shaves forty years off his age, forty years to live over again and atone for what he’s done.

Starting over is hard to do. In current day New York, Daelin Long’s dream job at a publishing house goes the way of the dinosaurs her sister chases. With no money and nowhere else to go, Daelin accepts the librarian position in her sister’s dinky town in the middle of Oregon. Nestled inside ancient volcanic peaks, the town of Settler holds onto many secrets. Residents roam the streets with weirdly fashioned devices, and odd lights pulse in the night skies. People whisper of a phantom outlaw and start dying, murdered and missing their heads. On top of it all, Daelin’s sister is missing, and Daelin doesn’t know who to trust.

Earl knows more than he’s saying. He shares a notorious history with the phantom, one he’ll see remains buried. Keeping Daelin’s sister’s secrets is his only chance at redemption, and the only way to keep this world safe.

Ebook: Amazon / Amazon UK / AmazonDE / AmazonAU / AmazonCA / B&N / Smashwords / Googleplay / iTunes / Versent Books / inktera

The Rifters release and an excerpt

Blurb:
The Gold Rush trickles to a fool’s quest and a string of stagecoach heists. In 1888, Earl Blacke decides to make a new start and become a better man. He escapes into the mountains, heading north. In the wilds of Oregon, a rift inside an ancient volcano opens and sends him into the future, into the present day. It also shaves forty years off his age, forty years to live over again and atone for what he’s done.

Starting over is hard to do. In current day New York, Daelin Long’s dream job at a publishing house goes the way of the dinosaurs her sister chases. With no money and nowhere else to go, Daelin accepts the librarian position in her sister’s dinky town in the middle of Oregon. Nestled inside ancient volcanic peaks, the town of Settler holds onto many secrets. Residents roam the streets with weirdly fashioned devices, and odd lights pulse in the night skies. People whisper of a phantom outlaw and start dying, murdered and missing their heads. On top of it all, Daelin’s sister is missing, and Daelin doesn’t know who to trust.

Earl knows more than he’s saying. He shares a notorious history with the phantom, one he’ll see remains buried. Keeping Daelin’s sister’s secrets is his only chance at redemption, and the only way to keep this world safe.

The Rifters is available at an introductory price. The second book in the series, The Initiate, will be available October 20, 2014. It’s up for preorder for a special price at iTunes, Amazon, and B&N. Check HERE for links. Giveaways and events are ongoing through October 31, 2014. Check HERE for details.

Links: Amazon / AmazonUK / B&N / Smashwords /Googleplay / iTunes / Other Outlets 

Excerpt:
A woman in a long flowered dress hurried forward carrying a paintbrush. “Hello, hello.” She waved. “Excuse the mess. I’m renovating... again.” She laughed with little snorts, stumbling in a little circle, defying her years. She couldn’t be younger than forty. “Inside joke, man, sorry. What groovieness can I help you find? I know where everything is.” She gestured at the piles of castoff merchandise strewn about.

If not for the goose bumps on her goose bumps, Daelin would have left. “A winter coat? Earl Blacke mentioned you might have some.”

“Oh man! What a tragedy about him, huh?” She wore her amber hair in two braids, tied with twine and decorated with plastic flowers.

Tragedy? What had happened to Earl? Daelin clutched at her knotting stomach. “What do you mean?”

“There was a murder last night. Umm, wow. Didn’t you hear?” She set the paintbrush down on a plate that had been used for the purpose before. Bracelets covered her arms, clinking with her simple movements.

“In Settler?” Violent crime wasn’t what Daelin expected to hear. She didn’t know what she had expected, but not murder.

The thrift store woman leaned in closer, whispering in a conspiratorial tone. “Yeah, they’re saying Earl Blacke killed Susan Leeds. Took her head plum off, man. Only thing is...,” she glanced at the shadows then wet her lips, “her head is missing.” The soft scent of melon accompanied her words.

Earl had murdered somebody? Daelin gulped, getting a lungful of paint fumes. Right, the paint. The fumes had to be messing with her mind. “Are you serious?”

About the author: M. Pax is author of the space adventure series The Backworlds, plus other novels and short stories. Fantasy, science fiction, and the weird beckons to her, and she blames Oregon, a source of endless inspiration. She docents at Pine Mountain Observatory in the summers as a star guide, has a cat with a crush on Mr. Spock, and is slightly obsessed with Jane Austen. Learn more at mpaxauthor.com.

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In other Untethered Realms news:
Gwen Gardner released the cover to her newest YA paranormal thriller: Second Death. It's absolutely gorgeous!
Angela Brown's alter-ego Rayven Godchild released her latest erotic tale about falling in love, Secret Lilies.
Don't forget that you can have an ebook of your choice from any of the talented UR authors when you preorder our anthology, Twisted Earths .

Friday Five for September 5th, 2014

1. I had quite the adventure on Wednesday. My son and I were playing in a creek, and I fell, breaking my wrist. I managed to get us out of the creek, walk up 100 stairs, and call my husband before collapsing in my seat. My little guy was so well behaved. I'm in a cast now and don't need surgery. If the bone doesn't drift, I'll be in the cast for six weeks.

2. Please forgive me that I won't be commenting on your blogs for a little while. I can type with one hand, slowly, and hopefully, once the swelling goes down, I'll have use of my other fingers. I'll be able to type, and as a writer, this pleases me greatly.

3. A big thank you to the kind lady and gentleman who helped me after I got to my car. That big bag of ice saved me from passing out, and talking kept me focused. I am grateful that you were there and to be reminded there are generous and compassionate folks out there.

4. I'll be resting and reading a lot over the course of the next week. I might make a dent in my TBR list!

5. In other news, I have two short stories short-listed at pro venues. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Have a good weekend!

IWSG for September 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.

I'm busy this month with writing and editing. Lots of new story ideas popping up lately too. So many stories and so little time!

I want to leave you smiling, though. Here are some super cute pictures of my little guy bringing you some inspiration.





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Pssst! I'm over at the Untethered Realms blog this week talking about awe and wonder.

Don't forget about the Shelfie Blog Hop too! Enter with a pic of yourself and/or your favorite books and win prizes.

Darkness Review

Blurb: Seventeen-year-old Carly Lopez suffers from post-traumatic stress, though the “post” part technically doesn’t apply...not when the killer’s still out there.

As the only survivor of the killing spree that left four dead girls in its wake, Carly fails to unearth her buried memories of that day and is consumed with guilt. After a year of silence, the killer's back, and Carly will stop at nothing to stop him.

With each new death, Carly’s reality shatters, propelling her deeper into the darkness where the dead haunt her and where the truth lies. Her only firm grasp of reality is Hunter Jackson, whose mysterious overprotectiveness of Carly forces her to doubt the reason behind her guilt.

But Hunter has a secret.

And when she discovers a horrible truth, Carly questions her involvement in the murders. Was she directly responsible? Did she help the killer? Carly soon learns that finding answers may mean risking more than just her sanity.

My review:
Carly Lopez is the only survivor of a serial killer that murdered four teenage girls. He was never caught, and she can't remember what he looks like. Now he's back, and she's determined to find the killer. Except she can't tell reality from dream sometimes. Her post-traumatic stress has left her questioning even herself. Can she find the truth without ending up in an institution again or getting herself killed?

This YA thriller with a supernatural edge takes the reader on a surreal journey. It's fascinating and frightening at the same time. Carly's post-traumatic stress disorder is captured vividly. Her nightmares, visions, and inability to remember things interfere with her desire to help the police. Carly is determined no matter that her own mind is holding her back.

Amidst the chaos, Hunter is the rock holding Carly together. He's one of those guys every girl crushes on an for good reason. Hunter has his own secrets, and they weave into the strange web that creates this extraordinary tale. A few times I felt lost, but that is merely because Carly feels that too. And when you discover the truth, it is even more fantastical than the illusions.

Buy DARKNESS here
Add it to Goodreads
About the author: Elizabeth is the author of THE SECOND SIGN and THE SECOND SHADOW, a dark young adult paranormal romance series. Elizabeth currently teaches writing to teens at a local community center. You can find more information about Elizabeth at:

Website: http://www.elizabetharroyo.com.
Blog: http://chandarawrites.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizabetharroyo.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EArroyo5

Friday Five for August 29, 2014

1. I received my first round of official edits from my editor this week. She said they were light and that I did a lovely job. I felt giddy and giggly. I finished my revisions and sent them back. Woot!

2. I had a super productive day yesterday. I critiqued two stories and wrote a hot scene for my newest WIP. I'm looking forward to more days like that over this school year. And just think of how productive I'll be when my little guy is in school full-time!

3. The Untethered Realms anthology, Twisted Earths is now available for pre-order. Yay! If you pre-order the book, you can have your choice of an ebook from any of of the UR authors. Isn't that an awesome offer? I've read all the books and you'll pick a winner no matter which one you choose. There's a handy-dandy badge on my sidebar. Just click and pre-order!

4. I know I talk about my cute little guy a lot. You'll often hear how proud I am of his smarts. He's a brilliant four-year-old! But what's more important is what a compassionate soul he is. He helped the new boy in class who had trouble adjusting and stood up for a girl in the playground today when another child took her the toys she had. Times like these, it makes me feel like I'm doing something right!

5. Finally, I have a fantastic cover reveal for you from NA romance author, Kitsy Clare. Private Internship is the second book in her Art of Love series. It's gorgeous! Check it out.

Blurb:Sugar’s not so sweet and secrets can be deadly ... especially with matters of the heart

Sienna’s bestie, Harper warned her not to intern for famous bad boy artist, Casper Mason. After all, he just fired Harper who helped Sienna get the interview. But the moment Sienna sees Casper—or Caz—sweaty and practically shirtless and swinging from chains while he works on his sculpture, she’s hooked. He’s the richest, hottest artist in New York, and he lives in the fabulous Williamsburg Sugar Factory. But he’s also an incorrigible game-player, who seems to relish testing Sienna’s loyalty with a string of unsettling tests.

She knows she should get away fast. But by the time Sienna sneaks into his locked storage room and begins to unearth his dark and terrifying secret, she’s fallen way too hard for the handsome, charismatic Caz.
Book reviewers are saying:

"Beautiful. Amazing. A fantastic read that left me wanting more." -XoXo Book Blog

"A juicy read full of passion and magnetic chemistry that will have you hooked from beginning to end." -From the Purple Matter Book Blog
Author Bio: Kitsy Clare hails from Philadelphia and lives in New York. A romantic at heart, she loves to write about the sexy intrigue of the city, and particularly of the art world. She knows it well, having shown her paintings here before turning to writing. Model Position, her new adult novella is about artist Sienna and her friends. Living in a Bookworld says: “Beautifully written! We get to learn things about art & painting, which is refreshing. A colorful story from a promising new adult author.” The next in her series, Private Internship launches on September 29 with Inkspell.

Kitsy loves to travel, draw, read romance, spec fiction and teach writing workshops. She also writes YA as Catherine Stine. Her futuristic thriller, Ruby’s Fire was a YA finalist in the Next Generation Indie book awards. Fireseed One, its companion novel, was a finalist in YA and Sci-Fi in the USA News International Book Awards, and an Indie Reader notable. Her YA horror, Dorianna, launches fall 2014 with Evernight Teen.
Put Private Internship on your Goodreads TBR list: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22846915-private-internship
Kitsy Clare on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kitsy-Clare/1410387049200428?ref=hl

Subscribe to Kitsy’s newsletter: http://catherinestine.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1fe566b1e53f7d3e95b7443e4&id=93554d599e
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crossoverwriter

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kitsy84557/

Blog: http://catherinestine.blogspot.com/

Website: http://catherinestine.com

Wicked Wednesday - more about blogging

Last week I talked about blogging and set up my schedule. Thank you to everyone who commented. There is no question most folks are tired of cover reveals, blitzes, and the same old interviews.
On my blog, many of my most popular posts are guest spots. Any time I'm hosting another author, I see a jump in visits and comments. The highest rated ones are those posts that are different too.
Giveaways also attract attention. Yet many people seem bored with Rafflecopter and prizes of ebooks. Giftcards are the most sought after prize. My Goodreads giveaway last year had a huge response.
A lot of people stated they enjoy posts that are personal. Nothing long and rambling. A peek into that blogger's life. Maybe something funny, a goal reached, or an issue that means a lot to them.
Writers like reading about writing, of course. But there are so many articles about the craft out there. Posts about the author's personal writing journey are more interesting. This is one of the reasons the IWSG is so popular.
After all the talk about blogging in the community, have you or do you plan on changing your blog content?